South Carolina

Blossom of Camellia Sinensis
 

In the fall of 2012 I was with a group of relatives on a vacation which included a stay in Charleston, South Carolina.  Like most vacations, this one was too short to see everything we were interested in seeing.  I am a tea drinker and requested that we visit the Charleston Tea Plantation on our way into town.  It is the only tea farm in the United States growing the traditional Camellia Sinensis.  We were able to view the process of tea making even though it was past the harvesting season.  We also enjoyed samples of tea and a stroll through the gift shop. 

Rainbow Row on the waterfront in Charleston

Charleston itself is a charming city.  It is one of the oldest eastern seaports, located on the Atlantic Ocean; it is a true Southern city with many antebellum homes.   Middleton Place includes one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States, a museum and a working stableyards.   I enjoyed the trolley system in Charleston which is free.  It allows you to travel easily from one area to another.  We enjoyed the central market which has been in existence since 1800 and features many local crafts.  Fort McHenry is located on an island nearby with ferry and tours several times each day.  Like most cities, museums, art galleries, and other attractions are available.

Tybee Lighthouse

South Carolina is much more than just Charleston of course.  There are several other large cities including the capital of Columbia.  One of the most famous places is Myrtle Beach.  The area around Myrtle Beach is known for the crowds of young people who flock there for Spring Break each year.  The Grand Strand stretches for sixty miles, includes continuous white sand beaches, two state parks, both fresh and saltwater fishing, plus unique shops and restaurants . The island of Hilton Head in the southeastern corner of the state is known for its golf destinations but also offers gorgeous beaches, unique shopping experiences and many other activities.
 

Besides the cities and the beaches, South Carolina has a gradual elevation of the land as you travel inland through foothills until you reach the highest point in the state, Sassafras Mountain, in the northwest corner of the state.  Much of the state is deciduous forested land and is especially beautiful to see in the fall of the year when the leaves begin to turn colors.

Sunrise on the waterfront
 

As one of the original colonies, much history is found throughout the state.  Situated in the south, along the Atlantic Ocean, South Carolina is a wonderful place to explore any time of the year.  To find the perfect getaway place for you in South Carolina, check out their website at http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/#