Step into the dreamy swan scene in the Blockbuster hit The Notebook; explore the largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest in the world; get lost in The Great Outdoors. Scroll on to discover a few of our favorite ways to spend the day in Berkeley County!
1. ENJOY A SCENIC BOAT RIDE
Though just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Cypress Gardens seems a world away. It was here that a number of motion pictures were filmed, including The Notebook and The Patriot. Spend a peaceful day enjoying a scenic boat ride through the 80 acre blackwater swamp surrounded by tall bald cypress and tupelo trees while keeping your eyes peeled for alligators, birds, turtles and more swamp life. Before you go, pop into the Butterfly House and Swamparium!
2. GET LOST IN NATURE
Frequented by nature lovers and photographers, the 18,000-acre Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary is the largest virgin cypress-tupelo swamp forest in the world and is home to a range of amazing wildlife and thousand-year-old trees!
3. SOAK UP HISTORY
Take a visit to the 195-acre Old Santee Canal Park and explore four miles of boardwalks on foot or spot ospreys, wood ducks, alligators and turtles during a three-mile paddle in the cypress swamp. Then, head to the Berkeley County Museum, located on the grounds of the park, where you’ll learn about the history of the region via exhibits featuring Gen. Francis Marion (also known as the “Swamp Fox”), American Indians, Colonial life, the Civil War and more.
4. HIT THE SHOPS
Admire works of art at Art on the Square, a diverse gallery featuring more than 30 local artists; pick up your favorite bottle of wine for an al fresco picnic at Nelson Wine & Spirits; stroll into Tweedle Beedle to find the best baby products around. Explore more shops to pop into here.
5. DIG IN
No matter your cravings, you’ll find the spot to satisfy those taste buds in Berkeley County! Get your your margarita fix at Taco Boy, head to Halls Chophouse for the best cuts around or treat yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up at BKeD SHoP Donuts. Explore more dining options here.
6. LIVE ON ISLAND TIME
Spend a serene day on Daniel Island. Begin your morning at BEECH, a family-run eatery that offers a variety of health conscious bites, including acai and poke bowls (INSIDER TIP: The PB&A Bowl won’t disappoint!). Then, make your way to Smythe Park, which offers more than 25 miles of trails for walking, running and cycling. Once you’ve walked up an appetite, head to Dockery’s, Daniel Island’s first craft brewery. Enjoy live music from both local and national artists while sipping on locally brewed suds and digging into delicious bites, including truffle fries, burgers and flatbreads!
7. CHEER ON THE PROS
Why watch the biggest names in women’s professional tennis vie for one of the most coveted trophies on television when you can take in the action from a courtside seat at the Volvo Car Stadium? The Volvo Car Open is the largest women’s only tennis tournament in North America, and the first women’s event to be broadcast on network television! Click here to learn more and mark your calendar for the next event.
Ready to plan your visit? Explore our curated travel itineraries!
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