By the time I reached college, I was tired of the the cold winters. I convinced my family to let me travel to Savannah and Charleston for spring break. I was never much for the party scene. I preferred poking around libraries, museums and old houses any day.
I was determined to see an historic plantation that was not a theme park. No ladies in hoop skirts, “acting” on the lawn. Luckily, I found Middleton Place Plantation. Since then, I have moved south and often take visitors up to this lovely, idyllic place.
Among other distinctions, Middleton Place has acres of gardens and grounds, which include the oldest living camellia plants, live oaks estimated to be 1000 years old, and hidden gardens.
The plantation was at one time a profitable rice farm. The farmyard is now a “working” museum with stables, blacksmith, weaver, and corral. Sheep and peacocks wander the lawns.
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| Bud the horse |
The plantation sits on a bend on the Ashley River, about 14 miles upriver from Charleston and is a sanctuary for plenty of wildlife. Eagles are often seen as are plenty of water fowl, and the occasional alligator!
For more information, check out their site: http://middletonplace.org/