Mount Pleasant is a gorgeous historic suburb of Charleston, known as one of the state's most important regions connected to its Antebellum and Civil War history. Visitors can explore the exhibits of the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, which is home to a preserved historic World War II aircraft carrier museum ship and a Cold War submarine memorial. Lovely Boone Hall Plantation showcases one of the United States' oldest working plantations, dating back to at least the 1680s, while the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site preserves a former farm and plantation of a Civil War colonel.
1. Boone Hall Plantation
Boone Hall Plantation is one of the oldest working plantations in the United States, dating back at least three centuries to the 1680s, when 470 acres of land was granted from prior owner Theophilus Patey to his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Major John Boone. The plantation has been continually growing crops for more than 320 years and has been open to the public as a living history facility since 1956, after its purchase by the McRae family. The National Register of Historic Places-listed plantation showcases typical plantation of life of the Antebellum era through preserved structures like its Colonial Revival plantation house, slave cabins and cottages, flower gardens, and historic Avenue of Oaks, originally planted in 1743. In addition to guided home tours, the plantation is open to the public each year for special events such as the Boone Hall Farms Market and the annual Lowcountry Strawberry Festival.
1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Phone: 843-884-4371
2. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is a National Park Service historic site that preserves a portion of the 18th-century Snee Farm, the former plantation and country farm of Colonel Charles Pinckney. The site, which is located on the lovely Wando Neck peninsula in Mount Pleasant just 10 miles outside of Charleston, preserves the plantation's former main house, caretaker's residence, barn, and corn crib, all of which were operated as part of Pinckney's plantation estate between 1754 and 1816. Visitors can explore the site's archaeological excavations as part of exhibits at its lovely Visitor Center, which is housed within an historic 1828 Lowcountry cottage. A nature trail meanders through the farm's grounds, passing its major historic sites. Ranger-led programming is offered at the site throughout the year, including Junior Ranger programming for young visitors.
1254 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Phone: 843-881-5516
3. Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial
Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial is a 2.3-acres site located adjacent to Mount Pleasant's Charleston Harbor, near the entrance to the Patriot's Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The memorial, which was dedicated in 2002, preserves portions of the USS Lewis and Clark SSBN 664 submarines atop a full-sized replica of a Benjamin Franklin Class Fleet Ballistic Missile submarine, which played a seminal role in South Carolina's participation in the Cold War during the mid-2oth century. It stands as a tribute to those who served in submarines during the conflict and managed submarine ballistic missiles. A circular plaza surrounds the memorial, displaying an American flag honoring the country's troops 24 hours a day.
40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Phone: 843-884-2727
4. Mount Pleasant Historic District
Mount Pleasant Historic District is a charming national historic district located within Mount Pleasant's downtown district, protecting nine historic buildings reflecting the city's history as a summer resort town. The district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, protects a 37-block area that is home to important architectural buildings of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, and vernacular Georgian styles are showcased in the design of buildings such as the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, the Mount Pleasant Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and the St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Significant historic homes showcased include the Captain Peter Lewis House and the Hibben-McIver House. Many other buildings within the district serve as a center of small-town commerce and culture, including winery tasting rooms, antique stores, cafes, and boutiques.
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
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5. Swig and Swine
Swig and Swine is a delicious Southern-style barbecue joint owned and operated by Anthony DiBernardo since 2003, known for its savory handmade sauces, delectable homestyle sides, and all-wood smoked barbecue meats. The Lowcountry favorite is housed within a lovely restaurant building overlooking Shipyard Park, offering eight televisions for viewing major sports games within its indoor dining space. Diners can enjoy excellent barbecue platters stuffed with selections like pulled pork, prime beef brisket, smoked turkey, and half chickens or share family plates filled with additional choices like housemade sausage, ? racks of rib, and smoked chicken wings. Over 60 craft brews are served up alongside all meals, along with a selection of wine and liquor offerings.
