Charleston, South Carolina Singles Weekend
40's, 50's, 60's+ Singles Vacations
November 1- 5, 2023
$1695*
Charleston, the South Carolina port city founded in 1670, is defined by cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages and pastel antebellum houses. Join our singles group as we stroll along King street, cruise to Fort Sumter, a federal stronghold where the first shots of the Civil War were fired and hear the stories of the well-preserved plantations and gardens.
Charleston Singles Weekend Itinerary
Vacation Day 1: Wednesday - Arrive Charleston, SC
Your singles weekend begins when you land in Charleston Airport (CHS) and make your way to our hotel, Hyatt Place Historic District, centrally located in the Upper King Historic District and walking distance to many major Charleston attractions.
At 6:00 pm meet your fellow travelers and group leader for a stroll down King Street and to get a bite to eat (not included). At more than 300 years old, King Street is the second most historically and architecturally significant street in downtown Charleston. Today the Street boasts some of the city's trendiest restaurants and sophisticated cocktail scenes along with hotels, art galleries, a lively nightlife and exceptional shopping.
Vacation Day 2 - Thursday: Magnolia Plantation - Welcome Dinner
Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.
We start our time at Magnolia Plantation by boarding the Nature Train, a 45-minute tram tour of the Plantation’s diverse landscapes, lakes, woodlands, marshes, and rivers while our guide describes the estate’s history and wildlife. It’s entirely possible that we will see wild animals such as an alligator or blue heron. We are also introduced to the variety of trees to be found on the plantation - including the Caroline palms and the famous Live Oaks. Unlike most American gardens, which are fomal and seek to contol nature, Magnolia cooperates with nature to create a tranquil landscape where tranquility and nature work in harmony. Discover what made this land so desirable as we enjoy the natural splendor!
Next we take time to enjoy a self-guided tour through the historic Magnolia gardens. The gardens at Magnolia Plantation are of such beauty and variety that they have brought tourists from around the world to view them since they opened to the public in the early 1870s. Some sections are more than three centuries old, allowing us to see what the plantation looked like hundreds of years ago.
We are fortunate to follow up our relaxing time in nature with a half hour guided tour of the Plantation House. The house is the third to stand here, though the original core structure was built elsewhere and floated down the river after the Civil War. Ten rooms are available to view on our tour introducing us to what life was like in the 19th century. In addition to the period pieces on display, we’ll also have the opportunity to see family heirlooms from the original owners. Also, included in our visit is access to the Garden Maze, Petting Zoo, Conservatory, the old African American slave cabins.
This afternoon we return to our hotel to ready ourselves for our exciting guided horse drawn carriage ride through the heart of historic Charleston.
Soak up the old fashioned charm of cobblestone streets lined with antebellum houses, lush gardens, and landmark churches as you listen to stories about Charleston history, architecture, and culture.
Our Welcome Dinner will be at Hyman's Seafood and Deli, an historic, 5th generation family owned restaurant. Winner in 6 categories by Post and Courier proves that it is a local favorite. On the walls and on each table are brass plaques mounted with names of famous celebrities who have dined there.
Vacation Day 3 - Friday - Fort Sumter Tour & Cruise - Charleston City Market
After breakfast we ride the orange shuttle to the Ft. Sumter Visitor and Education Center to catch the ferry and begin our tour. The first shots of the American Civil War were fired on Fort Sumter at approximately 4:30 a.m. on April 12th, 1861. Fort Sumter surrendered 34 hours later, and Union forces tried for nearly four years to take it back. Walk in the steps of those who shaped this nation alongside a National Park Ranger guide, and take in the stunning scene of historic Charleston as we cruise the harbor on our way to the fort. The knowledgeable Park Rangers at Fort Sumter will relay detailed stories of courageous heroes in action from the Civil War’s first battle.
Tonight is a great time for food and shopping. The Charleston City Night Market is an exciting showcase of more than 100 talented artists and craftspeople, has live entertainment and a festive atmosphere. As the sun dips beneath the horizon, the night market comes alive and we’ll find everything from handcrafted soaps and candles to fine art and jewelry. Don’t worry if you develop an appetite while browsing, there are plenty of delicious food vendors from which we can choose!
Vacation Day 4 - Saturday: Boone Hall Plantation - Farewell Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast we will drive to visit Boone Hall Plantation, one of America's oldest working plantations, continually growing crops for over 320 years. The mansion that exists on the Plantation today was built in 1936. Guided tours of the first floor allow us to see how this Georgian-designed home blends recovered materials and antique furnishings to recreate an atmosphere that would have surrounded a Coastal Carolina planter’s family and his guests.
Enjoy a 30-40 minute motorized tour around the entire 738 acres that make up the plantation. See and learn about the history of Boone Hall and experience how it remains a working farm today.
The Black History in America Exhibit features nine historic slave cabins, built between 1790 and 1810. These cabins have been adapted to present specific timeframes throughout American History. See the different aspects of daily life, how black Americans worked and lived, struggles faced and follow the historical progression from the beginning of their arrival in America up to present day.
Exploring The Gullah Culture” is a unique presentation where that difference can be experienced first hand. Boone Hall is the only plantation in the Charleston area to present a live presentation of this unique culture adapted by African slaves.
True descendants of the Gullah people present the history of this culture through storytelling, song, and dance that is at times educational, at times entertaining, and at times…very moving and emotional.
At the Butterfly Pavilion there are many different species of butterflies on display and witness the different stages of their life cycle. These colorful butterflies fly freely in a butterfly garden for us to experience these beautiful creatures in their natural element.
Upon our return to Charleston, enjoy free time for shopping, visiting a museum or just relaxing.
Our Farewell Dinner tonight will be held at the Oyster House. In the heart of the French Quarter the Oyster House Seafood Restaurant is a meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy fresh seafood and Lowcountry favorites, like shrimp and grits. With a patio overlooking the Charleston Market, it's exposed brick walls and original wooden beams reflect the past aesthetic of the warehouse district.
Vacation Day 5: Sunday - Depart Charleston for Home
Say your goodbyes as check out is at 12:00 pm and another singles weekend comes to an end. Make your way to the airport according to your flight schedule.
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Charleston, South Carolina Singles Weekend | |||
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Singles Weekend Includes * 4 Nights Accommodations * Breakfast Daily - Welcome & Farewell Dinner * All Activities and Tours listed above * Dedicated Group Leader * All Taxes and Surcharges The price per person is for a double room. Free roommate matching is available on all our vacations, so there is never a need to pay a "single supplement". If you wish to room alone it is an additional $750
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