The city of Charleston is known for its historical preservation, its natural beauty and, of course, its diverse food scene. With these criteria, you would think it would be easy to find a place to take a date. While this is true, you might have a hard time doing it on your college budget. That doesn't need to happen. Just because you can only afford the "Quick-n-Cheesy" mac 'n cheese doesn't mean you can't afford to take your SO out for an amazing date. Here are 12 of the best dates you can make happen in Charleston when you're on a dime.
1. Kudu Coffee Shop
Kudu Coffee Shop is a small coffee shop located at 4 Vanderhorst Street. The coffee shop has a small and original indoor area as well as a beautiful, open outdoor patio. The baristas are always friendly, and the coffee is probably the best in all of Charleston. But what really makes this the perfect date spot is the WiFi and outlets, or lack thereof. Without any WiFi or outlets throughout the entire coffee shop, you and your romantic interest will be forced to actually talk and get to know one another.
2. Jeni’s Ice Cream
Jeni’s Ice Cream Shop is one of the best ice cream shops in Charleston. It's located on Upper King and is really known for it’s unique flavors. The place is open from noon to 11 p.m., so it can make a great date day or night. I mean, who isn’t happy with an ice cream date?
3. Picnic on The Battery
While most people might think of a picnic at Battery Park during a beautiful day, it can be just as nice to take a night picnic with that special someone. All you really need for this one is some sandwiches, some sweet tea, a blanket, and your phone with a killer picnic playlist, making it one of the easiest dates on this list.
4. Charleston Movie Sites
A little known fact to those that have not grown up in Charleston is that two of the most romantic movies were filmed in our beautiful city. The first being "Dear John" with Channing Tatum, which filmed a scene inside George’s Loan Co. The second movie, "The Notebook," was filmed entirely in and around Charleston. Pay a visit to the American Theater and stand where Ryan Gosling stood, or pay homage by lying down on King, just like in the movie. (Make sure there are no cars first.)
5.Dinner at Fast and French
This small French café-like restaurant is located right on Broad Street near the tip of the peninsula. This place is small and only has three community tables. It’s the perfect place if you don’t want that awkward one-on-one first date dinner. The portions are the perfect size to eat entirely without embarrassing yourself in front of your date. The real upside of this place is that it’s only a block away from The Battery, which offers a nice chance for a beautiful after-dinner walk.
6. Glazed Donut Shop
This little donut shop located on Upper King is the perfect place for a casual and cheap breakfast date. The donuts are amazing, and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming. Go and grab a couple of donuts and some coffee, and just talk.
7. Farmers' Market
The Farmers' Market brings itself to the city every Saturday morning until noon. It’s located in Marion Square, and is the perfect place for a fun date if the weather is nice. You can watch the street performers, check out the local artists’ work, and share some simple local foods.
8. Brunch at Prohibition
If you’re looking for a nice brunch date that won’t break the bank, Prohibition on King is the place to go. The entire restaurant is modeled in the 1920s fashion, hence its name. The portions here are huge, so any of the brunch options are easily split between two people. Top that off with a post-brunch cup of coffee and you’ll walk away with an amazing date and cash still in your pocket.
9. Walk the Bridge at Sunset
Anyone who has lived in Charleston knows the Ravenel Bridge at sunset is one of the most beautiful sights in the entire city. Walking the bridge and watching the sun go down over the cityscape is a sight that can’t be beat, and enjoying it with your SO makes it just that much better.
10. Visit the Old Library and Unitarian Graveyard
For all the book lovers out there, the Charleston Library Society is an amazing place to spend an hour reading with your SO. After thoroughly appreciating the old books and architecture, walk right across the street into the Unitarian Graveyard. It is the oldest and most beautiful graveyard in all of Charleston. The two sights are definitely a must for couples that like peace and quiet.
11. Art Gallery Hopping
Charleston is home to numerous art galleries. Some, of course, are snooty and pretentious, the kind only meant for the sausage king of Chicago, and some are low-key and contemporary. Whichever is your taste, it’s always a good time to dress your Sunday best and do your best snooty art appreciation impressions with your SO.
12. Explore!
Charleston is one of the oldest and most historical cities in America. While the city is small, it’s big enough to find yourself lost in the history. Take that special someone and just start going down roads that you think look interesting. Who knows what great things you might find.
