In what can only be described as perfectly serendipitous procrastination, our first plantation visits during our time in South Carolina also happened to coincide with one of the most magical and fleeting first weeks of the spring bloom. We kicked off with a Wednesday night wine stroll at Middleton Place where we enjoyed sampling a variety of wines while exploring the grounds of this historic rice plantation and admiring its numerous horticultural mazes. A perfectly summeresque evening, our first gator sighting and a few goat kisses were added bonuses to this delightful excursion.
The weekend brought the joyful opportunity to host two more visitors, Janet and Dean, as well as plans to visit two more Plantations. Saturday morning was spent in Mount Pleasant at Boone Hall Plantation. A National Historic Landmark with a founding date reaching back to 1681, we were impressed with the opportunity to learn about the lives of both free and enslaved people who have lived and worked on this land throughout the years as well as how the land continues as a working operation today.
Saturday evening was spent downtown Charleston where we enjoyed the cool ocean breeze and wandering throughout historic streets. An informative and relaxing carriage tour followed by dinner at 82 Queen was the perfect way to round out a rather eventful and enjoyable day.
Our Sunday adventures began with our third and final planation visit of the week: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. As the name implies, the gardens were a main event at this expansive historical sight which also boasts being one of the oldest plantation properties in South Carolina. A tourist location since 1870, some pieces of the gardens are over 325 years old. A nearly four hour visit merely scratched the surface on what Magnolia had to offer but we enjoyed soaking in the miles of azalea blooms as well as admiring a diverse selection of swamp wildlife during the guided wagon tour.
Having earned a little beach side relaxation, the rest of the afternoon was spent on Folly Beach – toes in the sand while listening to the lull of the crashing waves. Post beach nap (and another round of oyster shooters), we found ourselves marshside at a fantastic boat to table seafood restaurant called LoLos. As the tide rose and the sun set, we filled our bellies and reflected on another weekend well spent with great adventure and even better guests!
Hi Mom! 