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General

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
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Mount Pleasant is a charming town in South Carolina close to the famous and attractive town Charleston. Mount Pleasant is a large suburban town on the northside of Charleston harbor. The town is famous for its historical sites, rich culture, waterfront views, parks, and variety of outdoor activities.

These photos are from our visit to Mount Pleasant on 14th March, 2023.

Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, View from Patriot Point Naval Museum Parking Lot
Patriot Point Naval Museum
View from Pitt Street Bridge
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
Pitt Street Bridge
Mount Pleasant memorial Waterfront Park
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, View from Patriot Point Loop Trail
USS Yorktown from Patriot Point Loop Trail
USS Yorktown at Patriot Point Naval Museum
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
Mount Pleasant memorial Waterfront Park
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
View from Patriot Point Naval Museum Parking Lot
Patriot Point Naval Museum
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
Pitt Street Bridge
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Ashley River memorial Bridge
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • Best time to Visit: March through November
    • March to May: Peak season, Pleasant weather with low humidity, blooming flowers, high hotel rates, more crowds
    • June to August: Hot and humid, hurricane season, most crowded 
    • September to October: Peak season, comfortable temperature, plenty of events and festivals, more crowds, pricy hotels
    • December to February: Off season, Cold temperature, less expensive hotels, less crowds
  • Fly Into:
    • Nearest Airport: Charleston (CHS) Airport which is 12 miles away from downtown Charleston 
    • Other Major Airports: Myrtle Beach International Airport which is about 100 miles away. Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina are about 200 miles away can also be considered for better deals
    • Regional Airports: Florence Regional Airport, South Carolina about 130 miles away, Wilmington International Airport, North Carolina about 170 miles away, Fayetteville Regional Airport, North Carolina approximately 190 miles away
  • Clothing
    • Spring to Fall: Lightweight casual t-shirts, light pants and shorts, sundresses, tank tops, capris, skirts, swimsuits, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes/footwears, rain gear and a sweater, light jacket for the cool evenings.
    • Winter: Dress in layers. Jeans, Long sleeved shirts, sweaters, coats, scarfs and hats, and comfortable shoes/boots.
  • Accommodation: Though there are many great hotels in Mt Pleasant and Charleston, it is highly recommended to book in advance. Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and North Charleston are the best places to stay.  Book the appropriate hotels of your interest that fit your needs and budget best. Make a note that downtown hotels are expensive.
  • Make reservations in advance for restaurants if you are planning to visit during spring or summer
  • How many days: 1 to 2 days enough to cover majority of the highlights 
  • Be prepared for rain. Always bring a raincoat.
  • Flash floods are common, so keep an eye on roads and road closures. Avoid going through flooded areas. 
  • Best things to do
    • Arthur Ravenel Bridge: The Arthur Ravenel Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper river and it is hard to miss.  Whether you drive on it or take the walking path, this 2.5 mile long bridge offers a beautiful view of the water and the city. This bridge connects Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston and offers scenic views of the harbor. It is pleasant to watch the ships pass under and catch the sunset. There is also a children’s park located right by the pier with a large free parking area and conveniently shaded by the bridge. It is a famous landmark in Charleston that offers amazing panoramic views of the harbor. One of the best spots to photograph the bridge is from Patriot’s Point on Sullivan’s Island. You can get a shot of the bridge with water and some greenery at the Mount Pleasant Memorial Park underneath the bridge.  The Waterfront Park is the best spot to capture the photos of a bridge with some city lights . Try to visit in the evening so that you can catch a beautiful sunset and the best lighting for photography.
    • Boone Hall Plantation: Take a peaceful stroll under a picturesque canopy of live oak trees over a mile long path that leads to the historic mansion. More info here.
    • Pitt Street Bridge: Enjoy a peaceful walk while embracing the beauty of the lots of greenery and scenery. More info here.
    • Patriot Point Naval Museum: Explore the museum about naval and maritime history of the US Navy and its involvement in WWII and other wars located in Mount Pleasant South Carolina. It has museum ships USS Yorktown, USS Laffey, USS Clamagore, and exhibits aircrafts, submarine helicopters, and more. It is open every day from 9 am to 6:30pm. You can buy admission tickets online or at the gate, tickets cost $24 for adults and $16 for children. The address is 40 Patriot Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
    • Patriot Point Loop Trail: Take a flat and paved 2.8 loop trail that starts at USS Yorktown Park. The trail offers scenic views of the harbor, city skyline, great views of the Patriot Point Park and of course Arthur Ravenel Bridge. The trailhead is located at 40 Patriots Road, Mount Pleasant. There will be a parking fee of $5 at USS Yorktown park. 
    • Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park: Watch a stunning sunset at the Mount Pleasant Waterfront Memorial Park. The park features a fishing pier, a playground, a war memorial and gift shop. The address is 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr Blvd, Mt Pleasant, South Carolina.
  • Nearby Attractions
    • Fort Sumter
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Gallery

Maroon Lake

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Sunrise at Maroon Lake!

