Is Buc-ee’s the most romantic spot in SC? Here are the best places for a date, singles say

Searching for love and romance can be exhausting, especially nowadays with dating apps dominating the scene.

Meeting someone naturally in person feels increasingly improbable for a growing number of singles, and with rising prices, meeting people in social settings, such as bars and coffee shops, can put more strain on your wallet.

There are still places that set the right tone, creating conditions that may lead to a romantic connection, and sometimes, the best place to meet someone affectionately is somewhere where you’d least expect it.

A new study from Ace.com, which polled 3,024 respondents across the country, aimed to uncover the most romantic places, the locations where people are most likely to roll the dice and hit it off with someone new.

“When people think about romance, they usually picture candlelit dinners or nights out, but our findings suggest the odds of meeting someone special may be just as strong in the places people least expect,” said a spokesperson at ACE.com in a news release.

In South Carolina, singles said these are the five everyday places where romance is most likely to strike when no one is really looking for it:

Top 5 most romantic spots in SC

#1. A Myrtle Beach Mini Golf Course

If you’ve ever been to Myrtle Beach, you know residents don’t joke about their mini-golf courses, with more than 50 places to try. Whether it’s the oversized decorations, the warm air or the goofy environment, players don’t feel as awkward and are more open to making real connections.

So next time you’re in Myrtle Beach, try to putt your way into someone’s life.

#2. The Folly Beach Pier

The ocean always brings out romantic energy, but at the Folly Beach Pier, it’s taken up a notch.

People are fishing, strolling, taking photos, watching the waves and pretending the wind is not doing something unfortunate to their hair. It is scenic without feeling too staged, social without being intense, and full of easy openings, according to the study.

If romance starts here, the ocean can take partial credit.

#3. Charleston City Market Basket Aisle

Charleston City Market is one of the best places in the city to meet new people, but respondents believe that the basket aisle is even more charming and is an even better area for accidental run-ins.

People drift past sweetgrass baskets, souvenirs, art, snacks and things they absolutely cannot fit in a carry-on. A spark can start between two people over their mutual love for homemade baskets, or the need for air conditioning.

#4. The Greenville Swamp Rabbit Trail

The City of Greenville has plenty of bars, restaurants and other social environments that are great for playing eye-tag with a stranger. However, more people think that a nature trail has a better chance of finding you romance.

The Greenville Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is perfect accidental-romance territory because everyone is moving just slowly enough to be approachable. Walkers, cyclists, coffee-holders, dog people, and weekend wanderers all cross paths in that casual, outdoorsy way that makes conversation feel normal.

#5. Buc-ee’s

What’s there to do in Florence? Explore a giant gas station, of course.

Buc-ee’s is a nationwide phenomenon that gathers thousands of visitors a day, and is even busier during the summer. The one location in SC is located in Florence, and it is filled with delicious food, beaver-themed merchandise and a cheerful atmosphere.

If two strangers can bond over fudge and the shared realization that they have been inside for 28 minutes, a gas station may be the key to romance.