Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

We spent the day with John and Glenda, they are campers from North Carolina. We really enjoy their company and had a fun day.

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.

This is the Drayton family home, the third to grace the site in more than three centuries of Drayton family occupation. The current main House – the core of which was built prior to the Revolutionary War near Summerville, South Carolina and floated down the Ashley River to Magnolia after the Civil War.

The gardens at Magnolia Plantation are of such beauty and variety, many parts of the gardens are more than 325 years old, making them the oldest unrestored gardens in America. As the plantation has stayed within the ownership of the same family for more than three centuries, each generation has added their own personal touch to the gardens, expanding and adding to their variety. Spring is the major time for flowers but the gardens were really beautiful even in Jan.

Maze Garden

Petting zoo..

we took a 45 minute tram tour of the plantation that took us by some alligators...

we seen some small and larger alligators.  We then went to lunch at a BBQ place.  it was OK, actually the hickory smoked chicken wings were fabulous but the ribs and pulled pork were not excellent.  so no repeat at this restuarant.

the campground is getting empty, only the old oyster catchers and John and Glenda are here.  Nice and quiet.. just like home.