“Gadsden’s Wharf dig in Charleston reveals layers of history where slaves were once sold” ABCNews4.com
In the market for a 7,000 sq. foot plantation? Here you go!
Thomas Plantation is located on a small 125 acre plot on John’s Island a short drive from Charleston. It is available for a measly $6.9 million. Could be yours!!!!
Check out this SouthernLiving.com article, ‘Warning: This Just-Listed Charleston Plantation Might Cause Swooning’, for a tour.
Take a guided horseback tour of Middleton Place!
On your next visit to Charleston, consider letting the Middleton Place Equestrian Center give you a tour via horseback.
“With beautiful trails intertwining through age old trees, inspiring views of Middleton Place, and a guide to describe the history and stories we’ve seen over the years, a visit to Middleton Place Equestrian Center is guaranteed to please friends and family!
https://www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com
We offer guided trail rides, tours of the property, and equine boarding with the best of care.”
Doesn’t a guided historic trail horse ride sound fun?!?
Rides are offered daily at 10.00 a.m. 12.00 p.m. & 2.00 p.m.
ALSO offered, 5.00 p.m. rides on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday.
Visit their website site for trail ride information and to book: www.middletonplaceequestriancenter.com
“Town Of Kiawah Island Releases Grow Native Plant Database” IslandConnectionNews.com
Kiawah Island is about an hour day trip from Charleston.
“The Town of Kiawah is pleased to announce the release of the new online native plant database. The database is part of the Town’s Grow Native initiative launched last fall. This initiative is a community-wide effort to increase the use of native plants in landscaping projects with an overall goal of improving wildlife habitat. More information on the program and a link to the new database can be found by visiting the Town’s Grow Native web page at www.grownativekiawah.com.”
https://islandconnectionnews.com/town-of-kiawah-island-releases-grow-native-plant-database/
“Inside a Charleston Antiques Show Dinner at the Historic Aiken-Rhett House” Architectural Digest
Charleston Waterfront Pass – three Charleston Harbor Attractions w/ one pass
“Experience three Charleston Harbor Attractions with one convenient pass! Begin your waterfront adventure at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum or South Carolina Aquarium. Then, take in breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor while you ride the Charleston Water Taxi to your next attraction. Simply present your Charleston Waterfront PassTM confirmation at Patriots Point or South Carolina Aquarium admissions points for entry.”
5 Blooms You’ll See in Everywhere in Charleston This Spring
By: John Williams
While many of us are busy getting our lawns ready for the upcoming growing season, many plants are also preparing for warmer temperatures. Springtime in Charleston is one of the most beautiful times of year to get out and enjoy the many blooms that adorn every nook and cranny of the city. You’ll find bulbs pushing through the ground as well as flowering shrubs and trees that bring a canopy of color and fragrance to every street. Check out these five blooms you’ll see everywhere in Charleston this Spring:
Camellia
This popular bloom appears at the first sign of spring, making the Camellia a welcome sight for winter-weary natives. This flower can vary significantly in its size and shape as well as color. You may notice pink, white, or red Camellia blossoms begin to form against dark evergreen leaves. Camellia trees make excellent hedges and borders and do well when planted together to create a wall of sheer beauty. The trees can also grow up to 65 feet tall making them a favorite for all to see. The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens offers daily walking tours to showcase these magnificent native plants. Camellias are essential to Charleston and the surrounding area for the tea that comes from their scented leaves and flowers. Many of the city’s historic farms continue to grow Camellias today.
Azalea
These common southern plants also native to the area, bring forth pink and red bursts of color when they bloom in the spring. You’ll see these lovely shrubs announcing their arrival after winter with brilliant shades. Azaleas are popular to use as hedges or as anchor plants in gardens to fill in the landscaping. They’re also great for providing privacy for backyard dining areas. Azaleas aren’t tough to grow, so you’ll find them in wild areas around the city. The flowers have a long history in Charleston and are one of the most beloved plants around. They’re part of the rhododendron family but are considered to be a higher quality plant than the rest of their relatives.
Wisteria
It’s hard to miss the vines of Wisteria that bloom in beautiful shades of purple during the spring. This climbing plant wraps its way around many buildings in downtown Charleston, framing the noted history of the city. You’ll also see Wisteria climbing gates and lamp posts. The plant can be aggressive and choke out nearby vegetation. You’ll note the clumps of purple colored blooms that make their way all over the vine. Some vines can grow up to 65 feet off the ground and spread over 30 feet wide making them quite the show stopper at maturity.
Forsythia
You’ll see an abundance of yellow when Forsythia begins to bloom in Charleston. This gorgeous plant offers golden blooms that are easy to spot. Forsythia comes in a variety of forms as different breeds produce both regular and dwarf options. You’ll find that Forsythia is a rapid grower and can easily stand up to 10 feet tall and wide given the right soil conditions. It’s known for its slightly unkempt appearance making it a favorite to add variety to a stately cultivated garden. These plants definitely draw attention to areas around the city. The sheer amount of profuse blooms on the Forsythia make this an easy one to spot during springtime in Charleston.
Crepe Myrtle
You can’t go far in Charleston in the spring without spotting these gorgeous trees. Crepe Myrtles are the original ‘Southern Hospitali-Tree.’ These smaller trees came to America through the port in Charleston and began to bloom immediately. It produces blooms in a variety of colors including red, pink, white, and purple. The arching branches of the Crepe Myrtle also give this tree a soft, endearing look that makes them perfect in many cultivated gardens around the city.
There are plenty of gorgeous plants to see in South Carolina in the coming months, but none compare to the popularity and beauty of these five blooms you’ll see everywhere in Charleston this spring.
John Williams is a guest writer, an outdoor living expert and explorer. When he’s not traveling to nature’s most well-known beauty spots, he tends to the greenery surrounding his home.
Top 10 Tips for Visiting Charleston from Nat’l Geographic Travel
On May 11th, 2018 National Geographic TRAVEL posted “Discover the Best of Charleston: Make the most of your trip with these top ten tips for the “Holy City.” Nancy Gupton wrote:
“One of the United States’ oldest cities, Charleston—nicknamed the Holy City for its abundance of churches—offers visitors plenty to experience and explore. Don’t be overwhelmed: These are our top ten tips for making the most of your time…”
Examples:
1 – SEE THE BIRDS
2- WANDER THE GARDENS
Read the article for the other eight hints and to read her elaboration on each.
Very useful!
“Holy City How To” article from Southpark Magazine
The lovely photo above is only one of the many photos of Charleston in this great article – hint: you will LOVE the one of the Charleston Fountain!
Here is the intro to the article:
“Whether you’ve lived in Charlotte for 10 years or just moved into town, Charleston should be top on your list of weekend getaway locales. It is, after all, consistently named the top city in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure and is oft considered one of the best culinary destinations in the country.
So how does one do Charleston when there’s either so much to cover in a first-time visit, or you’ve been there what feels like countless times? Heed this advice and experience the Holy City with a fresh set of eyes.”
Read the rest of the article for great advice for your Charleston visit!