With spring break behind us and the end of the semester quickly approaching, now is the time where you scramble to complete all of your assignments. This time in the semester is undoubtedly the most stressful, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the heavy workload get the best of you or cut out anytime for yourself. Sometimes, it is perfectly necessary to step away from that textbook in favor of something that will give you a chance to relax and refocus your mind. Trust me, you deserve it.
One of my favorite coastal destinations not too far from Wilmington is Charleston, SC. Charleston is a charming, historical city lined with brightly colored houses on the streets and palm trees everywhere your eye can see. Stroll along Waterfront Park with some friends and don’t forget to take pictures in front of the famous pineapple fountain (below) while you’re there. Of course, you can’t miss King Street, the hub of Charleston filled with endless stores, restaurants, and other attractions. The food is also worth the trip itself. With so much to do in this city, there is a reason why Southern Living named it the South’s Best City of 2019!
Source: South Carolina Picture Project
If you are your friends are looking to have a weekend full of adventure, head down to Shallotte River Swamp Park located in Ocean Isle Beach, 45 minutes away from Wilmington. Swamp Park features the longest, fastest, and tallest zipline tour on the east cost. The tour lasts about two hours and gives you the ability to look at the park in the most unique way possible. However, if soaring in the sky doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, there is also an aerial adventure park for you to challenge your friends on. The park features 53 different elements, including a climbing wall, tightrope, and monkey bars. Lastly, if you’re interested in learning more about the swamp itself, including its rich history, opt for the guided Shallotte River boat tour. You must book your adventures in advance, and lucky for you, group discounts are available! Learn more about the park and book your weekend plans here.
Source: Shallotte River Swamp Park
No matter what you choose to do with your weekend, it is important to take time for yourself and do something you enjoy. The end of the semester can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break once in a while! Grab your friends and go have fun!
–Colleen Worrell
IMC Hawks Blog 
Hey Colleen! I really loved the article and decided to share how great Charleston, South Carolina is! I’ve only been to Charleston once but I have a vague memory of how much I loved walking around in the city and enjoying the rich history and beautiful locations. However, I also would like to try Swamp Park sometime soon. Looks like something I would definitely do sometime in the future!
Wow, what a refreshing post. It has actually been a while since I have visited Charleston, South Carolina and this post just made me want to visit again. Additionally, I have never been to Shallotte River Swamp Park; however, I LOVE going on zip lining adventures. I couldn’t agree more that this time of the year is extremely stressful, and maybe a get away to Charleston is just what I need. Thanks for the awesome suggestions and good luck with these final few weeks of school!
Wow, what a refreshing post. It has actually been a while since I have visited Charleston, South Carolina and this post just made me want to visit again. Additionally, I have never been to Shallotte River Swamp Park; however, I LOVE going on zip lining adventures. I couldn’t agree more that this time of the year is extremely stressful, and maybe a get away to Charleston is just what I need. Thanks for the awesome suggestions and good luck with these final few weeks of school!
Great post and great reminder to come up for air during this hectic time. I know I am definitely feeling the pressure myself and a weekend getaway to Charleston sounds like a dream. It might even give students a second wind and the determination and inspiration to power through the end of the semester into summer.
Reading this literally makes me want to book a zip line tour, hop in my car, and cruise on down to Charleston! I’ve never been–which is shameful because I’ve always lived so close by! Thanks for sharing some of the coolest ‘to-do’s’ with us! (P.s. You have a FANTASTIC writing voice!! SO much energy and intelligence packed in behind every word!)
Hi Colleen!
I agree that this last month of school is a very stressful and hectic part of the semester. As we are looking forward to summer and the weather is beginning to get warm, it is sometimes easy to lose focus on our schoolwork! I have been to Charleston before and absolutely love it! I agree that is a perfect place for a getaway. I have never been to Shallotte River Park Swamp, however this seems like an awesome place for a fun weekend! I love zip lining and plan on making a trip to go there with friends. Great post!
Hi Colleen,
While school does get very hectic after spring break, it is always uplifting to read about the small and simple places we can escape to close by. I have went to Charleston several times and it can be such a fun and relaxing weekend trip to leave your worries behind. I hope I can go to some of the other destinations and explore something new!
Hey Colleen!
I feel like everyone needs to read this post. I agree, sometimes we need to take a second to relax after stressing out because we work so hard on all of our assignments.I have never been to Charleston, or zip lining. After reading this I think I will definitely have to check it out. It’s always nice to have someone suggest new places to experience! Thank you, great post!
Hi Colleen!!
It is awesome reading an article that brings my mind to ponder over something that isn’t a paper or a test. There is nothing I enjoy more than traveling and adventures. I love Ocean isle and am always trying to plan a trip back and I think the Shallotte River Park Swamp is a perfect excuse to make my way down there!
I never knew about this park in Ocean Isle Beach before moving here to Wilmington for college, but I’ll definitely have to take some friends out there over the summer. I also must say that this article opened my eyes to actually look and see what else there is to do around Wilmington other than go to Wrightsville or downtown. Usually on the weekends I just catch up on all the sleep I lost during the school week, but now I may see if I can branch out on open weekends.
Hey Colleen,
Personally the stress has gone up tremendously after spring break. I just feel like I have so much to do with so little time. I have honestly never thought about the places outside of Wilmington to go to to take a breather from all the school work. I have been to Charleston and it is a beautiful area. I did not realize that Ocean Isle was only 45 minutes away. I also did not know about Shallotte river park swamp which seems pretty cool. As the weather get warmer, I might have to take a trip one weekend to get a break from school!
Hey Colleen!
I’ve been to Charleston a handful of times, and would definitely agree that it’s a gorgeous destination that is conveniently close by! However, I’ve never been to Ocean Isle, but I think you might have convinced me to visit. That Swamp Park sounds awesome! I might have to take a trip there this summer and check out that cool zipline!
Colleen,
I could not agree more! I love taking quick weekend trips, and Charleston is the perfect distance: close enough to make it there and back in only a few days, but far enough to feel like you’re really getting away. Several of my friends from high school attend the College of Charleston, so over the past three years in college I’ve made quite a few weekend trips there filled with delicious food, walks and bike rides around King Street and the Battery, shopping and fun nights out. Reading your post was so refreshing, it’s awesome to see other students embrace traveling and wanting to escape the hum-drum weekly routines, even if the destination is only a quick drive away! Great post!
A TWO HOUR ZIP-LINE TOUR?! That sounds absolutely beautiful and is definitely something that my “outdoorsy” friends would love to do. I also have never been to Charleston, NC before so the idea of exploring a “brand new” area has also peeked my fancy. I hope I find some good group rates and thank so much for the info!
Colleen,
I really enjoyed reading this!! I love traveling and especially to anywhere with a beach! I’m actually going to Charleston next weekend and am super excited. This article opened my eyes to so many new places in Wilmington that I never knew about and I will definitely be checking them out. Great post!
Charleston Is an incredible city. I have family their and I visit the city at least twice a year. It often reminds me of Wilmington because of the historical aspect of the city.
Hi Colleen,
Thanks for sharing this information. I’m a international student who loves to see new places in Wilmington. The semester is almost over and that gives me mixed feelings. I need to study a lot but also want to enjoy my time over here. I am trying to see some of these places before I leave!