The Ultimate Charleston SC Plantation Guide
With its temperate climate, fertile soil, and coastal geography, the Lowcountry cultivated more than 300 plantations beginning in the 17th century. Today, a mere handful operate as public sites for exploration, education, and reflection. While all boast stunning beauty and complex history, each has a distinct character. Here, we’ll help you choose the best plantation destination for your vacation.
The Ultimate Guide to Springtime in Charleston
Well-known Southern author Pat Conroy was always so elegant in his descriptions of Charleston. In writing the foreword for “The Mayor,” a biography of former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, Conroy expressed what so many people feel when they visit here: “There is no city on Earth quite like Charleston.” Conroy wrote, “From the time I […]
Charleston Sites, Attractions Offer Detailed History of African-American Heritage
As director of The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, Tony Youmans remembers when visitors to Charleston cringed at the mention of slavery. It was an ugly part of American history many people didn’t want to discuss. In the last several years, more attractions and museums have started to address the issue of slavery head on […]
Camellias are Charleston’s Wintertime Blooming Beauties
One of benefits of Charleston’s mild winters is the blooms that add a pop of color to the season and serve as a sign that spring is coming. The camellias, in particular, come to life in the winter. Look for them in bloom in parks and gardens around town or take a camellia walk at […]
Camellias Are Calling in Charleston
One of benefits of Charleston’s mild winters is the blooms that add a pop of color to the season – a sure sign spring is just around the corner. The camellias, in particular, are really coming to life this time of year. We recently visited Middleton Place where its 4,000 camellia plants were blooming in […]
Take a Stroll through the Camellias
After the chilly days of winter, we rejoice at any sign that spring is on her way. Those early signs come in the form of wintertime blooms of camellias, followed shortly by azaleas, daffodils and tulips. Visit Charleston’s parks, green spaces and plantations to see these beauties in bloom. Middleton Place hosts Camellia Walks at […]
Things to Love about the Lowcountry
Sometimes we just have to share a few of the things we adore about Charleston. As we wrap up winter and get ready for spring, we pause to offer up some things we love about the Lowcountry. Now, what do you love? The BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival: It’s the perfect excuse to stuff […]
Historic Charleston Decked Out for the Holidays
Long before twinkling lights, inflatable snowmen and the Elf on the Shelf, people in Charleston decorated with greenery, berries, flowers and pinecones. You can still experience that style of Christmas decorating at plantations and historic homes around Charleston. Built in 1825, the Edmondston-Alston House is decorated as it would have been in 1860. Experience a […]
Plan a Visit to the Charles Pinckney Site
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site commemorates a principal author and signer of the U.S. Constitution. But like Pinckney, referred to as the “forgotten founder,” this historic site could be overlooked on a trip to Charleston. Put it on your must-visit list for a true history lesson. The historic site is located on Long Point […]
Exploring Wadmalaw Island: Charleston Tea Plantation
The Charleston Tea Plantation is the only working tea farm in North America. The island is an ideal spot for growing tea because it provides just the right amount of warm temperatures, humidity and rain. The tea plants go dormant in the winter and, come spring, shoot up 3 to 5 inches of new growth. Those new shoots are removed for making tea […]
Serving Up ‘American Classic Tea’ at Charleston Tea Plantation
One of Charleston’s true gems is the Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island. A visit to the tea plantation isn’t only beautiful but an educational opportunity. Take a factory tour packed with information on the history of tea and details on the harvesting and production of American Classic Tea. A trolley tour of the 127-acre […]
Touring the Gardens at Magnolia Plantation
On your next visit to Charleston, block off a few hours for a nice, long stroll through Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. They are filled with enough bright blossoms to drain your camera battery. The gardens opened to the public in the early 1870s and continue to attract visitors from around the world. Portions of the […]
Soaking Up Charleston’s History at Plantations, Homes, Museums
Few U.S. cities have the kind of history that Charleston does. Her past encompasses 300 years worth of stories with a cast of characters that includes Indians, English settlers, politicians, armies and slaves. The settings range from a thriving seaport to spacious plantations to a downtown at times bustling with business while also recovering from […]
Camellias Blooming in Charleston
We are entering peak camellia season here in the Lowcountry so it’s time to grab your camera and head out to put some color into the gray days of winter. Take in the centuries-old camellias that started blooming this month at Middleton Place. Learn more about these blooming beauties during guided camellia walks at 11 […]
Celebrating Christmas in Charleston
The first greenery and red bows showed up on street lampposts late last week. The lights went on at the Holiday Festival of Lights. And the calendar of holiday events in Charleston exploded. Christmastime in Charleston is here! Start getting your holiday calendar in order so you don’t miss a single tree lighting ceremony, parade, […]
Top 6 Things to Do in Charleston
If you tell someone you’re visiting Charleston who’s been here before, then they’re more than likely going to tell you what you must see or do. Of course it all depends upon what your current situation is. Do you have kids? What’s your ideal for a great vacation? Active, on the go, relaxing or a […]