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


DO
   

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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