2379 SC-41, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466, Phone: 843-416-7368
6. Grace and Grit
Grace and Grit is a charming upscale-casual restaurant in Mount Pleasant's downtown district, opened in 2017 by restaurateur and executive chef Frank Kline. The restaurant is known for its fresh, local seafood offerings, house-smoked meats, and seasonal produce, which take center stage in delicious Southern staples and Lowcountry favorites. Diners can choose from artisanal entree selections at brunch and dinner throughout the week, including unique items like sweet tea-brined pork chops with peaches and cream grits, smoked prime filets in black garlic sauce, and whole fried local fish with green tomato bacon jam and pimento cheese grits. Gourmet grits selections can be served with all entrees, available in flavors ranging from brussels pesto to smoked pecan and maple. Indoor and outdoor dining spaces are offered, including a dog-friendly patio shaded by majestic live oak trees.
320 Wingo Way Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Phone: 843-698-4748
7. Vickery's Bar and Grill
Vickery's Bar and Grill opened its first location in Atlanta in 1983, named in honor of former building owner Margaret Vickery. In 1999, it opened a second location in beautiful Mount Pleasant, overlooking the banks of gorgeous Shem Creek. Water surrounds the restaurant on three sides, with stunning views offered from the restaurant's seasonal outdoor deck. Creative Southern fare is served up throughout the week, including Lowcountry sauteed shrimp, seared crab cakes with Carolina red rice, Southern-fried chicken tenders with pepper gravy and collard greens, and seafood jambalaya with Andouille sausage, shrimp, and scallops. Fried seafood platters come with diners' choice of shrimp, scallops, oysters, or flounder, served up with coleslaw and housemade sauces.
1313 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, Phone: 843-884-4440
8. Palmetto Islands County Park
Standing on a whopping 943 acres, Palmetto Islands County Park is the perfect stop for families looking to spend some time amongst nature. The family-friendly park offers several activities for every age and interest. Nature lovers can explore the landscape through various nature trails and boardwalks. Paved trails are also available for those preferring to bike or skate through the area. For a greater vantage point, visitors can climb the 50-foot observation tower, which also offers a play area for kids. Sports can be enjoyed throughout the park from kayaking in the pond to fishing in the creek and even playing a round of volleyball on the grass court. A seasonal waterpark, highly popular amongst kids, is also available for those looking to cool off from the summer heat.
444 Needlerush Parkway, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, Phone: 843-406-6950
9. Medal of Honor Museum
While visiting Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, be sure to stop by the Medal of Honor Museum to learn about the heroes behind this country’s freedom and liberty. The Medal of Honor has been awarded to brave Americans who have served and exemplified the medal’s values of courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism. Learn their stories, from awardees during the Civil War to the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visitors will gain a newfound sense of hope and patriotism through the lives of these brave recipients, and it is the museum’s hope that the exhibits would inspire others to make a difference as well.
40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, Phone: 843-884-2727
10. Two Blokes Brewing
Taste some of the finest beers in Mount Pleasant at Two Blokes Brewing. The unpretentious and welcoming brewery aims to provide something for every kind of visitor, from beer novices to passionate beer aficionados. With their easygoing philosophy and delicious brews, it's no surprise that their beers have gained popularity and can be found in various restaurants and bars throughout the city. Stop by their taproom to sample over a dozen beers on tap from IPAs to pub ales to fruity Saisons. Unsure what to order? Their knowledgeable and friendly “beertenders” are eager to guide visitors through their options and also offer smaller 4 ounce pours so guests can sample several brews.
547 Long Point Road #101, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, Phone: 843-654-4564
11. Elite Escape Games
Challenge your detective skills at Elite Escape Games. Created by a young group of storytellers and gaming enthusiasts, these immersive and creative escape rooms will give visitors an experience to remember. Players are given 60 minutes to look for clues, solve puzzles, and escape their room of choice. Elite Escape Games has five escape rooms offering different stories and themes such as a zombie outbreak, a hijacked subway train, and even a world with dinosaurs. Whether visiting with family, friends, or teammates, players will surely be brought closer together through excitement, teamwork, and laughs. Elite Escape Games welcomes players of every age, given those under 18 years old have an adult companion.