Location: Maroon Lake Trail, Maroon Bells, Aspen, Colorado, USA.

Date and Time: Around 7 am on 30th September 2019.

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General

A one day road trip in Connecticut

Hammonasset Beach
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Connecticut is one of the original 13 colonies of the United States of America. Connecticut is one among the six New England states with rich contributions to American culture. The state is famous for great history, beautiful scenery, autumn colors, pretty beaches, rolling hills of the countryside, prestigious universities, and much more. Even an unplanned short trip does not disappoint you. Then why wait, go for a day trip!

We decided to explore this beautiful state by car one fine morning. We were happy that we were able to cover some of the pretty places during our unplanned trip. These photos are from our short and sweet drive in the state of Connecticut on 22nd August, 2022.

Old Saybrook
Mystic Seaport Marina
Lighthouse Point Park
Meigs Point
Gold Star Memorial Bridge
The Lighthouse Suite at Old Saybrook
Hammonasset Beach
Meigs Point
South Cove, Connecticut River
Sky Line of New London
Gillette Castle
Meigs Point
Lighthouse Point Park
Lynda Point Lighthouse, Connecticut
Silver Sands State Park
Old Saybrook
Hammonasset Beach
Seaport Museum
Mystic Seaport
Historic Mystic Seaport
Seaport Village
Mystic River
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Point Park
Meigs Point
Meigs Point
Meigs Point
Lynda Point Lighthouse, Connecticut
Silver Sands State Park
Silver Sands State Park
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Best Things to do

  • Mystic Seaport, Mystic: This impressive place is filled with a large collection of historic boats, a working shipyard, planetarium, children’s museum, discovery barn, and re-created 19th-century seafaring village. 
  • Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam: The Gillette Castle is a three storied stone structure, looks like a medieval fortress, decorated inside with the built-in couches, table trackway, and wood carvings. More info here.
  • Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven: Lighthouse Point Park is a pleasant park in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. The park offers impressive views of the 70 foot lighthouse, enjoyable beach and nature trails, and seasonally operated antique carousel and splash pads. It is a great place for an outdoor picnic. More info here.
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison: It is Connecticut’s largest shoreline park with a two mile soft sand beach front on the Long Island sound. More info here.
  • Meigs Point, Madison, Connecticut: Meigs Point is known as a Moraine, offering great panoramic views of glacier boulders along the Long Island Sound, and a family-friendly environmental learning center- Meigs Point Nature Center
  • Lynde Point Lighthouse: Lynde Point Lighthouse (Saybrook Inner Lighthouse) is located in Old Saybrook. This lighthouse is on the west side of the mouth of the Connecticut river on the Long Island Sound and offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River
  • Saybrook Point Marina: Features great views of both Long Island Sound and the mouth of the Connecticut River, wonderful yachts and boats, a beautiful Lighthouse Suite, nice restaurants, and a pleasant boardwalk.
  • Skyline of New London: A charming seaport city with rich maritime history and gorgeous seaside parks. 
  • Silver Sand State Park: It is a public park located on Long Island Sound in the city of Milford, Connecticut. The state park offers pleasant beaches and dunes, a bird sanctuary, and restored salt marshes.
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Gallery

Lake Placid

Lake Placid, View from the Whiteface Summit
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Aerial view of Lake Placid, East and West Lake from a Lookout at Whiteface Mountain Summit

Location: Whiteface Mountain Summit, Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, New York, USA.

Date and Time: Around 3 pm on 28th September 2019.

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General

Boone Hall Plantation

Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
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Have you ever imagined yourself walking under a canopy of live oak trees over a mile long path that leads to the historic mansion? Then, Boone Hall Plantation is the exact one you are looking for! Boone Hall Plantation is a historic site located in Mount Pleasant, Charleston County in South Carolina. The Plantation was founded in 1681 by Major John Boone and is well known for being one of America’s oldest working plantations producing agricultural crops like cotton, pecans, and strawberries. It is famous for its role in the civil war when it was used as a base for Confederate troops. It offers many tours and attractions that showcase different aspects of history and culture. It hosts a number of special festivals and events throughout the year like concerts and weddings. Its main attraction, Avenue of Oaks is a stunning entrance lined up with huge live oak trees that leads to the historic mansion. This is pictured in many Hollywood movies and several series like The Notebook, Scarlett, Queen, North and South.

These photos are from our visit to Boone Hall Plantation on 14th March, 2023.

