Situated amid several of South Carolina’s small, welcoming towns sits Monck’s Corner, home of one of the state’s most beautiful nature preserves: Cypress Gardens SC. This 170-acre preserve also hosts historic sites with remnants of architecture and gardens dating back to 1821. The gardens were originally opened to the public as early as 1932. Before then, the Nesbitt family privately owned them. Located an hour from Charleston and three hours from Charlotte, Monck’s Corner is a must-see for all outdoor enthusiasts.
There are eight acres of bald cypress and tupelo swamp, scattered with bright green lily pads. This swamp is the same area where the rice fields used to flood for harvesting. The area also offers countless opportunities for hiking and boating. Cypress Gardens appeared in scenes of 2004’s staple romance “The Notebook” or Netflix’s hit thriller series “Outer Banks.” The spot is very stunning. In fact, the site regularly hosts weddings.
Exploring the Carolinas Cypress Capital
The garden’s three miles of hiking trails are shrouded by statuesque branches and lined with views of the dark swamp. A boat ride through the waterway can be the highlight of an exploration of the landscape. Visitors can paddle through a marked trail, searching for alligators, turtles, river otters, birds and other wildlife. Each season brings new wonders, especially the spring’s lush daffodil beds and camellia blossoms.
Even during the colder months, the gardens offer color via their greenhouse, used primarily as a butterfly sanctuary. Boasting 2,500 square feet, the grounds are home to a fish pond, birds, bees, and upwards of hundreds of butterflies. Take a leisurely stroll reveling in the relaxing ambience after the more rigorous adventures you’ve enjoyed around the gardens.
Where to Stay Near Cypress Gardens SC
If you’d like to stay nearby, the neighboring town of Summerville, SC offers quintessential Southern charm. Located along the route between Charleston and Cypress Gardens, downtown Summerville is a once rustic town that has been converted to maintain its historic appeal even while adapting to more urban modernization. Among various choices between charming lakehouse rentals and gorgeous inns, a standout among the area’s hospitality is the town’s selection of historic bed and breakfasts.
The family-owned B&B Chick Inn on Main promises both luxury and comfort uncompromised. the hosts seek to make you feel as at-home as possible, even allowing guests to bring their pets along for the ride. Each morning, expect coffee and hot breakfasts, often prepared with the B&B’s fresh eggs. Additionally, Flowertown Charm has gone from fixer-upper to tastefully artistic abode, including eight fireplaces with original mantles and unique ceiling detailing in each room. Aside from the farm’s hospitality alone, popular events regularly offered there include goat yoga, candle making, succulent terrarium building, and heifer calf private bottle feeding.
What Else to Do in Summerville
Outside of your visits to Cypress Gardens, Summerville, SC welcomes you to its active community and rich history. Sweet tea, although integral to the cuisine and history of the American South, is an especially prominent staple in this small town, the birthplace of the specific American twist on this versatile beverage. On the Summerville Sweet Tea Trail, learn about the history of black tea, how it ended up putting down its first American roots along a French botanist’s journey to settling in Charleston, and what made sweet tea such a Southern staple. Along the trail, visit roughly 20 cafes and tea houses to sample various distinctly southern sweets. Afterward, consider visiting one of Summerville’s many opportunities for antiquing, 18 golf courses, or perusing the farmer’s market.
On an upcoming visit to Monck’s Corner’s Cypress Gardens, immerse yourself in breathtaking wilderness landscapes, a warm welcome at local stays, and even the historic tradition of sweet tea. A stroll through the historic bald cypress and tupelo swamp and surrounding communities is the perfect relaxing getaway.
