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Southern Romance in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina is a historic city filled with southern charm and romance. Romance abounds in this quaint city filled with cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and romantic water-front parks. Here are some of the top romantic spots for Charleston, SC.

Romantic Places to Stay

Downtown Charleston is filled with several romantic Inns, Bed & Breakfasts, and hotels. If you're looking for southern romance in your room, check out these places first.

Woodlands Resort & Inn
Located in Summerville, just outside of Charleston, this quaint town is an extension of romantic Charleston. Little shops line the downtown area of this "flower town in the pines". Your stay at Woodlands is the ultimate in romantic stays. Luxurious rooms with romantic fireplaces, heated towel racks, soothing whirlpool baths, and Bose sound systems for that romantic background music. If you're looking for a truly romantic getaway, try the Woodlands.

The Planter's Inn
With a pledge to make your stay unforgettable, the centrally located Planter's Inn is one of our top picks. With sunlit windows that overlook the Old Market, you'll experience southern charm both inside and out. Want another reason to stay? Not only did Ryan Philipe and Reese Witherspoon stay here while vacationing in 1998, but this is the place where he popped the question!

Governor's House Inn
A charming and extremely romantic place to stay, The Governor's Inn is located in the heart of the city. After a day of touring romantic gardens and historic homes, stop back by for afternoon tea. In the evening, take a moonlit walk by the water, enjoy and evening sherry, then retire to an elegant room with canopied beds and romantic fireplaces. In the morning, you'll awake to a southern continental breakfast. The Governor's Inn is one of the most romantic Inn's in Charleston.

1843 Battery Carriage House Inn
A romantic and cozy historic carriage house inn, located on the famous Battery Park and overlooking Charleston Harbor. This quaint inn, part of a large southern home, hosts intimate and private rooms with southern charm. Enjoy evening wine, a romantic moon-lit walk around the battery, and a romantic breakfast in bed the next day.

Romantic Things to Do

Downtown Charleston is not only filled with historical sites, but plenty of romantic opportunities as well. Here are some of our picks for romantic things to do in Charleston.

The Battery
The Charleston Battery Park (known as The Battery) is a landmark promenade that stretches along the shores of the Charleston peninsula. This walk is particularly romantic at sunset, where you'll view spectacular colors in the sky with the sun setting over the water. The Battery also includes White Point Gardens, filled with large, old oaks, a gorgeous gazebo, and several historical memorials and monuments from the Civil War. White Point Gardens is a great spot for a romantic picnic lunch.

Waterfront Park
Waterfront park is one of our top picks for a romantic evening in Charleston. Walks along the water, gorgeous fountains, and gardens make this a romantic spot, but the biggest draw are the porch swings along the pier. These swings are the perfect place for you to just sit and enjoy each other's company in the city. It's especially romantic during a sunset, but swinging in the moonlight exudes passion as well. Bring along dessert and wine and you have the perfect Charleston evening.

Middleton Place
Gorgeous gardens make this a favorite locale for weddings. During the summer months, you can stroll the gardens and participate in wine tasting. End your evening with dinner and dessert in their delicious, and of course romantic, restaurant.

Magnolia Plantation
Experience the complete south at Magnolia Plantations where you can take romantic walks among acres of gorgeous southern gardens. There are many other activities, such as tours of the Plantation home, swamps, etc, but the real beauty of this plantation is in the grounds themselves.

Wide Awake Plantation
A gorgeous plantation, this was the setting for Reese and Ryan's wedding on June 5, 1999.

Romantic Places to Dine

Southern style restaurants with charm and good food appear around each corner of this historic city. When it comes to the ultimate in romance though, there are a few exceptional standouts.

Woodlands Resort & Inn
Voted as one of the top 3 restaurants in North America by Conde Nast Traveler's 2001 readers pool and the only 5-star restaurant in the area, Woodlands can't be beat. The menus changed daily to incorporate the freshest ingredients gathered by private gardeners, fishermen, and farmers and the pastry chef creates delectable desserts and bread in-house. Woodlands is truly in a class of its own.

Charleston Grill
Located at the Charleston Place hotel, the Charleston Grill restaurant offers a romantic setting with delicious food, an extensive wine list, live jazz music, and a beautiful interior courtyard. This 4-star restaurant is the perfect place to ignite passion.

Peninsula Grill
With a sophisticated, clubby atmosphere, this 4-star restaurant serves steaks, chops, and seafood with a southern flair. You'll find the Peninsular Grill directly off of the old market street. Add candles, champagne, and views of the lush gardens and reflecting pool and you're in for a very romantic evening.

Additional Charleston Resources

Charleston, SC - TravelStuck is a local guide to Charleston, SC from written by a native Charlestonian.
Charleston Visitors Bureau - Filled with travel info for Charleston, SC.

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