Entrance to Boone Hall Plantation from Long Point Rd
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
Avenue of Oaks
Black History In America – Slave Cabins
Black History In America – Slave Cabins
Exploring the Gullah Culture at Gullah Theater
The Dock House
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
The Mansion – The Boone Hall Big House
The Smokehouse
The Mansion – The Boone Hall Big House
Garden
Entrance to Boone Hall Mansion
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks
Garden
Garden
Avenue of Oaks
Avenue of Oaks, Boone Hall Plantation
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • The Plantation is located 8 miles from downtown Charleston.
  • Open for tours 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm-5pm on Sundays. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Official website Boone Hall Plantation and address is 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
  • You can buy tickets online or at the gate. General admission tickets cost for adults $28 which included all tours, $12 for kids, and free for children under 6.
  • No need for reservations for general admission. Highly recommended to make reservations for tours if you are visiting with a group or as a part of an educational program.
  • The entrance to the Plantation is on Long Point Road.
  • Make sure to check the schedule of events before you go so that you can plan around them.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as there is a lot of walking. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
  • Allow at least 3 hours to see and walk around the plantation.
  • Main attractions:
    • The Avenue of Oaks: The beautiful entrance to the historic site lined with live huge oak trees.
    • The Slave Cabins: Nine brick structures that showcase the history and culture of enslaved people
    • The Historic Mansion: Colonial Revival two storied house built in 1936
    • The Garden: The colorful garden with a butterfly pavilion.
    • The Plantation offers several tours like the Self Guided Tour, the House Tour, the Slave Cabin Tour, the Tractor Tour, and the Gullah Culture Tour.
  • Nearby Attractions
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Gallery

Dream Lake

Dream Lake
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The beauty of Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Location: Dream Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. USA.

Date and Time: Around 4 pm on 28th September 2019.

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United States

Florida

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Florida – The Sunshine State

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Gallery

Mount Evans Summit Lake

Summit Lake
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The serene beauty of Summit Lake on Mt Evans!

Location: Summit Lake Park, Mt Evans Scenic Byway, Colorado, USA.

Date and Time: Around 3 pm on 30th September 2019.

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General

Pitt Street Bridge

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If you are looking for a beautiful and peaceful walk, a place to relax, and enjoy the outdoors with cool breeze, the Pitt Street Bridge is the perfect spot for you. The Pitt Street bridge is a historical landmark and is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The Pitt Street Bridge is narrow and has been long considered as a linear park. It was once a trolley bridge used to cross the Charleston harbor from Mount Pleasant to the beach of Sullivan’s Island. The bridge was built in 1898 as a trolley bridge and was mainly made up of wooden planks; later in 1923 the bridge was widened and replaced with concrete. The bridge offers great views of Charleston Harbor and surrounding areas. This place is a popular spot for walking, fishing, biking, kayaking, bird watching, and photography.

These photos are from our visit to Pitt Street Bridge on 14th March, 2023.

Pitt Street Bridge
View from Pitt Street Bridge
Pitt Street Bridge
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Quick Facts and Tips

  • The address of the Pitt Street Bridge is 101 Pitt Street, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and is about 10 minutes drive from downtown Charleston.
  • The bridge is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
  • The admission to the park and parking is free.
  • There is a small parking lot located at the end of Pitt Street with limited spots.  The parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hours.
  • The walk on the bridge is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is mostly flat.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • Bring water and snacks.
  • Take cautions during high tides. 
  • Be prepared for the heat and humidity during the summer.
  • There are no public restrooms at Pitt Street Bridge.
  • Pets are allowed on the bridge, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • A great place to watch the sunset.
  • Nearby Attractions
    • Fort Sumter
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Gallery

Bear Lake

Bear Lake
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Bear Lake

Location: Bear Lake Trailhead, Bear Lake Rd, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA.

Date and Time: Around 3 pm on 28th September 2019.

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General

Angel Oak Tree

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Angel Oak tree is an ancient tree and is a symbol for hope, love, and peace. This natural wonder is a Low Country treasure located on Johns Island, South Carolina. This live majestic Southern Oak tree is between 400 and 500 years old, making it one of the oldest living trees east of the Mississippi River. The tree stands 66.5 feet tall and 28 feet in circumference. The tree’s branches are so long and wide that they spread out over an area of 17,200 square feet, literally creating a canopy of leaves. The tree is surrounded by lush greenery and towering pines, which makes the park beautiful and peaceful.

These photos are from our visit to Angel Oak Tree on 15th March, 2023.

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Quick Facts and Tips

  • The address of the park is 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, South Carolina which is about 12 miles from Charleston, South Carolina.
  • There is a small parking lot with limited parking spots. Visitors are allowed to park along the dirt road leading up to the Angel Oak tree.
  • The park is open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.
  • Small portions of the path leading to Angel Oak are dirt roads.
  • Visit during the spring or fall when the weather is mild.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
  • The branches of the Angel Oak tree are hollow and very Fragile. Avoid sitting, climbing or standing on the tree.
  • Tripods are not allowed as they can damage the roots. 
  • There are a bunch of picnic tables and benches. Bring a picnic lunch or snacks to enjoy in the park.
  • There is a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and information about the tree.
  • There are no restrooms or other facilities in the park but there are porta-potties.
  • It is worth visiting if you are around the Charleston area.
  • Nearby Attractions
    • Fort Sumter
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Canada Gallery

Bernard Lake

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Bernard Lake, A hidden gem in British Columbia!!

Location: Fraser Train Station, Klondike Highway, British Columbia, Canada.

Date and Time: Around 2 pm on 26th August 2013.