A Sweet Spring in Summerville

Mar 19, 2024

Experience the aptly named "Flower Town in the Pines"

Spring has finally arrived in Summerville, SC, and with it comes a whole host of sweet things to do in this charming Southern town. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's something magical about this time of year, when the azaleas bloom, the weather warms up, and the town comes alive with events and outdoor activities. Here are some ideas to get you started:


Stroll Through the Azalea Park

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Azalea Park, located in the heart of Summerville. This 12-acre park features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and ponds. The park is famous for its stunning azalea blooms, which typically peak in mid to late March. In addition to the azaleas, you'll also find camellias, magnolias, and other spring blooms throughout the park.


Take a Walking Tour of Downtown

Summerville's historic district is home to many interesting and beautiful buildings. Taking a walking tour of the historic downtown is a great way to learn about the town's rich history and architecture. There are 13 stops on this tour, beginning at the Summerville Museum located at 100 E Doty St. Parking information is here. Spring is a great time to take this tour, as the weather is mild and the trees and flowers are in bloom.

Explore the Sweet Tea Trail

This is a delightful adventure designed for guests and locals to fully immerse themselves in the charm of Summerville as the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. Pick up a Trail Guide at participating locations or the Visitor Center, and earn stamps with purchases along the way. Stamps=Prizes! Learn more here.


Take to the Water
Grab your fishing rods, kayaks or a picnic and head to the
Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing located at 4820 Ladson Road Extension in the Oakbrook area of Summerville. In addition to a public boat landing and fishing pier, Jessen Boat Landing has a walking trail and boardwalk area overlooking the picturesque Ashley River as well as a picnic shelter with tables.


Shop at the Farmers Market

Summerville's farmers market runs every Saturday from April through November and is a great place to stock up on fresh produce, baked goods, and other treats. The market features local vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and jewelry. It's a fun way to support local businesses and stock up on goodies for the week ahead. Learn more about the Farmers Market here.


Enjoy Outdoor Dining

Summerville is home to many great restaurants, and spring is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining. Many restaurants in town have outdoor seating areas, and the mild weather makes it a perfect time to enjoy a leisurely meal al fresco. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, barbecue, or Southern cuisine, there's something for everyone in Summerville. Check out a listing of restaurants with outdoor dining here.


Attend the Flowertown Festival or Event

Spring is a busy season for festivals and events in Summerville. The Flowertown Festival, one of the town's most popular events, takes place in early April and features over 200 vendors selling arts and crafts, live music, and delicious food. Events in Summerville are always happening, and our local event calendar is a great place to start when planning.


Take a Hike or Bike Ride

Summerville is home to several great parks and nature trails, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Sawmill Branch Trail is a popular choice for walking and biking, while the Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site offers visitors a chance to explore the ruins of an old colonial town. Both options offer a chance to get some exercise while taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings. Check out more places to explore outside.


Visit a Historic Location

Located within a short drive of Summerville, you can step back in time and explore the South as it was over two and half centuries ago and Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. With expansive gardens, historic homes, and new stories to hear, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for American history. You can also check out Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site that sits along the Ashley River.


There you have it, a list of all the sweet things to do in Summerville, SC during the spring season. From blooming azaleas and historic landmarks to local festivals and indulgent bites, there's no shortage of activities to keep you busy during your visit. Whether you're traveling solo, with your family, or a group of friends, Summerville offers a unique and charming experience for all. We can't wait to welcome you to Summerville.


Want to learn more about Summerville? Request a Visitor Guide.

09 Mar, 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
06 Dec, 2023
Unveiling some of Summerville's most iconic historic homes.
11 Sep, 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 .
18 Aug, 2023
Exploring the After-Hours Charm of Summerville's Nightlife
01 Jul, 2023
There’s a reason our town is called Summerville. Aside from its rich history and unwavering Southern hospitality, Summerville is also a mecca of outdoor activities.
26 May, 2023
"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. This ongoing blog series will feature interviews with local business owners, residents, and community leaders, as well as highlight the top attractions, events, and hidden gems in town.
27 Jan, 2023
A rich history, beautiful parks, and plenty of free things to do.
Christmas wreath on fence in Summerville, SC
24 Nov, 2022
Making you feel right at home is exactly what Summerville's hosts do best because they understand that where you stay is just as important as where you go.
07 Oct, 2022
Summerville is typically known as the place to be in the spring due to the flowering azaleas and warm weather… but make no mistake that this charming town debuts its own unique beauty this time of year.
01 Jun, 2022
2- Enjoy the winning Sweet Tea Cocktail (and all the runners up) from the annual Sweet Tea Cocktail Contest. Local Bartenders create goodness with Sweet Tea as an ingredient.
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