Charleston's unbreakable ties with history are everywhere, and your evening at the theater is no exception. The Dock Street Theatre has the distinction of being the first theater ever opened in the United States, meaning it's been delivering entertainment for a long time. While the original structure of the Dock Theatre burned down, it has been rebuilt on the very same site and continues the tradition of staging some of the most impressive productions in town. The theater is also the venue for Charleston's popular Spoleto arts festival and remains the city's focal point for great artistic expression.
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has the distinction of being the site of the country's oldest public gardens that date back to the 17th century. In this historically dramatic slice of nature, you'll find the nation's largest collections of azaleas and camellias. If you want to get a little closer to the natural beauty of this historic attraction, you can opt to take the nature train or boat tour that offer a chance to experience the plantation's wetlands, lakes, forests and marshes. Also, don't miss visiting the plantation's main house, adorned with a striking collection of period pieces and other artifacts that date all the way back to 1873.
The Charleston Museum has always prided itself in bringing aspects of our history together and presenting them in a truly compelling fashion. Among their many exhibits and attractions, you'll find how the role of textiles played a vital part in the Civil War in a popular exhibit called the Threads of War. Also, a similarly themed exhibit focuses on how Charleston survived being under siege during that particular war and how it pressed on to become the vital city that it is today. More interactive adventures like Kids Story and much more continue the museum's rich tradition of reaching into the lives of children who will one day pass the stories and experiences they've learned here along to their own kids.
If you're looking for a great bike trail in town, the West Ashley Bikeway is a great choice. The paved, 2.5 mile bike trail may be too short for serious cyclists, but it is an ideal area for walkers, runners, and bikers who want a more relaxing, scenic recreation course.