Picture this: you're looking for an ideal date night out in Charleston, S.C., but you want to get away from the crowds to a more relaxed or romantic venue. You want to take it easy tonight, after a long day of exploring and sightseeing your way around the historic "Holy City."
Enter The Terrace Theatre, set on James Island. This old-school, five-screen theater shows a consistent mix of the biggest blockbuster hits alongside award-winning film fest new releases, arthouse and indie flicks, foreign films and documentaries.
The Terrace Theatre's variety is part of what makes it such a hit with both locals and visitors alike; there's always a showing that appeals to any taste or movie fan.
Concessions at The Terrace Theatre include boxed candies, chips, popcorn and even gelato! — Photo courtesy of The Terrace Theatre
Moviegoers also enjoy The Terrace Theatre's comfortable, casual scene: the seats are worn in to perfection, and the theater rooms – each different from the next – are smaller than your typical big box cinemas.
The Terrace's concessions are also a hit with date night couples, families and groups. Here, you'll find the expected boxed candy you'd find at a national chain theater, but you'll also be tempted with artisan and locally made goodies, chips, granola bars and even fresh gelato!
Prices are on par (or less) than most other movie theaters.
Kick your date night up a notch by adding a local or regional craft beer or glass of wine to your movie-going experience.
The cozy Terrace Theatre is a welcome contrast to typical, big box chain theaters — Photo courtesy of The Terrace Theatre
In many ways, The Terrace Theatre's location is as stellar as many of its movie showings. No, it's not downtown. In fact, there aren't any theaters that are. Instead, it's just a short drive across the Ashley River from the peninsula.
The Terrace is situated among several great restaurants and bars in the Meyer Park Shopping Plaza, in the company of Zia Taqueria, a Tex-Mex cantina; How Art Thou, a tapas bar and live music café; and Crust, where they serve wood-fired pizza.
Across the street from The Terrace Theatre, you'll find The Pour House – a live music venue – and The Lot, a popular farm-to-table restaurant.
Pair your cult classic or quirky indie film showing with some guaranteed good food, and then stroll over to The Terrace to follow up with some candy, gelato and a local beer or glass of wine. See a live band or grab a bite after the movie.
Start or end your evening out in Charleston with a Terrace Theatre movie showing. Add dinner, drinks and dessert. Now that's a great date night!
