You too can be a Summerville Historian

"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.

See Summerville in a Day!

Color Mason, The World's Largest Sweet Tea

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.

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

Experience the aptly named "Flower Town in the Pines"

"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

Unveiling some of Summerville's most iconic historic homes.

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 .