966 Houston Northcutt Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464, Phone: 843-258-4825
What is Mount Pleasant, SC known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Mount Pleasant, SC?
The top attractions to visit in Mount Pleasant, SC according to local experts are:
- Boone Hall Plantation
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
- Patriots Point Cold War Submarine Memorial
- Mount Pleasant Historic District
- Swig and Swine
- Grace and Grit
- Vickery's Bar and Grill
- Palmetto Islands County Park
- Medal of Honor Museum
- Two Blokes Brewing
- Elite Escape Games
Attraction Spotlight: Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Mount Pleasant
The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is where visitors to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, will find the remnants of a costal plantation that once belonged to Charles Pinckney, an author and signer of the United States Constitution. Colonel Charles Pinckney purchased Pinckney farm in 1754 as a 715-acre plantation known as Snee Farm. Colonel Pinckney’s son, Charles spent his childhood at the plantation and became the owner of the farm in 1782.
History
Charles Jr. continued the family tradition of slave grown rice and indigo plantation farming and went on to become a politician after the Revolutionary War and US Constitution was drafted in which he was a sponsor. Pinckney was governor of South Carolina for four terms and served on Thomas Jefferson’s cabinet as Minister to Spain in 1801-1805.
Snee Farm was sold in 1817 and had many owners over many decades and saw continued agricultural use until the 1930’s when the property became a country vacation home and ceased operating as a working farm. The property was broken up by the 1970’s for suburban development with the 28-acre core being designated for the National Register of Historic Placed in 1973 being made a national historic landmark.
In 1986 Snee Farm was bought by a developer who installed utilities who then sold the property to Friends of Snee Park who then sold the site to the National Park Service for preservation. In 1988 Congress established Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. The original buildings belonging to the Pinckney’s are no longer there, however the 1828 farm house tells the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry from Revolutionary times to mid-20th century.
Attractions
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm and only closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Thanksgiving Day. The site is gated with gates locking promptly at 5pm. All attractions at this site are free to the public. Tours are self-guided. Groups are encouraged and need no prior reservations. Parking is available for busses and RVs.
1828 Lowcountry Coastal Cottage- This cottage was constructed on the property in 1828 and serves as the museum and visitor’s center with exhibits, films, archaeological displays, and volunteers that can answers questions about the history of the Snee Farm and Charles Pinckney’s connection to the property as his boyhood home and business for many years.
Nature Trail- A nature trail leads past the Cottage and through towering canopies of live oak and Spanish Moss that have been on site since before Charles Pinckney was born. Visitors can also stroll through the ornamental gardens and explore exhibits that tell of the lives of slaves on the plantation.
Education and Volunteer Programs
Jr. Ranger Program- Any child can become a Jr. Ranger by printing or picking up a Jr. Ranger activity book. Inside this guide are activities that children can complete to learn more about how to take care of our national parks, interviews that they can conduct with Park Rangers, and games to play. Once they fill up their book, they earn their Jr. Ranger Certificate!
Field Trips- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site welcomes educators to bring their classes to Snee Farm and hold outdoor classroom experiences. The National Park Service has provided curriculums that can be used in conjuncture with an educator’s lesson plan at the site. These teacher guides and resources are available online. The National Park Service also offers comprehensive programs to schools that involve activities such as ranger lead walks, video presentations, or formal activities. These lessons vary from site to site. More information can be found by contacting the National Park Service in South Carolina.
Special Events
The Charles Pinckney National Historic Site is host to many special events throughout the year. These events such as concerts, ranger programs, workshops, lectures and other presentations are updated on the National Park Service Calendar of events on the website.
Annual Naturalization Ceremony- Every year in the fall, South Carolina and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services holds a naturalization ceremony at the Snee Farm to welcome new United States citizens.
1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, 29464, Phone: 843-881-5516
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