A Sweet Weekend in Summerville

December 10, 2020

Looking for a places to visit in South Carolina? Look no further than Summerville, SC

Summerville is located in the heart of the Lowcountry, just 25 minutes from Charleston. Nestled among pine trees and azaleas, this cozy town offers all the Southern Charm of the Holy City, with the added bonus of a slower pace.

STAY

Can we let you in on a secret? You don’t have to stay in Charleston if you plan to visit Charleston. Summerville offers many beautiful hotels - many of which are brand new and newly remodeled. Plus, you can enjoy free parking!

If you’re looking to sleep like a local, one of our many historic Bed and Breakfast Inns might be the ticket for a fully immersive Southern experience.
https://www.visitsummerville.com/stay

Grab a coffee to go, and get outdoors during your stay in Summerville.

Love the water?
Paddle, kayak or tube float with on the black waters of the historic Edisto River. The Edisto River Adventures Riverfront Outpost will take care of everything for you.

Local History
The Sue Sanders Memorial Historic Homes & Flowers Walking Tour is a great way to explore Summerville’s historic homes. The oldest home on the tour is the Gelzer Brothers House, c. 1819.
Use this interactive map to take the walking tour that starts with free parking in Azalea Park.

Look for the QR code sign at each home for all the details, or ask the friendly locals- they love to share their stories!

Another great stop for history-lovers is Middleton Place. Located on the Ashley River just 8 miles from downtown Summerville, you can take a stroll along 65 acres of garden paths that are more than a quarter millennium old. See history come alive through re-enactments of working Stableyards, artisans and heritage breed animals. Explore the ornamental lakes shaped like butterfly wings, and have a meal at the restaurant!

Stop by Colonial Dorchester State Park where you can take a peek into the early history of life in colonial South Carolina. Follow the settlers trail from England, to Massachusetts, to South Carolina.
Hint…the Bell Tower is a great place for photos.

https://www.visitsummerville.com/historic-sites

Shopping

Unique shopping is Summerville’s speciality. The Historic Downtown is the place to find a unique item for your home.

Shop for everything from Vintage to Modern at our beautiful locally owned shops. Peruse our antique malls for local treasures, and don’t miss our dress boutiques with the latest styles.
Oh, and take our word for it- whether you’re a quilter or not, you must stop in People, Places & Quilts.

If you’re in need of some time out, get pampered at The Winchester Spa and Salon. Indulge yourself in facials, body wraps, customized body massage, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, medical treatments, and full range salon services. With luxurious new facilities the Winchester is tucked just around the corner from Main street.

Feeling Creative?

The Public Works Art Center is located in the heart of Downtown Summerville exhibit gallery is always free and they keep a full calendar of classes to discover your inner artist. Visit with local artist onsite. The Shop at the Public Works is filled with beautiful creations and Summerville products.

DIY Nailed it Summerville is a do-it-yourself wood decor studio located on “Little Main”. It’s in a beautiful historic building that is perfect to bring the girls for a group class or with a friend for some studio time.

Feeling a last minute need to create? Just stop by and they will take care of you!

Visiting the in the Spring? Summerville changes hats from “The Birthplace of Sweet Tea” to the “Flowertown in the Pines”, where the 6-8 ft Azaleas put on a show. Plan a photo shoot when the bright azaleas are blooming en mass throughout the town, especially in 16-acre Azalea Park.

Grab a picture with Toby, our most special Sculpture in Azalea park.
While you’re walking through the park, look for several other charming sculptures. .
http://www.sculptureinthesouth.com/perm-walkingtour.html

Be sure to tag us in any of your pictures using #visitsummerville to be featured!

Looking for Insta-worthy photo locations in Summerville?

The Birthplace of Sweet Tea Mural is located at the back of the Visitor Center’s building at 402 N Main. Stop in for helpful maps and brochures while you are here!

Meet Mason, The World’s Largest Glass of Sweet Tea! Take a picture with Mason, the Guinness Book of World Record holding icon in historic downtown- and use #worldslargetsweettea so we can give your post some love!

DRINK

Wine Bar, Tea Bar, Coffee Bars, Brewhouses, oh my!
Whether you’re in the mood for sweet tea or a local brew, one thing is for sure- you will not be thirsty when visiting Summerville.

You can drink your way from one end to the other as locals like to say, and they’re only half-joking.

Closest to the railroad tracks on “Little Main” is Cuppa Manna. They serve speciality teas and coffee and they’re a great spot to watch the activities on the square.

Step back in time and grab a soda from the soda fountain at the oldest pharmacy in the state. Guerin’s Pharmacy’s has been in operation since 1871.

Drinking the ‘Ville is a must do while visiting the Birthplace of Sweet Tea.

EAT

Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Supper
Whatever you call it, we take our food very seriously.
We like to say that “not all our tea comes in a glass”. From modern dining at Azalea Square, to local dining in historic Summerville, we have quite a selection of eateries.
Who else can serve you both a slice of BBQ Pie, and Sweet Tea Pecan Pie?

https://www.visitsummerville.com/eat

We hope you have everything you need to plan a trip to Summerville, SC. If you have any questions, we are available to help at 843 873-8535.

