Summerville is a town with a pleasant-sounding name that has caught my eye many times when scrolling about on Google Maps, looking for new-to-me destinations.
(I call this “mapsurfing,” and I find it fuels my travel-hungry mind far more than mindlessly scrolling Instagram or TikTok).
So when the team at Santee Cooper Country Tourism Region reached out to commission an article for their website, well, how could I say no to visiting the city with a sunny name?
My visit to Berkeley County was generously hosted by the team at Santee Cooper Country Tourism Region for the purposes of creating content for their website, however, this post is not sponsored (I just can't help but share!). This post may contain commissionable links.
The trip to Summerville was noticeably shorter than the usual journey from Charlotte to Charleston, which was certainly a welcome change. Though the late June heat isn’t my usual preference for exploring the Carolinas, the summer light casts a glow unlike any other time of year (and linen clothing helps with personal comfort).
After a weekend exploring the best of Summerville and Berkeley County, plus a requisite dip down to Charleston, I’m thrilled to share this guide with you today. As usual, you can expect to find sights worth your time and money, and restaurants that reflect the character of this sweet Southern city.
ABOUT SUMMERVILLE
Summerville is the seventh-largest city in South Carolina by population, situated across three counties: Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester. Originally established as a refuge for Lowcountry planters seeking relief from Charleston’s heat and mosquitoes, Summerville was officially chartered in 1847.
The city soon passed one of the nation’s earliest laws prohibiting the removal of trees to protect the established pine trees, one of the region’s biggest assets. Today, Summerville is celebrated as the “Flower Town in the Pines,” a nod to its historic association with pine trees and the vibrant azaleas that bloom each spring. The town is renowned for its annual Flowertown Festival, which draws visitors from all over and supports programming at the local YMCA.
Summerville’s population boomed over the past half-century, and today more than 50,000 residents are ready to welcome you with good old-fashioned Southern hospitality and a glass of sweet tea (but more on that later!).
WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SUMMERVILLE
For many visitors arriving from Charlotte or Columbia, Summerville is simply a gateway to Charleston. But wise travelers know to hop off I-26 a few exits early, as a stay in Summerville provides much of the same Lowcountry experience at a fraction of the price of staying in Charleston.
Not only will you find outposts of many of the area’s most popular restaurants, but you’ll also discover a charming downtown and ample opportunities to get out in nature—including many that Charleston visitors regrettably miss. Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a guide to this charming part of the Lowcountry.
THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND SUMMERVILLE
Pretend You’re in a Movie
Although a large portion of Cypress Gardens is technically a swamp, the reality is that the park is an elegant botanical garden and nature preserve. We have Benjamin Rufus Kittredge to thank for transforming the neglected land that once belonged to the Dean Hall rice plantation into what is now a 170-acre preserve.
The gardens first opened to the public in 1932, and over the decades, Cypress Gardens has transformed into a cherished public attraction. Today, visitors can explore the gardens’ rich history while enjoying the serene beauty that has captivated generations—even from their sofas.
With such a stunning setting, it’s no wonder that many filmmakers have chosen Cypress Gardens as a setting for their works. The gardens and eighty-acre blackwater swamp have appeared in titles like The Patriot, Cold Mountain, and perhaps most famously, The Notebook. It’s this final film that inspires so many to don a pretty dress and paddle out in one of the park’s iconic rowboats for a mini photo session.
I was up for no such task in the 95°F heat, but I did enjoy a leisurely paddle through the blackwater swamp with Michael. Gliding across the smooth surface, it felt like we were rowing into undiscovered territory. Tangles of water lilies and crowds of knobby cypress knees punctuate the mirror-like surface, flipping the world upside down. The Jurassic atmosphere was only compounded when an alligator appeared, slinking below the surface.
Back on solid ground, there are more opportunities to get up close and personal with the wild and reptilian; the Swamparium houses a variety of snakes, lizards, and aquatic creatures. On the way out, you might stop to say hello to Boss and Ally, Cypress Gardens’ enormous resident alligators (they were wisely hiding from the sun during our visit, but you can see them in action here).
For a bit of contrast, you can also walk through the Butterfly House filled with fluttering local species. Before departing, make sure to spend some time walking a portion of the 4.5 miles of nature and walking trails surrounding the swamp and traversing the marsh.
Tips: Cypress Gardens is free to visit one day each quarter for Berkeley County Residents. Arrive early to reduce your wait for a rowboat (our midmorning wait time was about an hour), or sign up for a guided tour for $5.
→Cypress Gardens // 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
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Visit a Trappist Monastery
Tucked along the scenic Cooper River in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, is a Trappist monastery. Mepkin Abbey was founded in 1949, and today the abbey is home to a community of monks who live according to the Rule of St. Benedict.
A visit to Mepkin Abbey offers a chance to retreat from the busy world while exploring the beautiful gardens. The grounds are primed for reflection, from a winding labyrinth to benches set along the waterfront to collections of nature’s bright blooms. Michael and I found ourselves in awe of how still and quiet the sprawling property is; a welcome departure from the city sounds we thought we’d grown used to.
