Exploring the Charming Town of Summerville, South Carolina

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, Summerville is a small town with big charm Known as the “Flower Town in the Pines,” Summerville offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, rich history, and natural beauty Let’s take a closer look at what makes this town so special.

A Brief History

Summerville has its roots in the years following the Revolutionary War. Weary Charleston residents would escape to the pine forests north of the city to avoid summer heat and disease. The settlement was known as Pineland Village in 1785 before officially incorporating as Summerville in 1847.

That same year, Summerville passed the nation’s first tree protection law with fines for unauthorized tree cutting The town seal reads “Sacra Pinus Esto” meaning “the pine is sacred” in Latin In 1925, Summerville adopted the motto “Flower Town in the Pines” due to its abundant azaleas and flowers.

Charming Downtown Area

Summerville’s downtown has over 140 shops restaurants, and businesses housed in historic buildings. Visitors can stroll down North Main Street and Oak Street to find antique stores boutiques, art galleries, and more. Azaleas, oak trees, and flowering plants line the streets.

Popular stops include the Summerville Visitors Center, the Garden Café, Knightsville Antiques, and Sweet Potatoes – a famous Southern clothing and gift store. Downtown hosts various events like the monthly Second Sunday concert series.

Recreational Opportunities

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Summerville’s parks and green spaces. Azalea Park is a must with 100-year old live oak trees, Confederate jasmine, and of course, colorful azaleas. The park hosts the annual Flowertown Festival each spring.

Sawmill Branch Trail offers a shaded walking and biking path with ten bridges crossing the wetlands. For boating and fishing, Lake Moultrie and the Ashley River are nearby. Overnight visitors can stay at Old Dorchester State Park with camping, hiking trails, and historic ruins.

Sweet Tea Culture

Summerville proudly claims the title of the “Birthplace of Sweet Tea.” While the exact origins are debated, sweet tea has a long history here. The annual Summerville Sweet Tea Festival celebrates this heritage with tastings, contests, and the World’s Largest Sweet Tea container – a 9-foot tall Mason jar.

Visitors can follow the Summerville Sweet Tea Trail featuring local restaurants and shops. Be sure to stop for a refreshing glass of classic Southern sweet tea!

Year-Round Festivals and Events

In addition to the Flowertown Festival and Sweet Tea Festival, Summerville hosts many lively annual events:

• Summerville Christmas Parade – held each December with over 100 parade entries
• Sculpture in the South – a juried outdoor sculpture exhibit each spring
• BBQ, Blues & Brews – lively street party with live music and barbecue
• Summerville Family YMCA Firecracker Run – popular 4th of July race
• Summerville Oktoberfest – German food, beer, music, and fun in October

Accommodations for Visitors

Summerville offers many lodging options from chain hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Popular picks include the Hampton Inn Summerville, the Beech Hill barn Inn, and the Azalea house Inn.

Visitors can also stay on nearby Charleston’s Peninsula or at beachside resorts. Summerville makes a convenient home base to explore Charleston, historic plantations, and beach towns like Isle of Palms or Folly Beach.

Moving To or Retiring in Summerville

With its warm hospitality and easygoing pace, Summerville has become a popular spot for relocations and retirees. Reasonable home prices coupled with a mild climate and relaxing lifestyle attract those looking to call Summerville home. The town’s historic neighborhoods feature beautiful homes with porches perfect for rocking chairs.

Retirees can join activities at the senior center, take leisurely walks downtown, or play golf at one of the nearby courses. There are excellent medical facilities available as well.

Experience Southern Charm in Summerville

Summerville offers the best of quintessential small town Southern living. It’s a place where front porches are meant for sweet tea and friendly chats with neighbors. Towering pines, blooming flowers, shady oak trees, and graceful plantation homes abound.

The pace here feels comfortably slower, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate the beauty. Summerville’s hospitable and family-friendly atmosphere makes it easy to see why the town motto declares it “the heart of it all.”