There is a chill in the air and the fires are ablaze in Charleston. There is nothing more soothing to the body and soul than to be wrapped in a blanket of warmth from the glowing ambers and aroma of burning wood accompanied by the synchronized popping and crackling. Add to that a special someone and the scene is set for a romantic interlude. Ah, less we not forget some necessary complimentary components of a Marilyn Merlot or Cuvée Sublime to lubricate the path to passion accented by a plate of almonds, some decadent buttery foie gras, mouth watering raw oysters sucked right out of their shells, or asparagus.

Everyone knows the benefits of raw oysters as an aphrodisiac since it is very high in zinc. They were the favorites of both Cleopatra and Casanova, who ate 50 raw oysters every day. Asparagus is a member of the Lily family. It "stirs up lust in man and woman," wrote English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century. In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the risque' spears at their prenuptial dinner. The aroma of almonds supposedly arouses passion in females. Alexandre Dumas slurped on almond soup every night before slinking off to his mistress. Buttery foie gras is associated with fine living and sought the world over.

Two other fruits you might consider are the voluptuous avacado and shapely banana. Avacados have been associated with male sexuality. The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl," or "testicle tree." The Spanish found avocados so obscenely sexy, that Catholic priests forbade them to their parishioners. Bananas contain chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme and are said to enhance the male libido. Central Americans drink the sap of the red banana as an aphrodisiac.

Now to the wine selection. Marilyn Merlot may sound ficticious, but it is a bottle of wine named after Marilyn Monroe. If you were perseptive enough to have bought a bottle of the 1985 stock, you'd be laughing all the way to the bank. You could peddle that particular collector’s item for about $3,000. The Blonde Bombshell's Velvet Collection features a “peel and peek” label. Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Sublime is a sweet sparkler from the champagne family. A bottle of the bubbly goes for $38. You may have your own preferences for such occassions. You got to go with what works for you, but at least give the aforementioned suggestions a try.

Here is a list of hotels and resorts in Charleston featuring specials and packages for romantic getaways. Click on the hotel link to check out what their package offers.

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Article written by Rick Dunbar first published on vacation blog Vacation Rick of Charleston.

It is the most photographed and painted tourist attraction in Charleston. It was an undesireable part of town following the Civil War, but now is a very sought after landmark synonymous with the name of Charleston. Painted in an array of Caribbean inspired pastel hues resulted in the name by which it has become identified. Sea captains, traders, townsfolk and pirates shopped, traded, and sold their goods in this stretch of realestate located on East Bay Street. Walk through the Old Market and you will find it on plates, switch covers, shells, and just about anything with a flat surface, even bricks. It is a group of buildings called Rainbow Row. If you are a resident it is a been there, done that, but if you are a first-timer the Row should be on your must-see list.

Originally Half Moon Battery, this landmark is considered to be one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. The structure stands proudly at the foot of Broad Street. It is the Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon. All the employees dress the part. You will see them standing at the top of the steps along the front in colonial dress waving and greeting tourists. Inside are three floors of Charleston history highlighting the Colonial and Revolutionary eras. The artifacts displayed help you get a picture of the events and people that influenced and shaped the history of Charleston or specifically, Charles Towne. The Provost Dungeon, still dank and without sunlight, highlights a tour that speaks of pirates and patriots in chains, of a siezed tea shipment and General Moultrie's hidden gunpowder, and ghosts lurking within its walls.

The Powder Magazine located at 79 Cumberland Street is Carolina's oldest public building. A small brick building with walls three feet thick and four groin arches designed to implode in case of an explosion was used as a powder magazine from 1713-1770 and again briefly during the Revolutionary War. Its other uses were as a stable, a wine cellar, a print shop and now, a museum. It offers free of charge living historic presentations and showcases different period interpreters, local crafters, artists, musicians, and other historical novelties. Every Saturday in June and July there is a live performance scheduled called The Gentleman Pirate at 3:30pm – 4:30pm.

While in the area check out Johnson's Pub & Pizzeria or the Blind Tiger Pub for some cool drinks and creative dishes.-Vacation Rick Travel

Article by Rick Dunbar first published on blog Vacation Rick. Check out all the articles on things to see and do in Charleston and anywhere else.