Eva Moore 2023-12-07 04:51:44
FROM WINTER BEACHCOMBING WALKS TO SUMMER NIGHTS ON THE PORCH SWING, SOUTH CAROLINA IS A ROMANTIC PLACE TO VISIT YEAR-ROUND. FIND YOUR PERFECT GETAWAY TODAY. Fall South Carolina is home to the gorgeous southernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which you can see from the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway—and each fall, the hills are alive with vibrant red, orange and yellow foliage. A romantic fall getaway wouldn’t be complete without some agritourism, whether it’s picking apples at Bryson’s Apple Orchard in Mountain Rest (which apple variety is your favorite?), or visiting Clinton Sease Farm in Lexington, where you can pick out the perfect pumpkin and take a trip through the famous corn maze. Winter At Magnolia Plantation & Gardens in Charleston, camellias bloom each winter on the Spanish moss-draped grounds, a great place for an afternoon ramble. In Newberry, nestle into a comfy seat at the historic** Newberry Opera House** to catch some live music. Or, strap on some skates and hit the ice at downtown Greenville’s Ice on Main. If you’re not a good enough skater to wow your partner, consider this an opportunity to hold hands as you get comfortable on the ice. Spring Experience springtime in the Lowcountry with a leisurely bicycle ride along the Edisto Island Bike Path, which winds through the center of this low-key beach community. (Bike rentals are available from several local businesses.) If you’re more the walking type, visit the expansive outdoor art collection and green spaces of Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, enjoying the American figurative sculptures, manicured grounds and even a small zoo. As for the animal lovers among you, is there anything so Instagram-worthy as a horseback ride along the beach with your sweetie? Based in Aynor, Grand Strand Horseback Riding offers guided rides even for beginners. Summer The ultimate romantic movie, The Notebook, was filmed at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. Rent a boat and paddle through the atmospheric swamp—think cypress trees and drapey Spanish moss. When the summer heats up, pack a picnic lunch (or pick one up from Swamp Rabbit Grocery and Café) and head to downtown Greenville’s Falls Park to watch the Reedy River spill over rocks. When you’re done eating, amble across the spectacular 345-foot pedestrian bridge. Another great Upstate-area park is the 12-acre Greer City Park, which hosts free live music each summer during Tunes in the Park. Book a plush suite at Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens in Spartanburg for the ultimate romantic retreat. SOLO SIGHTSEEING You don’t have to be part of a couple to have a wonderful time in South Carolina. Solo visitors will find friendly people and beautiful sights throughout the state. Check out the Georgetown Food Tour hosted by Carolina Food Tours, visiting three or four restaurants along the lovely Harborwalk while learning about Georgetown’s history, architecture and Lowcountry cuisine. With rotating special exhibitions and a carefully curated permanent collection organized by theme, the Columbia Museum of Art is an essential stop. Take an adult art class (leather tooling, anyone?) or experience one of the many gallery tours offered by this beloved institution. One of South Carolina’s longest-running breweries, Rockers Brewing Co. is a Spartanburg hot spot. The downtown brewpub is a cozy place to take in live music and just-brewed beers. If you’re an ocean lover, spot some marine life and get a different view of the Grand Strand’s famous white beaches on the popular Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruise. These 2.5-hour tours are a fun, affordable way to get out on the water.
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