12 Charleston, SC Dates for Around $12.00

By Mark A. Leon

Is it possible to really go on a date for about $12.00 and expect your significant other to want to keeping coming back for more.  Absolutely, and we promise no mention of Netflix, Krispy Creme or Sonic on this list.  Unless, that is what you want.  We will not stop you.

Here we go Charleston, ways to impress your date without burning a hole in your wallet.

12 Dates for About $12.00

• Paolos Gelato and Marion Square – Go to 41 John Street and get a large Gelato waffle cone to share and then walk one block to Marion Square and enjoy a quiet stroll, or layout on a spring day and share each lick together.  Depending on the size you order, you should fall right into the budget.

• Saffron Bakery – Tea and Cheesecake – Head to 333 East Bay for a homemade slice of cheesecake, Tiramisu or key lime pie with two hot cups of bottomless tea to share with your loved one.  You may go slightly over the $10.00 with tip, but the indulgence is worth it.

• Burgers and Hampton Park – On Mondays, Rutledge Cab Company offers $5.00 Burgers and on Tuesdays from 7 – 10, Moe’s Crosstown offers half-price burgers.  Head to Hampton Park, play a little soccer, shoot some hoops or fire a little Frisbee to work up an appetite and then eats a great burger together.

• Disc Golf at Park Circle – FREE!!! Play 18 holes of fun or competitive disc golf then go to Park Circle and enjoy a few cocktails at Dig or The Mill or Accent or any number of great eateries and bars.

• The Halsey Institute of Art and Mace Brown National History Museum – An amazing contemporary art gallery and even more amazing national history museum with a prehistoric bear and dinosaurs for FREE!!!  Both of these amazing attractions blocks from each other on Calhoun Street and totally free.  So, take your ten bucks and go to the Starbucks located in-between or the Chick-fil-a afterward for a bite or beverage.

• Walk or Jog the Cooper River Bridge – I know, there is no cost to walk or jog the Cooper River Bridge, but after you complete the five-mile walk or jog, wrap around the bend and head to Mount Pleasant Waterfront Park for ice cream or a milkshake at the gift/convenience store located at the start of the pier.  If you desire a latte or iced mocha, stop in at Metto first just a half a mile from the Mount Pleasant side bridge entrance.  If you prefer to start on the downtown side, hop in for a beverage of Mercentile and Mash.

• Dog Park and Disc Golf – James Island County Park – At the minimal cost of $2.00 per person (unless you have an annual county parks pass), you can enjoy a day at the park and oh what a park it is.  From a children’s playground to a large picnic area to rock climbing, James Island County Park is an outdoor haven.  You can even bring the camper and camp out on the grounds.  Why not bring the pups and make a day of human and canine date fun.  Play disc golf and then let the dogs roam free afterward.  All this for $4.00.

• Happy Hour and Live Outdoor Music at the Charleston Pour House – Every night on the back patio stage, there is great live music.  This is an open dog-friendly setting and there is no charge for the starter music on the patio.  Take that $10.00, get a few PBR tallboys and make a night of music and dancing under the warm sun.

• MUSC Urban Farm – Gardening classes and demonstrations – What better place to learn gardening than from the experts at MUSC.  With a rich urban farm of sunflowers, basil, rosemary, lemons, okra and more, this is a beautiful and educational way of spending a day together.  Cost is FREE!! – Afterward, you can share a salad together from Five Loaves or a cocktail at Halo.  Both within walking distance.

• Farmers Market – Whether it is the Folly Beach Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, John’s Island, Summerville, Goose Creek or Marion Square on Saturday, James Island Sunday Brunch Market on Sunday, Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses, hear live music and relax in the beautiful backdrop of the Lowcountry.

• Reuben and Oreo Truffles at Blackbird Market – At 1808 Bohicket Road on John’s Island is a wonderful market and restaurant.  Everything from beet chips to She-crab soup to Lobster Ravioli.  Their tenderloin, scallops, and shrimp are so fresh it is breathtaking.  There is a full menu and benches outside to sit (Don’t worry about summertime.  They have water fans up above).  If you get a fresh Reuben Sandwich with two large Oreo Truffles ($1.00 each) you will have a complete meal.  Don’t forget fresh juice or beer.  This will run you about $11.95, but if you get beer about $18 plus.

• Falafel from Charlie’s Market with the Dogs at Colonial Park – Go to Charlie’s Grocery and grab a falafel and a couple of drinks with the dogs and head to Colonial Park.  Let the dogs play while you sit by the pillars and enjoy a nice sunny day.  This will cost you about $11.00 – $12.00.

Honorable Mention:

Charleston Water Taxi – What better way to see the USS Yorktown, majestic church steeples, Cooper River Bridge and historic Charleston than from a water taxi in the Charleston Harbor.  This made honorable mention because an all-day pass is $12.00 a person.  For a date, this is over budget, but it is an amazing deal and a photographers dream.  You are also likely to see dolphins frolic right beside you.