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Explore early settlements at Charlestowne Landing and Fort Dorchester State Parks. From Fort Moultrie, scene of the first decisive American victory of the Revolution, to Fort Sumter, where the first cannon ball exploded starting the Civil War, to the CS Hunley, the world’s first combat submarine, Charleston is unmatched in history.
The Old Santee Canal State Park preserves and commemorates the Santee Canal which was opened in 1800 as the first true canal built in America. Within the park, four miles of boardwalks and trails give visitors a close up view of the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. Canoe rentals are also available for those who want a different perspective through Biggin Creek and the southern terminus of the Santee Canal. The Interpretive Center contains exhibits on cultural and natural history found on the historic Stony Landing Plantation. County history is also recorded inside the Berkeley Museum, also located within the park grounds. Picnics are welcome throughout the park for and afternoon of enjoyment for the family.
The 300-year-old world famous Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been in the same family since 1761. Within it, we find the country’s oldest garden (c.1680) and a Reconstruction-era plantation house. The garden exhibits tropical plants from Barbados, a nature train tour, a petting zoo, wildlife observation tower, nature trails, wildlife art gallery, rental bikes, canoes, and 18th century herb garden, a Biblical garden, topiary garden, horticultural maze and antebellum cabin. The Audubon Swamp Garden stretches 60 acres where visitors can explore the prehistoric beauty of blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp, with bridges, boardwalks and dikes. Visitors can also see the ancient rice fields through a 45 minute nature boat tour. The Magnolia Plantation is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Whether you enjoy water sports, playing a round of world-class golf, sailing under a colorful spinnaker, watching a professional tennis match, enjoying a carriage ride through the French Quarter, or just taking a leisurely walk on the beach at sunset, the outdoor activities are endless and the weather is great. Average temperatures in the summer reach the low 80’s with winters dipping to the upper 40’s. Enjoy easy access to miles of pristine beach along the barrier islands or visit one of our many parks in Charleston's 4,586 acre county park system, truly among the nation’s very best.
The arts fan is rarely disappointed here either. Each spring, it all begins anew with the opening ceremonies of the renowned Spoleto Festival USA on the steps of the Customs House. For a mesmerizing 10 days the city comes alive with the sights and sounds of internationally famous performing artists during what many consider to be the premier performing arts festival in the world. Festivals and celebrations continue through out the year as Charleston is a natural choice for enthusiasts of nature, history, arts, and culture. If sports are your interest, Charleston is represented by great professional soccer, AA baseball, ECHL hockey, and even semi-pro basketball teams. Plus, Citadel football and Charleston Southern University football plus The College of Charleston basketball and baseball are always big draws, too.
Berkeley County Schools, known for excellence, serve both areas and includes the sought-after Hanahan High School and the brand new, state of the art Daniel Island School for grades K-8. Those in pursuit of a degree in higher education have several nearby college and university campuses at their disposal, all within a 15-mile radius, including: Charleston Southern University, The College of Charleston, The Citadel, The Medical University of South Carolina, and the South Carolina School of Law, and Trident Technical College. Nearby shopping venues include the Northwoods Mall, Mt Pleasant Town Center, Daniel Island Town Center, Center Point Mall, the Citadel Mall, and the many shops of downtown Charleston, Mt Pleasant and historic Summerville. The restaurants of the area are known for both quality and abundance. If you love sea food, Charleston has the very best.
This area’s strong economy is supported by a variety of major employers in or near Hanahan and Wando. Some of these include the US Naval Weapons Station, The Charleston Air Force Base, Mikasa, Nucor Steel, Agfa Corporation, Bayer Corporation, DuPont, Amoco, and Westvaco.
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