A Day in West Ashley

It's easy to spend a day exploring all West Ashley has to offer! Appropriately named for its location west of the Ashley River, West Ashley is surrounded by water which factors into its rich history and the activities available. 

Charles Towne Landing is a must-stop. In addition to the history captured there from being South Carolina's first settlement in 1670, you'll love the trails, gardens and all the indigenous animals. You can tour the Adventure, Charleston's only 17th-century replica sailing ship and see cannons fired, or visit the otters, puma, bears, and bison at the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo. Take your bike to explore miles of trails along the marsh and 80 acres of English park-style gardens.

If you're willing to travel a bit farther northwest, you can do a plantation tour of Middleton Place, Magnolia and Drayton Hall. 

You'll get the most mileage out of a visit to the South Windermere Center on Folly Road. It was established in the 1950s and is the state's oldest shopping center in continuous existence. You can enjoy a coffee and pastry at Normandy Farms, refresh yourself with a massage at Urban Nirvana, eat healthy and al fresco at Three Little Birds, shop for gifts at Rhodes Boutique, grocery shop at Earth Fare, or pop in the cutest Charleston County Library branch there is! 

For a waterfront view, grab dinner at California Dreaming which overlooks the river where you can watch the sailboats and the sunset.

If you're into playing tourist, you can board the Saltwater Cycle or Charleston Party Boat, take a pirate cruise or hire a fishing charter from the Ripley Light Marina.

Avondale is another fun area, with Highfalutin Coffee Roasters, Mellow Mushroom, and fine dining at Bearcat. A trip to Avondale isn't complete without grabbing a nightcap and playing a game of Yahtzee at the storied 70-year-old dive bar Gene’s Haufbrau, so plan to end your tour there!