In existence since 1676, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is a journey back through time. Walking along a numbered path, you will find many beautiful cypress and live oak trees along the river. The Barbados Tropical Garden, Biblical Garden, and Horticultural Maze offer a variety of landscaping styles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for wildlife. Several slave cabins and worker homes still stand on the property, and free talks are given at various times. Tickets are also available for purchase for entry to the Plantation House, the Nature Train, the Nature Boat, and Audubon Swamp Garden; all include a guided tour. For those who ride bicycles, several trails wind through the woods. Plan to spend several hours at this fascinating plantation.

Middleton Place is an 18th Century rice plantation and National Historic Landmark comprising 65 acres of America's oldest landscaped Gardens, the Middleton Place House Museum and the Plantation Stableyards. The Gardens reflect the elegant symmetry of 17th Century European design. Sculpted terraces, parterres, and reflection pools inhabited by swans are highlights of their intricate design. Rare camellias bloom in the winter, while vibrant azaleas blanket the hillside above the Rice Mill Pond in the spring. Tickets for house tours are in addition to general admission rates.

Fort Moultrie National Monument is a superior example of how coastal defenses have evolved over time. It is actually the third structure built to defend the coast on Sullivan's Island; the first two versions of Fort Moultrie were destroyed in hurricanes. Edgar Allan Poe penned a poem and the story "The Gold Bug" while stationed here in the early 1800s, and Seminole Indian Chief Osceola was buried at the entrance to the fort. Artillery buffs will find the historic cannons fascinating. The historic Fort Sumter is a short distance away on its own island (though they share the same mailing address), but visitors without their own boat cannot reach Fort Sumter from Fort Moultrie; they must take a ferry via downtown Charleston or Mount Pleasant.

A 643-acre nature and recreation park located along the Stono River marsh south of Charleston, James Island County Park offers miles of walking, hiking, skating and bike trails, a campground with 124 sites and ten cottages, a seasonal water park, kayak and canoe rentals, saltwater fishing and crabbing. There are also picnic grounds, a climbing wall and playgrounds. Annual events such as the Holiday of Lights, concerts, festivals, movies and kayak and wall competitions are held here. Facilities for private events are available for rent. -Natasha Lawrence

This 1700's rice plantation that was once 5500 acres offers one of the best insights into the life of enslaved Africans who utilized their homeland skills in an agricultural industry that made Charleston one of the richest cities in colonial America. Now a 654-acre historical, cultural and natural museum, visitors have a unique opportunity to walk swamp trails and see natural wildlife just like plantation workers. An interpretive center introduces the visitor to the "Caw Caw Swamp", then guided tours into rice fields with interconnecting boardwalks and view archaeological digs of a plantation house burned by Sherman during the Civil War. Bird walks and canoeing trips on the sea marshes are two popular programs. Bring binoculars, bottled water, picnic lunch or snack and insect repellent. Rates vary for resident and non-resident. Call or check website. - Natasha Lawrence

Named after William Wallace McLeod who acquired the plantation in 1851, the McLeod plantation is a historic site on James Island. The plantation covers an 1858 Georgian style house, slave cabins, cemeteries, oak allees and the surrounding woods. You can get an overview of African American history and the slavery trade during those times by visiting this place. The Friends of McLeod is the charitable organization that is striving to protect and promote this heritage site in South Carolina. The plantation is currently owned by the American College of Building Arts.

At one point in its history (going back to 1767), a lighthouse was built 1200 feet inland and part of the island, along with a lighthouse keeper's house. By 1938 years of oceanic erosion brought it to the water's edge when the house was dismantled and moved. Today, the lighthouse, decommissioned in 1962, sits offshore in the process of preservation and renovation by Save the Light, a non-profit organization. Take a walk to the end of Folly Beach over the sand dunes to see this beautiful lighthouse. Kayak and boat tours from Charleston take visitors for a closer look. Open from sunrise to sunset- Natasha Lawrence

If you are in Charleston, St. Lukes Chapel is a historic place that you must visit. Originally built between 1825 and 1832 as a part of Federal arsenal, this non-denominational chapel is now possessed by the Medical University of South Carolina. The turn-of-the-century interiors, the exquisitely designed kneeling bench and the Margaret S. Metcalf tracker organ, have their own story to tell. Apart from its significance in history, this church also is a prominent venue for religious ceremonies, memorial services and other diverse events. Visit this church to worship God or plan an event here, this church meets all the needs.

James Island Presbyterian Church is a congregation of followers who believe in Calvinism. The church's mission is to inculcate religious sentiments in the people of Christian community. It also strides towards serving the community by offering trustworthy stewardship. For, the church truly believes in honoring the life and facilities enjoyed by each one of us. James Island Church also holds events and meetings along with holding communion several times a year. Contact the church for open hours or check website for service times and events.

Folly Beach Community Center & Library is a state-run public center that houses a library and certain organizations such as Folly Beach Seniors organization, the Garden Club and the Civic Club. Located at Center Street, the Community Center paves way for a nice and quiet haven to spend some quality time reading in leisure. There's a decent park too, along with children's playground equipped with swings and jungle-gym-slide. Meetings and conferences are also held at the Community Center.