Today's Prescription: Charleston Dates by Ciapha Dennis

It’s Valentine’s Day which means that couples everywhere are spending their evenings together on intimate, exciting and creative dates.

For the past two years, Zaria and I have explored Charleston’s fine dining, brunch options, parks, unique holiday festivals and, of course, shopping centers (she loves to shop 😌). Netflix and popcorn is nice, but as a  long distance couple, we try to take advantage of our time together. We’ve compiled a list of ten locations of our favorite dates. Whether you live in the Lowcountry or are here as a tourist, these items suit any couple looking to have a good time.

1. Rainbow Row:If you do nothing more than take couple photos outside these homes, it’s worth it. This colorful cluster of historic homes, located at 83 East Bay St. downtown, provides the perfect backdrop for selfies, engagements and wedding pictures. It’s where Zaria and I did our shoot for this post.

2. Pumpkin Patch at Boone Hall: There’s nothing more fall-themed than this farm in Mount Pleasant. It runs late September through Halloween, offering a monster hey ride, petting zoo, plenty of pumpkins and giant inflatables. Suggestion: get in shape before jumping on the inflatables. We were exhausted. 😩

3. Holiday Festival of Lights :This Christmas attraction is probably one of the most popular in the state. Located at James Island County Park from late November through Jan. 1, there’s nothing more intimate than this night-time ride through the park to view beautiful Christmas lights. Just as exciting is Santa’s Village that offers marshmallow roasting, hot chocolate, kettle corn, gift shops, train rides and more. We replaced dinner with marshmallows (they’re huge). We recommend you bring your own marshmallows and sticks to save a few bucks.
4. Page’s Okra Grill: Who doesn’t love brunch? Nothing beats this Mount Pleasant spot where the French toast is 🔥 and the mimosas are 😋. If you’re going for Sunday brunch, get there quickly because it’ll be packed and they close at 2 p.m.
5. Hyman’s Seafood: This was the spot of one of our first Charleston dates. This iconic seafood restaurant at 215 Meeting Street is a must-do if you’re in the Lowcountry. I’m not a huge seafood person, but the fried flounder was delicious.
6. Waterfront Park: Located on the Cooper River at 1 Vendue Range, this is an ideal spot for some intimate time at night or day. Boardwalks, swings and the iconic pineapple fountain are all in one place. Zaria and I come here often after dinner dates or long days.

7. Wanamaker Park: Another ideal location if you’re looking to get outside. It’s $2 a person to get it, but it’s worth it. Bike riding, paddle boats, or quiet time to read together on swings are a few things to do.

8. Folly Beach: You can’t come to Charleston in the summer and not go to the beach. We recommend the Folly Beach County Park. You’ll have to pay for entry, but it’s worth it. It’s less crowded than others and clean. Zaria is huge on that!
9. King Street: Being the boyfriend of a blogger, we shop a lot lol. I enjoy seeing Zaria in her element, sifting through racks of clothes in Forever 21, H&M, and others in Charleston’s shopping district downtown King St.
10. Church: Charleston isn’t called the Holy City for no reason. If you’re looking for a great way to cap a perfect weekend, there are hundreds of churches in the Lowcountry for worship of all styles and denominations.