Valentine’s Day is only a day away—and you didn’t make reservations for you and your honey downtown. No matter—you and your partner prefer to keep things simple. Yet there’s still time to add a little romantic spontaneity to your Valentine’s Day with an open-air picnic. Throw on a jacket, pack a basket of your favorite treats, pick up a bottle of champagne, and head to any of these beautiful Lowcountry parks for a memorable, low-key celebration:
- Marion Square: Head to this green space in downtown Charleston, bounded by Calhoun, Meeting, Tobacco, and King Streets. The public square, which hosts the local farmer’s market in summer months, is the perfect place to set up a romantic picnic on the green. Take in the square’s historic monuments while you enjoy some alone time with your sweetheart.
- Alhambra Hall: On Middle Street, in Mount Pleasant, find your way to Alhambra Hall, a scenic and quiet retreat fully equipped with picnic tables and lots of shade. This is the perfect spot for the couple out with the kids, as there’s a playground with baby swings, a sandbox, and plenty more to keep the occupied while you steal a kiss or two.
- Angel Oak:Jaunt on over to Angel Oak Road in Johns Island for your romantic outing. Angel Oak, the famous tree for which the park is named, is one of the oldest living things (natural or manmade) east of the Rockies. Throw your blanket down under the historic tree, and enjoy the natural beauty around you. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Angel Oak, Johns Island[/caption]
- Brittlebank Park: For downtown picnickers, look no further than Brittlebank Park on Lockwood Drive.With picnic tables at the ready and an open field to set the adventurous ambiance, you and your main squeeze can take in the sunset by the Ashley River. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the Ashley River bridges opening to let some big boats through!
What are your big plans for Valentine’s Day? Share in the comments section below!
