South Carolina: Magnolia Masterpiece

Rainbow Row, Charleston

The first time I went to South Carolina was on our southern road trip from New Orleans, LA. The endpoint for that trip was Charleston, which was such a cool city. We began our tour of Charleston at the City Market. There were so many fun shops in there and I ended up buying a couple of products that were made locally in South Carolina. Also, I enjoyed walking around and looking at all the homes there. One of my favorite spots was Rainbow Row, which was right along the water. After walking around a little bit we went to Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar, which was right on the water, and we had some hushpuppies and cocktails.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

The next morning we ventured to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. The gardens were absolutely gorgeous. Plus, we learned a lot about the history of plantation life. Charleston's plantations were primarily focused on growing rice, indigo, and later cotton, relying heavily on enslaved labor. The plantation system in Charleston, and throughout the American South began to decline significantly after the Civil War ended in 1865. Many plantations, such as Boone Hall, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall, still exist as historic sites, offering insights into this complex and often painful period of American history.

Congaree National Park

The second time I went to South Carolina was in the middle of our trip from West Virginia to Arkansas. We drove down to go to Congaree National Park. This park is so interesting. There was an accessible deck walkway around the park with educational markers. I learned so much there. After all the walking, we worked up an appetite and stopped at Midwood Smokehouse, where we had some BBQ. Our hotel for that night was in Columbia, near the airport, because the next day my brother was flying back to D.C. after spending half the trip with us. My mom and I continued on to North Carolina.

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If you want to visit South Carolina, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

1. Charleston: Explore the historic streets of Charleston, known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and antebellum charm. Visit landmarks such as the Battery, Rainbow Row, and historic plantations like Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation.

2. Hilton Head Island: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Hilton Head Island, known for its pristine shoreline, world-class golf courses, and outdoor recreational activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and biking.

3. Myrtle Beach: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Myrtle Beach, a popular vacation destination with miles of sandy beaches, amusement parks, live entertainment, and shopping outlets like Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing.

4. Historic Savannah: Take a day trip across the border to Savannah, Georgia, just a short drive from South Carolina, and explore its historic district, filled with oak-lined squares, historic homes, and charming shops and restaurants.

5. Plantation Tours: Learn about South Carolina's plantation history by touring historic plantations like Boone Hall Plantation, Drayton Hall, and McLeod Plantation Historic Site, where you can gain insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked on these estates.

6. Congaree National Park: Immerse yourself in nature at Congaree National Park, home to one of the largest intact hardwood forests in the Southeast. Explore hiking trails, go canoeing or kayaking along the Congaree River, and take in the park's diverse wildlife and towering cypress trees.

7. Fort Sumter National Monument: Take a boat tour to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Learn about the history of this historic fortification and its role in shaping American history.

8. Gullah Culture: Discover the unique Gullah culture of the Sea Islands, rooted in West African traditions and preserved by generations of African Americans. Visit places like the Penn Center on St. Helena Island to learn about Gullah history and heritage.

9. Culinary Experiences: Indulge in South Carolina's culinary delights, from traditional Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and Lowcountry boils to barbecue joints serving up mouthwatering ribs and pulled pork.

10. Festivals and Events: Experience the vibrant culture of South Carolina at festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, the South Carolina State Fair in Columbia, and the Beaufort Water Festival in Beaufort.

If you want more suggestions on what to do in South Carolina, I suggest you check out their tourism website.