Magnolia Plantation

Magnolia Plantation is a place to see gigantic live oak with Spanish moss contrasted with vibrant azaleas in the spring. Our visit was at the end of March.

A peacock may strut his stuff for you.

This plantation was established in 1676 by the Drayton family and still owned by its descendants.

It is the oldest garden and last large scale Romantic style garden in America.

Below was walking through an azalea tunnel. Of course the photos do not do this justice.

The property runs along the Ashley River and includes a wildlife refuge here on the water.

Some camellias were still hanging on.

Romantic nooks can be found throughout.

Charming sculptures add more to the idyllic ambiance.

We spotted a couple of alligators enjoying themselves on Big Cypress Lake.

Random calla lilies were along the water's edge.

Vibrant azaleas were here and there.

It was iris time too.

Below is the Long Bridge. It may look familiar as it is a popular photo op for many.

An unexpected tree bench. It looks like this has been here many years seeing how the trees have grown over it.

Happy poppies!

A zoo and nature center is also on site for the kids (and adults). A rare experience of being up close to tranquil deer that are not afraid of people!

This guy below was out an about since it is also a petting zoo.

An Audubon Swamp Garden is also on the property featuring a boardwalk to enjoy.

The main reason I wanted to visit here was to see this photo in person. This is taken from their website. We didn't quite see this image but it was still an enjoyable visit. It was a rough season for azaleas with frequent frosts that we aren't used to seeing in March.

If you go, Magnolia Plantation is located at

3550 Ashley River Road

Charleston, SC 29414

open daily from 9am - 5pm

website

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Congaree National Park

Visiting the Congaree National Park on a sunny day after heavy April showers is a treat!

Boardwalks lead you through the old growth bottomland hardwood forest. These floodplains may not be completely walkable as we encountered!

I suppose with the proper footwear, one could venture further. We did spot a water moccasin have the time of its life and who knows what else may be lurking in the water here.

When the water is still and the reflection is just right, this is what it looks like gazing down into the water (that is my reflection at the bottom).

It appears like the forest goes on forever (above, below and as far as we could see) with the reflection even though there is probably only 2 feet of water here. Of course the photos do not do this justice. It is really something to see in person.

I have a fondness for perky saw palmettos. They just look happy.

There are lovely reflections of these cuties too.

Some parts are very grassy.

When the sun hits just right, it is dreamy.

Other stars of the park are the incredibly tall trees.

Waters from the Congaree and Wateree rivers pass through these floodplains. They carry nutrients and sediments to feed the national and state trees that grow here.

Loblolly pine trees grow particularly tall here.

All the upper boardwalks were passable. 

They meander throughout the forest creating a peaceful walk.

If you go, the park is located at:

100 National Park Rd

Hopkins, SC 29061

open 24 hours, free of charge (this walk must be really cool during a full moon!)

Website - It is a good idea to refer to the website before venturing here as there may be trail closures.

 

The park looks quite different during drier times.

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val

Nooks of Charleston

 There is plenty of stimulus in Charleston, SC.

The nooks are filled with charm.

If you live here, you have to deal with tourists gawking at your property every day.

I do think the home owners like to show their properties off.

There is a plethora of wrought iron details to admire.

Some driveways are works of art.

There is a golf cart in this one below. It is a mode of transportation for some locals and is allowed on the roads.

The ivy is incredible!

Here is some whimsical landscaping below. So cute! I imagine real frogs find this oasis.

Have a marvelous day/evening (wherever you are on the clock)! ~Val