Regrettably, we arrived after 4 p.m., and the visitor center had already closed for the day. Here we might have purchased some of the goods produced by the monks from Mepkin Abbey and other monasteries to support the abbey, like dried mushrooms, honey, and art. In any case, the grounds are worth a visit on their own, but if you’d like to explore more of the abbey, you can always take the guided tour.
Tips: Mepkin Abbey is privately owned and a religious site; be sure to review the rules for visitors and observe hours of entry on their website.
→Mepkin Abbey // 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
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See the World’s Largest Sweet Tea
Summerville claims to be the birthplace of sweet tea—a title that’s hotly contested. But according to the Guinness World Records, Summerville is indeed home to the World’s Largest Sweet Tea. In 2016, the community gathered to brew 2,524 gallons of iced tea using 210 pounds of local loose-leaf tea and 1,700 pounds of sugar, toasting their victory with mason jars full of the good stuff.
Today, you can stop and see “Mason” in downtown Summerville. While he may not offer you a glass, he sure makes for a fun photo op.
→World's Largest Sweet Tea // 200 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
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Take a Day Trip to Charleston
A stay in Summerville places you just moments away from Charleston, giving you the ease of exploring The Holy City without the hassle and expense. Spend a half- or full-day exploring Charleston’s iconic attractions, like the Charleston City Market. Charleston’s beauty means you need to charge your camera or phone fully before you visit. Stop and snap a souvenir photo at the Pineapple Fountain and along Rainbow Row.
I’ll release a Charleston restaurant guide later this summer, but should you find yourself hungry, a few quick recommendations include Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop, Jackrabbit Filly, and Off Track Ice Cream.
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK IN SUMMERVILLE
BKeDSHoP
A fair warning: you’re going to want one of everything at BKeDSHoP.
The display case filled with doughnuts, cakes, pastries, and other treats had us drooling, and it was no small feat to not lick the glass. But thankfully service is friendly and efficient, and just seconds later we were digging into pillowy, sugary goodness. Like every good bakery should, BKeDSHoP also has a full coffee menu, making it a perfect one-stop-shop in the morning.
Don’t miss the tiny plant shop in the back, where you can find the newest member of your plant family while watching the bakers hard at work through the large picture window.
→BKeDSHoP // 408 Nexton Parkway, Summerville, SC 29486
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Vicious Biscuit
As a Southerner, my love for biscuits runs deep. Sweet biscuits, savory biscuits, I love them all (except biscuits and gravy—why would you want to ruin a perfectly good, flaky biscuit with stodgy gravy?). Vicious Biscuit offers a variety of biscuit sandwiches for every type of biscuit lover—including yes, one with gravy.
In a hurry to get on with our exploring, Michael and I skipped the line that stretched out the door and placed an order to go. But if you have a little time to linger, the cocktail menu looks like an extra vacation-worthy way to start your Saturday.
A note for my Charlotte friends: I just learned we have a Vicious Biscuit location here in the Arboretum! That’s dangerously good knowledge I know you’ll use wisely.
→Vicious Biscuit // 206 Front St, Summerville, SC 29486
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The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips II
Sure, you might expect to find seafood in the Lowcountry, but you might not expect to find British-style fish and chips – and very proper fish and chips at that – in the region. Yet here we are…
The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips II (A+ on the name, by the way) is an authentic chippy in Nexton slinging ultra-fresh fried cod and other chip shop classics. The menu is edited down to just the essentials, meaning the quality is top-notch. Michael and I shared a half order of their Fish N’ Chips as a hearty snack one afternoon, served piping hot with homemade tartar sauce and malt vinegar. Simply perfect.
→The CODfather, Proper Fish & Chips II // 508 Nexton Square Dr, Summerville, SC 29486
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Laura
Laura is that delightful style of restaurant that feels like a special spot but is decidedly unstuffy (think the kind of place you might bring your in-laws to or where you’d go to celebrate a new job). The restaurant celebrates Chef Nico Romo’s grandmother through scratch-made Italian cuisine with a homestyle bent.
Though I gave the menu a good once over before choosing the restaurant and you’d think I might know what I was in the mood for, it was nearly impossible to decide what to order. With increasing looks of sheepishness, Michael and I asked our server to check back with us over and over before finally placing an order.
Torn between pizzas, pastas, and the whole fish we saw making its way to a neighboring table, we finally settled on two dishes: the carne pizza and the bucatini carbonara. Both were heavenly and I’d order each again in a heartbeat—along with a second scoop of gelato next time.
→Laura // 101 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
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Page’s Okra Grill
Ask just about anyone who’s ever been to this region for a restaurant recommendation, and chances are, Page’s Okra Grill will be on their list. But even if you just happen to stumble in? You’d quickly gather that this restaurant is on a lot of locals’ weekly restaurant rotations.
With a no-reservations policy and a perpetual wait, a meal at this Southern restaurant is the perfect opportunity to slow down your fast-paced weekend. Belly up to the bar and order a drink while you wait (after seeing a Bloody Mary being prepared for another guest, I felt a pang of FOMO, so please have one for me!), and eventually you’ll be seated and presented with a bevy of traditional Southern and Lowcountry fare to choose from.
