Experience championship golf in a Lowcountry setting at this former rice plantation that has been converted into a golf masterpiece. Now for presenting golfers with a stiff challenge in a beautiful setting, Caledonia is as prestigious a public course as you'll find in the Myrtle Beach area, and it continues to receive award after award each year for its layout, location, scenery and service. Centered on a lovely antebellum-styled clubhouse, the rolling course is flanked by pines and hardwood forests and natural water hazards of salt marshes and tidal creeks. Even the most accurate hitters have trouble with the strategically placed sand traps and bunkers.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Only certain couples would consider a round of golf to be romantic, but the scenery alone makes Caledonia a prime candidate for a play date.
Terry's expert tip: The clubhouse is a great place to spend some time unwinding after your round and taking in the scenic beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
This 18th century rice plantation serves as a relic to a different time in the area's rich history. The old plantation home was the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a prominent figure in South Carolina history. The beautiful main house and out buildings are nestled on the North Santee River where it flows into the historic port of Georgetown. Tours are available during regular business hours year round, and by appointment for large groups or special occasions. The on-site Tea House is a great place for a refreshing drink and light lunch.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Hobcaw Barony is isolated and lightly attended, allowing for some alone time in the beautiful Lowcountry setting.
Terry's expert tip: Be sure to wear or bring boots or sneakers if you want to take a hike on one of the many trails on the scenic property. It can get a little muddy by the river.
This multi-purpose complex offers the best in entertainment, dining and shopping in one scenic location on the Intracoastal Waterway in North Myrtle Beach. The House of Blues, Alabama Theater and Alligator Adventure are among the fun stops along the way through the maze of unique restaurants and shops. Located across the Waterway from Barefoot Resort, Barefoot Landing is a great place to unwind after a day on the links. Visitors also can take a relaxing cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway aboard the Barefoot Princess, or take one of the haunted walking tours that introduce guests to some of the Grand Strand's scariest ghost legends.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Barefoot Landing has lots of fine-dining and live-music options, including both under one tin roof at the House of Blues.
Terry's expert tip: Barefoot Landing holds fireworks displays and other special events throughout the summer months.
La Belle Amie makes wonderful traditional Southern muscadine wines from grapes grown in their own vineyards; they also import specially blended wines from family-run wineries in France. Several lively events are offered every year, from charity functions to music festivals, including the very popular Parrot Head festivals in February and July. Tours of the scenic property are available, and the tasting room offers five samples for $5, which includes a souvenir wine glass. After you've tried several, choosing what to purchase in the gift shop should be a little easier. Hours vary slightly from season to season, so call ahead to verify.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: A wine-tasting is a great way to start your date on a happy note.
Terry's expert tip: Check the events calendar for some of the best music festivals and bonfires on the Strand.
Located inside pristine Huntington Beach State Park, this grand home of Archer and Anna Huntington was built in 1931 in the style of the same-named Spanish castle/Moorish fort. Self-guided tours of the grounds are available daily and free of charge with park admission. Stroll the brick-lined hallways and enjoy the beach view from the iron-rod hurricane windows. The interior of the castle features a courtyard filled with wildflowers and palmetto trees, creating a lovely place for weddings and special events. The beach is only a short walk through the sand dunes and sea oats so visitors can explore while taking a break from a day on the beach.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The courtyard of Atalaya Castle is a popular place for weddings, art festivals and other special events.
Terry's expert tip: Pack a picnic basket and take a break from the beach for a spectacular lunch on a blanket in the castle's courtyard.
This multi-purpose complex is home to some of the best entertainment, dining and shopping on the Grand Strand. Featuring top attractions, such as Wonder Works and Ripley's Aquarium, Broadway features hundreds of business surrounding a large lake. Check out the nightlife at a dozen clubs in Celebrity Square, dine at some of the best restaurants in town and shop at major national outlets and locally owned stores. Broadway at the Beach also hosts special events that attract millions to this popular venue annually. The surrounding area also is surrounded by other theaters and entertainment venues that allow you to park once and play all day.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Broadway's nightlife section, The District, has lots of options for dinner, dancing, live music and more.
Terry's expert tip: In the summer months, Broadway puts on awesome fireworks shows and free entertainment.
Experience the thrill of flight high above the Atlantic Ocean with a parasailing adventure at Captain Dick's. Go solo or ride tandem with a friend as you are strapped into a safety harness that's attached to a parachute, which lifts you off the back of the boat and into the sky for a wonderful thrill and view. Boat rentals, jet ski and wave runner rentals, saltwater marsh exploring adventures, cruisin' the beach trips, dolphin sightseeing cruises, pirate adventure voyages, marina and bottom fishing, gamefish trolling and charter fishing are also available. Prices, dates and times vary by the season, so call ahead for details.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: For an adventurous date, try riding tandem with a day of parasailing, jet-skiing, sea-kayaking or any of the many activities offered by Captain Dick's.
Terry's expert tip: To avoid a possible wait on the land, reservations are highly recommended.
This new multi-purpose complex brings the feel of an upscale, urban shopping district to the Grand Strand. Featuring dozens of entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities, Market Common offers national outlets that can't be found anywhere else in South Carolina. Dine at P.F. Chang's or Tommy Bahama's, shop at Orvis or Coldwater Creek, catch a movie or some fireworks - all in one truly unique location. Market Common is a great place to stroll and window shop, or catch a movie or an outdoor concert. The district is surrounded by parks and hiking trails, making it a great place to spend an entire day.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The Market Common offers a cosmopolitan shopping district with lots of dining, nightlife and entertainment options for a fun date.
Terry's expert tip: Valor Park is just across the street and features scenic walking trails - the perfect place to walk off a romantic meal.
The beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry is in full bloom at Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,100-acre property located about 15 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Visitors can stroll through the many sculptures, fountains and flowers and take a break in the shade of giant live oak trees that pre-date the U.S. Constitution. This former rice plantation also features boat rides through the marshes and a zoo featuring alligators, birds and other creatures native to South Carolina. A new butterfly pavilion exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with various species of butterflies. This is Lowcountry nature at its best.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Brookgreen is the oldest sculpture garden in the Carolinas, and still the best.
Terry's expert tip: Pack a camera: Brookgreen Gardens is the perfect place for romantic photos (or selfies).
The downtown district has been revitalized by this new attraction, highlighted by the 190-foot SkyWheel that lights up the Myrtle Beach skyline. The largest Ferris wheel on the East Coast offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Grand Strand, but it's the area right around the SkyWheel that shines the most. A 1.2-mile wooden walkway spans the beachfront on one side and open-air cafes and shops on the other. Left abandoned when the Pavilion closed in 2006, the downtown area is back and better than ever thanks to the new Boardwalk. It's a great place to stroll or to rock 'n' roll.
Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel has become a popular place for first dates and marriage proposals.
Terry's expert tip: The Promenade, the centerpiece of the Boardwalk, is host to free concerts and fireworks all summer.