In case you failed to notice, a few ships are sitting in the mouth of Cooper River. That’s where you’ll find the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. The flagship of the museum is the USS Yorktown, named after the famous Revolutionary War battle. She has seen a lot of action and now serves as a national historic landmark in Charleston Harbor.

Within Yorktown resides the Medal of Honor museum, telling the stories of the brave men and women who have been awarded the country’s highest military honor. When the locals really want to have a good time, the aircraft carrier’s large, flat-top surface plays host to celebrations, fireworks, and even the occasional campout!

While not all historical sites are as visually striking as Patriots Point, there are some places that can make you feel as though you’ve stepped through time. The Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens in Mount Pleasant will take you right back to the antebellum era.

This site features an epic colonial plantation home, dating all the way back to 1681. Boone Hall is one of the oldest plantations in America, and the farm is still in operation. You might have even tasted some of their produce at local restaurants! The plantation is an absolutely beautiful site (it’s a favorite place for pictures), and a Mount Pleasant must-see.

The Old Village of Mount Pleasant is a great chance to take a walking tour of our local history. All around the area, historical markers quietly tell the story of our town’s battles, achievements, and people.

The Old Village is 30 blocks between the Charleston Harbor and Royal Avenue. There you’ll see past architectural styles, including the original Mount Pleasant plantation house, known as the “Hibben House” for the father of our city, James Hibben.

For all you history buffs out there, the Pinckney’s were one of the most prominent citizens never to land a seat in the White House. Pinckney was a member of the South Carolina General Assembly, and was an important figure during the Constitutional Convention. He would later serve four terms of the Governor of South Carolina, serve in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and as an ambassador to Spain.

A new form of entertainment has been popping up all across the country, and it involves players allowing themselves to be trapped in various styles of puzzle rooms. The most popular puzzle room provider in the Mount Pleasant area is Epic Escape Games.

Participants (all willing, I assure you) can choose one of four puzzle rooms to be trapped in with their compadres. Each room is its own compelling adventure. Choose from the infamous Undead Outbreak, using your collective brains to escape the mysterious research facility before the zombie horde reaches you, and Area 51, Derailed, and Meltdown.

While many of the places in our guide are historical sites, Mount Pleasant’s place for fun in the sun is the Memorial Waterfront Park. It’s one of the best places to gather, hang out, and socialize. The park features a nautically-themed playground, a cafe, and several different trails that run along the Cooper River. Memorial Waterfront Park is also one of the go-to places to host a number of community events, including picnics, concerts, and movie screenings.

If you’re ever looking for ideas and activities for the kids, my number one resource is Charleston’s Macaroni Kids. From summer camps, to events, to lessons, Macaroni Kid is the local guide for kids. We are proud partners of this amazing resource for parents in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant communities.

The pier at Folly Beach is one of the top places in the Mount Pleasant area to get in your saltwater fishing, bird watching, or to just enjoy the view. The pier extends more than 1,000 feet into the ocean, ending with a 1,400 foot covered platform, making this the perfect space for events such as dances, fishing tournaments, or live music. There is a restaurant on-site, as well as restrooms and a gift shop.

The traditional zoo collects animals from far and wide, often holding them in what equates to a prison cell in an environment they are not native to. The Animal Forest at Charles Towne Landing takes a different approach, hosting only animals native to the area in preserves they can be comfortable in.

A short walk through the paths of the Animal Forest shows you the history of South Carolina and the species that have long called it home. You’ll be able to see bison, bears, pumas, and more!

Have you ever started collecting something, and you just couldn’t stop collecting? The North Charleston Fire Museum and Educational Center is one of the most complete firefighting collections in the country. This isn’t just a showroom full of antiques, either; all of the fire trucks (the oldest dating to the 1780s) in this museum can still run and fight fire.

The Fire Museum’s collection features exhibits and shows that are hands on and educational. Besides having the chance to glimpse into the life of a firefighter, guests can gain a better understanding of the science and history of firefighting in the United States. This is a favorite for kids of all ages!

It’s tea like you’ve never seen it. Charleston Tea Plantation is the only tea in the world made 100% from American-grown tea. Located on Wadmalaw Island, the plantation has been insulated from the encroachment of modern life, becoming a time capsule that will remain untouched.

The Charleston Tea Plantation is the perfect day trip for families in the low country. The educational tours are free (there is a small fee for a trolley ride through the massive tea fields), and you can enjoy a picnic under ancient oak trees, and visit the gift shop to find the perfect souvenir for the little ones.

What is the oldest living thing in America?

I’m not entirely sure myself, but the Angel Oak Tree on John’s Island is probably in the running. Age estimates range from 500-1,500 years, meaning this tree is at least twice as old as the nation it resides in. It is a remarkable sight to behold, and a humble reminder that some things precede us and will outlive us.

We like to buy local when we can in an effort to support our craftsmen in Mount Pleasant. Every fourth Sunday of the month, you’ll find a concentration of locally sourced food, arts, and crafts during the

Bazaar at the Point. Come join in the family-friendly fun from 11am – 2pm at the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina…you’ll be glad you did!

Charleston’s most famous thoroughfare is a haven of the best restaurants, crafts, boutiques, and vendors. On the Second Sunday of every month, King Street (in Charleston) comes alive, blocking off traffic so that the community can come together in a way that has become rare in modern America. Enjoy live music, fine art, and exquisite food with your family — whether in Did we miss something in Mount Pleasant you’d like to see included in Dr. Randy’s guide?

one of the restaurants on site or from one of the many street vendors.