I couldn’t miss an order of their popular Crab Rice, topped with some of the best fried shrimp I’ve eaten in recent memory, and added a side of pimento cheese grits (because again, how could I not?). If this is your first foray into Southern cuisine, I can’t think of a better place to try it.
→Page's Okra Grill // 142 Brighton Park Blvd, Summerville, SC 29483
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Simple Treasures
Need a little treat? Head to downtown Summerville for your sweet fix.
Just about everything lining the shelves at Simple Treasures is designed for your sweet tooth, but don’t stray from your mission: get a scoop of their homemade ice cream (or Italian ice for my dairy-free friends). Flavors rotate, but luckily the team will let you sample to your heart’s content before settling on a scoop or two in a cup or freshly made waffle cone.
→Simple Treasures // 116 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483
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The Azalea Bar & Garden
Cozying up with Michael at a tiny table and with a good, strong drink in hand one evening at The Azalea Bar & Garden, I lamented that Charlotte is missing a bar like this. Inspired by local favorite publication Azalea Magazine, this snug bar is decorated with an eclectic touch, and the cocktail menu is lengthy yet considered.
With more time, I would have loved to tuck into some of their small bites and desserts, but sharing a perfectly executed Longboard and Haberdash cocktail together was exquisite enough.
→The Azalea Bar & Garden // 219 S Cedar St, Summerville, SC 29483
WHERE TO STAY IN SUMMERVILLE
Staybridge Suites Summerville
For the ideal mix of comfort and convenience at the right price (or what I prefer to call value), Staybridge Suites Summerville fits the bill perfectly. This all-suite hotel features clean, spacious rooms with full kitchens, and the property is loaded with amenities that will appeal to the weekend visitor just as much as someone booking a long-term stay (I’m not jealous or anything!).
With perks like free onsite laundry so you can go carry-on only, a hot breakfast bar for starting the day on a full stomach, and an evening social hour during the work week, the value of the amenities makes the cost per night a bargain. Not to mention, it’s set in the perfect location to easily reach everything included in this guide!
→Staybridge Suites Summerville // 225 Holiday Dr, Summerville, SC 29483
WITH MORE TIME IN SUMMERVILLE
In this travel blogger’s opinion, food is enough of a reason to visit this region, so suffice it to say that food is reason enough to return! With more time in Summerville, there’s time for more great eats at places like:
• La Rustica on Magnolia – rustic Italian fare in a home-like setting
• Bexley – a chic seafood and raw bar restaurant in downtown Summerville
• Five Loaves Cafe – easygoing sandwiches, salads, and more fresh fare
• Poogan’s Southern Kitchen – the Charleston staple’s sister spot, with the Southern cuisine you know and love
• Halls Chophouse – for a classic fine-dining experience
• Sip of the South – for sweet tea in its birthplace
And of course, you can’t spend all of your time eating and drinking your way through the region (unless you can, then you’re an icon!). With more time, here are the places that are next on my list:
• Middleton Place – to tour 65 acres of gardens and visit the Middleton Place House Museum
• Old Santee Canal Park – to explore our country’s first canal
• Credit One Stadium – if the stars align and a favorite act is performing
As always, if you make it to any of these before I do, please leave a comment and share your thoughts!
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING SUMMERVILLE + BERKELEY COUNTY
I’m a big fan of straying from the well-worn travel path, and a wonderful weekend in Summerville feels like a reward for doing so. Proximity to Charleston will be enough of a draw for many, but I hope you’ll keep veering a little further to discover more wonderful gems.
All that’s left to do? Pack up your bug spray and sunscreen, and maybe consider tossing a straw hat in your bag as well (you’ll soon see why it’s a popular accessory!). And you’re off!
Thank you to Santee Cooper Country Tourism Region for hosting our stay in Summerville and our visit to Berkeley County!
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Questions for you
How do you take your tea?
Which film shot at Cypress Gardens is your favorite?
Where to next? Why not explore one of these guides:
- Instagram Stories Highlight: Summerville
- The Ultimate Travel Guide for Beaufort, South Carolina
- Checking In: A Review of The Beaufort Inn in Beaufort, South Carolina
- Traveling Light: Packing List for Beaufort, South Carolina
- Weekend Getaway Guide: Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina
- Traveling Light: Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach Packing List
- Weekend Getaway Guide: Columbia, South Carolina
- Traveling Light: Columbia, South Carolina Packing List
- Carolina Day Trip: A Perfect Late-Summer Day of Shopping and Dining in York County, South Carolina
- Discover Old 96: A Weekend Guide for Abbeville and Greenwood, South Carolina
- All Travel Guides Sorted by Destination
- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- Shop My Closet
- Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
Thank you Summerville sure has changed in 12 years. Lived there 25 years . Kids grew up there went to miles rd Baptist church . Flower town festival loved it . Miss it there . Let me know is any one had a room for rent won’t come back home. Laverne leblanc thank you.