Mepkin Abbey - Peace on the Cooper River

Mepkin Abbey is an active Trappist monk monastery located on the Cooper River. It has lovely gardens, a small contemplative maze and, of course; a reception center gift shop. The history of Mepkin is tied into the plantation land that it sits on. You can find graveyards, old oak trees that stretch across the water, statuary, a large pond and several picnic worthy areas.

Mepkin Abbey is a former rice plantation. At 7,000 acres there is more than enough room for anyone who wants a peaceful and reflective time in nature. People of all faiths are welcome to enjoy the grounds and hold discourse with the monks. It has been owned by three families and was eventually passed on to the church in the 1950's.

The first summer I went on this adventure, I went back four times. It's serenity and beauty calls me back every year. As I wander the grounds, look at the flowers, statues, visit the gift shop area and enjoy the rows of angel oak trees peace overwhelms my soul. When you go, you seem to be able to forget about the big wide world outside and just exist in that moment with nature. We can not wait to go back!

1. Mepkin Abbey is located at: 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA. Click here for more directions.
2. Bathrooms, waterfoutains and bottled waters for purchase are all available at the gift shop.
3. This area is wheelchair accessible for most of it. They have built up roads for a good portion and the views from the top where you can not access from the wheel chair are stunning. Everyone will have a great time.
4. Don't forget your sunscreen, water, and possibly even a hat if you are out here during the summer. You may be covered by trees, but it still gets plenty hot.
5. The monastary does have various times it is closed, multiple events during the year and tours you can take. Don't be shy and ask at the gift shop for a list of all of these events.

Final conclusion: we will return every year. There is always something small but different to see when you go, and the peace of the area never changes.

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Colonial Lake, Charlestons Oldest Pond

I recently had the pleasure to revisit Colonial Lake Park. Before it was redone by the Charleston Park Conservancy it was basically a tidal pond with some cement around it. There were a few palm trees here and there, but to my recollection there was no seating and the area around the pond was very hot. My husband and I found it by accident one day. We could find no sign for the area and had no idea what we had really come across. With the improvements made to the area by the conservancy I now think of it as a park, rather than the cement pond we found. Images of the pond in it's different forms can be found here. This park has been around since the late 1700's and has it's history wrapped up in the changing shape and ideas of freedom that molded Charleston since it's founding.

What I most liked about the revamp of the park was the greening of it. Now you can walk around this pond, get some sun, and then rest in the gathering cool of the trees that are on the corner and sides of the pond itself. In doing research for this park I came across several articles that showed the people of the area are heavily invested in what happens to it. They have, several times, stopped different types of beautification from happening siting many reasons it should not be done. For us this means the park is dearly loved by many people. It's not a place that was changed solely to attract to visitors, but, to be agreeable to those who live around it. I have read stories that people regale about coming to this tidal pond and swimming, taking picnics and just generally enjoying themselves outdoors at the park across the street called Moultrie Playground.

I would recommend this area for a good half hour walk to stretch the legs. It has some very nice green spaces, you are surrounded on all sides by the classic Charleston homes, and when the wind is right, you have the smell of the sea with the lapping of the water making for a very relaxing area. We plan to visit it again with our dog.

Now down to the important wonderings:

• Colonial Lake Park is located at 41 Ashley Ave., Charleston, South Carolina 29401 {This is actually the address to Moultrie Playground, when I put in the original address, it takes you to someones home. If you are using a different GPS system change the 41 to a 42}
• This park is wheelchair accessable. The park is level and well kept so no extra planning is needed.
• There are no public bathrooms available. Plan accordingly.
• Although the water is said to be swimmable, we can find nothing that says it's ok and nothing that says don't do it. Swim at your own risk.
• We could find two water fountains, so no worries there.

Thank you for reading and joining us on this wander! If you want to learn more about this historic Park, click here.

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Ft. Moultrie - a building in time

If walls could talk Fort Moultrie would be the story teller who gets first place by the fire. The history of this fort spans from the early 1700 to the end of World War 2. I have been to this site many times and every time I go; I can't help but wonder what it must have been like in the heydays of this very historic fort. As I stand on the grass that was once a platform for soldiers to reveille I wonder to myself what loves lost were thought of here? Did commanders wonder if they would succeed? Did they mourn each other with the foreknowledge that some may not come home? These are things this old fort makes me wonder.

