Signature Signs

If the two of you are grappling with tight schedules, maybe a visit to the Historic Charleston Foundation will be like taking a romantic trip together back in time. Established in1947, this is a nonprofit organization that strives to preserve the historical, architectural and material culture that make up Charleston's heritage. The efforts of this organization help to continue to operate such visually and historically significant sites as the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House, as well as provide programs that highlight the area's history. You and your date will not only learn about some of Charleston's interesting past but also embrace the future tighter with renewed enthusiasm.

If you like a serving of history along with your outdoor adventure, then Bull Island is your dream destination. Located in Awendaw, SC, just a few minutes outside of Charleston, Bull Island Beach will draw you in to its dramatic stories and sunny shores. Once a haven for pirates, then later the site for the Martellow Tower which didn't survive the Civil War, this area was eventually developed into part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in 1932. That unbreakable bond between history and nature is very much alive, and you can see it everywhere from the picturesque woodland trails all the way to the beach's inviting shores.

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.

At the Redux Contemporary Art Center, you're the star! The nonprofit organization constantly strives to foster the creativity that lives in everyone by continuously offering diverse exhibitions as well as classes and various programs that will stir the inner artist in everyone who visits. Ideally, the staff and management of the Redux would like to display everyone's work in their galleries, but whether that comes to pass or not, they are happy to offer you a place where inspiration and creativity harmoniously coexist.