The Birthplace of Sweet Tea, Summerville has the sweet life down to an art. Just a short drive from Charleston, savvy travelers know Summerville as a charming spot with small-town coziness, a wide array of attractions and world-class cuisine. Summerville’s walkable downtown historic district is home to boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and other attractions. Among them is Azalea Park, featuring 12 acres of bronze sculptures, ponds and walking trails.
Outdoors fans will want to ride over to the nearby Edisto River, one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America. A handy access point is Givhans Ferry State Park, featuring a public beach, camping and hiking options; or for more structured water activities, visit Edisto River Adventures, offering stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and tubing. Coffee lovers will want to visit Coastal Coffee Roasters, while craft beer fans should hit Oak Road Brewery. For a wider variety of beers, Homegrown Brewhouse pours IPAs, pilsners, lagers and more from across South Carolina. There’s also the upstairs bar in The Icehouse Restaurant, serving up flavored vodkas and cocktails in addition to great food.
For history buffs, dozens of homes, many built after the Earthquake of 1886, are one-of-a-kind structures listed on the National Historic Register. Also not to be missed are the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site and Plantation Row, home to Middleton Place and neighboring Drayton Hall, along with Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
Description Credit: SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, DiscoverSouthCarolina.com
