Have you ever been somewhere so beautiful it’s made you cry? We finally visited a place in our new hometown that may be one of the most gorgeous places I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen some European countries. I’ve been to Hawaii. I’ve been very blessed in my lifetime to go and see places I’ve only read about in textbooks. But several months ago, we went to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, SC and I was in awe. Literally taking pictures at every corner. The entire place is so picturesque. Weddings were happening, people from all over the world were here. And a deer licked my arm. More on that in a minute. But seriously. This place was from a story book.
My cousin had been in town for a few days and we wanted to take her around the Charleston area for some sight seeing. After some time at the pool we decided to head over to Magnolia Plantation to check it out. I enticed my children to go by mentioning the nature center. And it did NOT disappoint. I had no idea I would walk into this little animal area and feel like Snow White. There are eight deer in there that just roam the area, waiting for people to pet them. They WILL lick you if you let them. I totally did. What other time in my life will I ever be able to say I’ve been licked by a deer? These deer were taken in because they had imprinted on humans and couldn’t return to the wild. So they are nice and safe here and can roam around to the surprise and delight of anyone who enters this area. We were also fascinated by the peacocks. They also roam the area and show off their feathers for the ladies. The only other place I’ve seen peacocks in the wild was in Hawaii. I forgot how loud they are! Haha! But definitely check out the nature center. There are several amazing animals to see!
The landscape of the area is insanely gorgeous. There is simply NOT a bad place to take a picture. Every corner has some sort of flower, tree or wildlife you will want to capture on your phone to create a future canvas print later. Trust me on this. Honestly, I was kind of pinching myself the entire time, making sure this was a real place. And being a short drive from my home made it that much more amazing to me.
So if you keep your ticket and want to return within seven days, you can go again at no extra cost. So, we kept our tickets and took my husband back with us because he HAD to see this place! This time when we went we saw several alligators in some of the ponds. Magnolia has strict rules about not feeding them but they allow them to roam and live here freely. You are in South Carolina. They live here! So watch where you walk! You may see one a tad closer than you expected! (The one pictured below is a little guy in the nature center.)
I love seeing new places, and learning about their history. This place isn’t just pretty. It is historic. It was founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. It has seen its fair share of the Revolutionary War, and Civil Wars. It is the oldest public garden in America and it is a MUST SEE when coming to Charleston.
Our family just bought the general admission tickets which gives you access to the gardens, grounds, and the nature center. You will need to pay extra to go inside the home, take a tram or boat tour or see the swamp gardens. SO much to do and see here so definitely plan accordingly. If you go to their website, they will tell you what is in bloom right now, and lots of other details you may need before you visit. Check it out here: https://www.magnoliaplantation.com/index.html
Walking these grounds gave me such peace. Being in nature will do that. I look at these birds wandering the grounds and the deer who have no idea that licking people isn’t normal and it reminds me of this verse:
Matthew 6: 26-34 says, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.“
Next time you plan a visit to Charleston, check out these gorgeous gardens. I promise you will not be disappointed. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is most definitely a place you MUST VISIT! (Please remember it is hot in the summer! Haha!)
Mom About Charleston 