Fort Moultrie is a favorite for locals and visitors alike as it has cannons from the civil war and war equipment from the world wars as well. The place is said to be haunted by soldiers who fell on the beach, however, I can't find any stories to confirm this. Along with the main fort, there is an abandoned area that you can walk around but not into. It has been deemed unsafe and has many areas that are closed off to the public. Once you leave the forts there are two access points to the beach. One walk way leads out to a rocky out cropping which can be beautiful on its own. Then you can also visit the Sullivans Island beach. Neither of these are beaches for swimming. We still recommend them as places to watch the sunrise or set. As you can see in our video that can be very beautiful. You also have a chance to watch all kinds of boats float by and have a great view of the suspension bridge.

Fort Moultrie is part of a historic trust called, "The Fort Sumter-Fort Moultrie Historic Trust". This trust actually includes four areas of historical interest: Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, Liberty Square and the Charles Pinckney Site. Each one has a learning area and then an area to walk around to experience a taste of southern history. Watch the video below for more details about that. Another note of interest for literary scholars or just those interested in horror/macabre: Edgar Alan Poe was stationed here during his short tour in the military. It has been recorded that the area was inspiring for many of his stories, namely: "The Gold Bug". If you get a chance visit Poe's Tavern about ten minutes away from the fort to have a great meal.

To enjoy even more photos taken at the fort check out our: Flickr Album

Now lets get down to the important tid bits:

• Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island South Carolina 29482
• It is mostly wheelchair accessible. There are many areas that are well built and others that are dirt and grass.
• It cost 3$ a person to get in. They do have times when it is free. Usually after the summer time.
• Bathrooms are available as well as water and souvenirs at the welcome area.
• Be sure to ask the ranger on duty for any pamphlets or information for wandering this site. They should give a packet that contain the history of the area and other ways to participate in caring for the history of this area. Watch the video below for more information about that.

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Angel Oak - a tucked away echo

The angel oak tree is estimated to be anywhere between 300-500 years old. It grows silently and unassumingly down a dirt and gravel path. Guarded by a church and the denizens of the gift shop it is a sight to behold. Standing by it you are witness to a creation that is an echo of times long past. Memories of fairy tale forests where, often, the best of adventures and lessons are discovered.

This is one of those adventures you just have to go see for yourself. All the words in all the world can not describe the majesty of the age of this tree. It makes me think of how it must have been in the garden of Eden when man lived in concert with nature and God walked the Earth in the cool of evening.

Enjoy the slide show!

My reverie was soon broken by the denizens of the gift shop who come out to check and make sure no one is sitting on the old oak. Yelling at anyone who even looks like they might be about to lay their gluteus maximus upon the lower branches. Here; they are serious about conservation, no ifs ands or butts.

The tree itself has several supporting harnesses and poles. Even with that, it was a nice experience. When we went a family was there comparing their growth to the width of the tree. I have had several people tell me that it is a tradition for their family to have family portraits by this tree, a hallmark of the south.

Angel Oak is located at, 3688 Angel Oak Rd, Johns Island, SC 29455. You can call them at (843) 559-3496.

1. Angel Oak is wheel chair accessible but the grounds are not developed so plan accordingly
2. This is a free admission site
3. Dogs are not allowed with only service animals as an exception
4. You can not take pictures or video inside the gift shop

Even with some distractions this is still a good wander for your travels. You are unlikely to see anything like it again and when you see it, you'll never forget it.

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A wound down weekend at Deep Water Vineyard

Deep Water Vineyard is located on Wadmalaw Island at 6775 Bears Bluff Rd. I've never been to a wine tasting before that was from the winery itself and I wasn't sure what to expect , especially being someone who doesn't drink. Why go to a wine tasting then? Because Deep Water Vineyard makes everyone feel at home. I took my friend who loves a good wine and we had a great time. I know some might be worried about going to a place like this at first. Am I going to be around a lot of loud drunks who can't respect my personal space? Is this a safe place to go being way out on the islands? I can tell you it definitely is safe and your personal space is definitely respected. If I were looking for a place to wind down from my week, this would be the place I would go. It has southern style and charm and even with all the people there, you are not crowded in the least.

The drive out there takes about an hour from the Charleston area. It is a serene escape hatch that really starts to get you into the mood for an island adventure with an oak lined road that keeps the southern heat at bay. On our way there we came across other interesting sites such as the Angel Oak and when you go further down the road you run into the Tea Plantation.