Please stop by the Visitor Center at 402 N Main for brochures and maps.

Open 7 days a week:

Mon-Fri 9am 1--5pm

Sat 10am-3pm

Sun 1pm-4pm

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"At the Heart of Summerville" is a blog series dedicated to exploring the vibrant community of Summerville, South Carolina. From the historic downtown area to the surrounding districts, we showcase the people and places that make Summerville such a special destination.

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10 Must-Do Activities in Summerville, SC this September

September 1, 2024

As September brings cooler weather and a shift in seasonal activities, Summerville, South Carolina, offers the perfect blend of events and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a local or planning a trip, here are ten things you can enjoy this month in Summerville. 1. Sweet Tea Festival No September visit to Summerville is complete without attending the Sweet Tea Festival , held annually in the downtown district. Known as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea , Summerville celebrates with sweet tea tastings, live music, and local vendors. This is a must-attend for both residents and visitors alike. 2. Explore the Historic Downtown With the temperatures beginning to drop, take a leisurely stroll through Summerville's historic downtown. Browse through quaint boutiques, antique stores , and local art center . The Summerville Farmers Market is also in full swing every Saturday morning, offering fresh local produce and handmade goods. 3. Visit Azalea Park Azalea Park is a year-round gem, but September is one of the best times to visit as the temperatures become more pleasant. With its walking paths, ponds, and sculptures , it’s an ideal spot for a quiet afternoon. Don’t forget to check out the sculptures that dot the park, offering a mix of art and nature in one peaceful setting.

Indoor Adventures in Summerville

May 17, 2024

When the forecast calls for inclement weather in Summerville, it's the perfect excuse to explore the town's hidden indoor gems. From hands-on crafts to entertaining theater performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy – rain or shine. Get Your Hands Busy Pepper Jack Pottery Studio: A great rainy day activity! Create your very one one-of-a-kind piece of art at Pepper Jack Pottery Studio. This local favorite offers walk-in pottery painting for all skill levels and ages. They also offer classes and camps, so be sure to check those out, too! https://www.pepperjackpottery.com Nailed It DIY Studio: Get hands-on at Nailed It DIY Studio. Located on Hutchinson Square, make an afternoon of crafting with your friends. Book your studio time and choose your project- they have everything you need to create something beautiful for you home. Simple Treasures, a beloved sweets shop, has recently joined this space, moving from their spot on Central Ave, so get some gourmet popcorn or homemade ice cream while you’re here! https://summerville.naileditdiy.com People Places and Quilts: Celebrating the beginning of their 35th year this May, People Places and Quilts is a Summerville staple. They have also been recognized as one of the nation’s top ten quilt shops. Browse their extensive fabric collection (including sweet tea fabrics!), take home a quilt kit, get inspiration for your next project, or chat with their knowledgeable staff. https://peopleplacesquilts.com

A Sweet Spring in Summerville

March 19, 2024

Experience the aptly named "Flower Town in the Pines"

At the Heart of Summerville: Flowertown Players

March 9, 2024

A Hidden Gem: The Sue Sanders Memorial Summerville’s Walking Tour of Homes & Flowers

December 6, 2023

Unveiling some of Summerville's most iconic historic homes.

From Camellia to Cup: Summerville's Tea History

September 11, 2023

Sweet tea is more than just a refreshing beverage - it's a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. For many years, this iconic drink has been a staple of Southern cuisine, and nowhere is its history more celebrated than in Summerville, South Carolina, the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. The History of Tea Tea has a rich history in America, with its roots dating back to the late 1700s when French explorer and botanist Andre Michaux first planted tea at Middleton Place Plantation, which is in modern-day Summerville. Beginning in 1880, despite two failed attempts to grow tea in South Carolina, the federal government became interested in this new tea experiment. It established an experimental tea farm at the former Newington Plantation, leasing 200 acres from Henry Middleton. In 1888, Dr. Charles Shepard, a philanthropist and professor at the Medical College of SC acquired 600 acres of the Newington Plantation property. He established the Pinehurst Tea Plantation using plants from the government’s farm. He cultivated about 100 acres, built a factory, and began to sell his tea commercially, becoming the first successful commercial tea farm operation in the United States. After Dr. Shepard's passing in 1915, his plantation became deserted and remained so for over four decades until the Lipton Company purchased it in 1960. They salvaged the remaining plants from Pinehurst and utilized them to open a research facility spanning 127 acres on Wadmalaw Island. In 1987, an expert third-generation tea taster trained in London named William B. Hall, purchased the tea farm to establish what is now the Charleston Tea Garden. In 2003, Bigelow Tea Co. purchased the farm and partnered with Hall. The tea from the Charleston Tea Garden, all derivatives of Dr. Shepard's Camellia sinensis, is still growing there today and has earned the honor of the Official White House Tea and the Official Hospitality Beverage of South Carolina. You can also see specimens of the tea plants from the Pinehurst Tea Gardens in the garden of the Summerville Museum .