36 Hours in Charleston

Charleston is a popular destination for travelers; if your time in Charleston is limited these are the top locations to visit during your stay.

Day 1 Magnolia Plantation and Gardens: Travel + Leisure Magazine rated Magnolia Plantation and Gardens as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens.” Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family it is also America’s oldest public garden with opening its doors to visitors in 1870. The property is based on the romantic garden movement where the gardens are full, lush, and sometimes overgrown. (Tickets start at $20.00pp) www.magnoliaplantation.com

Middleton Place: Where Magnolia is romantic Middleton Place is structured and largely landscaped and sculpted in fact its home to the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Its early days were tragic as it was burned just months before the ending of the Civil War and an earthquake in 1886 destroyed much of the main residence. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the property could be restored. This is the only plantation with a full service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. (Tickets start at $29.00pp) www.middletonplace.org

Mepkin Abbey: A little known gem is the Mepkin Abbey. It is home for Trappist Monks (think Trappist Preserves) who live according to the Rule of St. Benedict. The grounds and gardens are open for public viewing, but check their website before attending as there are visitor guidelines. Besure to visit the Abbey Store where you can find their popular dried and powdered oyster and shitake mushrooms. (Tours start at $5.00 pp) www.mepkinabbey.org

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens: If you still have the energy head over to Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens. The plantation was founded in 1681 by Englishman Major John Boone who came to Charleston intent to establish a lucrative plantation and founded his vision with this gracious home on the banks of Wampacheone Creek. The memory of the entrance flanked on each side by evenly spaced oak trees with dripping Spanish moss will

36 Hours in Charleston, SC Page 1 remain with you long after your visit. (Tickets start at $24.00 pp) www.boonehallplantation.com

Day 2 McLeod Plantation Historic Site: Established in 1851 its prosperity was built on cotton and the enslaved people who worked the fields. Its historical significance runs deep. During much of the Civil War the house was used as a Confederate field hospital, headquarters, and commissary. The Union Army later occupied the property and after the war temporarily housed the Freedman’s Bureau. A recent building stabilization project has allowed this property to be opened for public tours. (Tickets start at $15.00 pp) www.ccprc.com

Charleston Tea Plantation: The Charleston Tea Plantation is one of the largest and certainly the oldest American based tea plantation. Located on Wadmalaw Island it offers an ideal sub-tropical climate to grow Camellia Sinensis tea plant. Currently they grow over 320 varieties on the 127 acre property. Enjoy a firsthand experience of a commercial tea operation. (Tickets start at $14.00pp – manufacturing tour is free.) www.charlestonteaplantation.com

Angel Oak: If you love visiting sites that have a spiritual element then plan a stop at Angel Oak. Here there is connection of nature, peace, and history that speaks to the soul. If trees could talk this tree would have much to say. At an estimated 400-500 years old Angel Oak is thought to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River; however, an oak tree at the McLeod Plantation is thought be older. www.angeloaktree.com

Day 3 Heyward Washington House: This 1772 property was home to Thomas Heyward, Jr. one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The Georgian- style double house is located in a residential neighborhood is complete with rear formal gardens which include plants commonly used in the lowcountry. (Tickets start at $12.00pp) www.charlestonmuseum.org

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Wragg Square: This public park dates back to the early 19th century. The park is bounded by a historic brick wall and wrought-iron fence creating a beautiful private setting. A recent facelift makes for a pleasant top on your walk through Charleston. www.charlestonparksconservancy.org

The Gateway Walk: A true hidden gem is the Gateway Walk. It’s easiest to locate from the churchyard of St Philip's Episcopal on Church St. and once you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a Charleston secret. The trail crosses multiple streets and gardens and properties including the Charleston Library Society, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Circular Congregational Church. Designed in 1930 the Garden Club of Charleston still maintains the trail. www.thegardenclubofcharleston.org

Charleston City Marketplace: Your trip won’t be complete without shopping at the Charleston City Market located at the intersection of Meeting and Market streets. In 1788, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded the land to the city for its sole use as a public market with the stipulation that it’s used in this capacity in perpetuity. Here you can pick up locally handcrafted items from soaps and jewelry to sweet grass baskets, reproduction furniture and more. www.thecharlestoncitymarket.com

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