Sweet, Small-Town Summertime

July 30, 2021

Our tea is ice-cold and our hospitality is warm. 


We aren’t only about our unique Spring flowers here in the Flower Town in the Pines. Summerville is charming all year long, and our summer season is no exception. Our small-town atmosphere and proximity to the most beloved attractions in the Lowcountry, makes Summerville the perfect place to spend your vacation. 

Here are a few recommendations…



We love to grab a beautiful meal on the patio at one of our family-owned restaurants and sip a cold one from locally-owned bars, breweries, or wine shops. Of course, you can always find a tall glass of our famous iced tea in the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. We can promise that our tea is always ice cold and highly recommend you ask about the specialty Sweet Tea Cocktails –you will NOT be disappointed.



To be completely honest, one of our favorite way to stay cool in the Deep South is with air conditioning; so why not enjoy the AC while soaking up some retail therapy? With free parking and easy walking, we have a top ten quilt storelots of antique and home good shops with unique boutiques for that one-of-a-kind treasure. 


Bonus: The historic downtown has a tree-lined square with a refreshing fountain right in the middle of all that retail goodness. Treat yourself to an ice cream from the old fashioned soda fountain, pull up a shady park bench and enjoy the scenery.


 


Our great location makes for the perfect day trip to the many beaches around Charleston. Each has its uniqueness; so stop by the Visitor Center at 402 N Main for a map and discover which beach most fits your style. 


And, of course, you've heard of Charleston just a short drive away- a must-do day trip. 



Another way to stay cool in the Summer heat is a slow float down the longest free-flowing black river—the only place to float in the Lowcountry.  It's just a short country drive from Downtown Summerville and offers ideal attractions for those hot summer months.  Float the river by day and head back to Summerville for a craft cocktail at night. All right outside our back door.


Tell the friendly folks at Edisto River Adventures we sent you, and they will take good care of you. 



 





Our excellent lodging options offer crystal-clear swimming pools and long front porches with all that southern hospitality that we are known for. You will relax and unwind and know this is exactly how a vacation should go.




We can’t wait to see you and will be glad to answer any questions you might have. The Summerville Visitor Center is located at 402 N Main, stop by, and we can help you navigate all that Summerville Charm.


While you are here, be sure to get a picture with the Birthplace of Sweet Tea Mural located on the back of the Summerville Chamber/Visitor Center building. 


 Tag us @VisitSummervile we love to see your photos and be a part of the fun. 


Click here for a Visitor Guide mailed to you.

 



March 6, 2025
"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.
February 20, 2025
See Summerville in a Day!
January 21, 2025
Color Mason, The World's Largest Sweet Tea
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.
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
March 19, 2024
Experience the aptly named "Flower Town in the Pines"
March 9, 2024
"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. An interview with The Flowertown Players at the James F. Dean Theater in Downtown Summerville
December 6, 2023
Unveiling some of Summerville's most iconic historic homes.
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 .
August 18, 2023
Exploring the After-Hours Charm of Summerville's Nightlife
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