South Carolina Vacation Day 3: Plantation

Today we decided to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, a plantation near Charleston . Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the low country, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.

It was a beautiful day and the plantation was supposed to have one of the best gardens in the United States. We were a little late for most of the flowers and a little early for the camellias that were planted in the woods. There were a few varieties blooming and they were pretty. We were told that the best time to view the woods was in February when all the camellias were in bloom. They have planted thousands of camellias of many different varieties throughout the woods and with the layout of the walks and other little gardens they would be gorgeous. As you walked through the woods, there were gardens of different flowers and herbs usually behind a manicured hedge or a growth of camellias. Throughout the woods, you would see many different statutes nestled in the gardens and camellias. The plantation grounds had many ponds and small lakes and there were wooden bridges over some of them. There were also gazebos and benches strategically located in the woods and gardens so if you wanted to rest or just sit and while away time you could. They were many secluded locations that would be great to sit in and read a book.

We toured the house, but, unfortunately, we could not take pictures in the house. The history of this property is very interesting and the history as well as a short video and pictures can be found at http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/