Deep Water Vineyard is best described as a big backyard that they have invited everyone to come and enjoy. The vineyards are open to everyone to walk through with a breeze that is sweet and light. They have animals to interact with and we actually got a chance to sample the food trucks that we missed out on before (you can read about that here). The wine tasting and moonshine tasting costs you a total of 11$ and they card you at the table where you buy your tickets. With that cost you are given: a wine glass and a shot glass, a sampling of four wines and six flavors of the famous Firefly moonshine.

They do events as well!

The wine tasting was informative, fun and lasts about 30 minutes. We then moved on to the moonshine tasting which had a significant line. Be prepared to wait in this line for a little over 20 minutes because the moonshine tasting takes about as long the wine tasting. All of their products are for sale and they also have a gift shop with wine or southern related things on display.

Tips and tricks for this adventure:

1. This area is wheel chair accessible. It is not on ground that is developed so plan accordingly.
2. It can be tough to find the entrance. Go slow down the road and be on the look out for a black gate with a wine glass on it. It also has two different signs on the sides of the gate. One for firefly and the other for the former name of the Deep Water Vineyard which is Irvin House Vineyard. This sign will be changed in the next couple of years, but until then that is your marker.
3. It is hot out there so be sure to bring water with you.
4. They do allow dogs as long as they are well trained and on a leash.

When you go I would recommend the event they have called Weekend Wine-Down. This is the event that my friend and I attended. I will be going back to this idealic area as soon as possible! To learn more about Deep Water Vineyards visit their website or Facebook Page.

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YMCA Flowertown Festival - a taste of everything Summerville

The Flowertown Festival, also known as the azalea festival, is a yearly event put on by the local YMCA and several supporters. It's designed to be a fundraising event and that lets you experience everything that Summerville has to offer!

There is a lot going on at the Flowertown Festival so lets just jump into the need to know's:

1. The event is mostly wheelchair accessible. They have done better this year than in previous years, however, the wheel chair accessible area is limited to the main road. After that you have dirt/gravel walk laid down to facilitate wheel chairs, prams, and strollers. When it rains this walk becomes muddy and difficult to maneuver, so plan ahead.
2. It is hot out there! This festival takes place during the Spring. Here in South Carolina that can mean temperatures between 75-100 degrees. This area is semitropical so rain is also not out of the ordinary. Be sure to take sunscreen, plenty of water and a hat just to be sure you are covered.
3. Animals are not allowed at this event. Even though this is an outdoor event, they do not allow recreational animals. Service animals are welcome and should be properly tagged so everyone can see.
4. Friday is the best time to go. People coming from out of town are settling in and haven't made their way to the festival just yet and locals are still working. If you want a less crowded experience, this is what we suggest.
5. Parking can be a chore. Several churches around the festival provide all day parking for $5 a day. The free parking is vast, but can fill up quickly if you don't get there early.

There are many things to see at this annual festival. People give away free samples and it is a great way to add some southern decor to your home. This is an international festival and that means some of the vendors you see will not be from South Carolina. If you are wanting something authentically southern be sure to check with the vendor before purchasing. As locals, we continue to go for the food. Several different vendors hand out free samples and if you get your picture taken by the Summerville Journal Scene they will give you free ice cream! A little tip for staying out of the sun: if you go beyond the table set up behind the food you will notice an incline and a then a side walk. This is a great place to sit in the shade and enjoy your food. The only thing asked is; you do not go into the yards of the people who live on the street and please pick up your trash!

We suggest that you take a least two days to participate in this event because of how large it is. This is a free admission event and you are not required to purchase anything. My husband and I go and have a lot of fun just looking at everything that people have to offer. This type of festival also lends itself to great photo opportunities for families and friends a like. I like to always get a picture with the big cup of sweet tea that McAlisters Deli has sitting next to their booth. This festival sits in middle of Azalea Park for which the festival was originally named. The park includes gazebos, ponds and statues to enjoy, take pictures by and generally have a great time.

Overall this is an enjoyable event that you can attend every year and one we hope you will enjoy on your next wander!

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T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Station, a lasting impression

T.I.G.E.R.S is an experience I had been waiting to attend for about a year. I went with a friend and my husband expecting to hold or pet baby tigers and interact with larger ones. This is something I expected because of the way a couple of brochures I was able to find read. However, when you get there it's not exactly what you might expect. Don't get this traveler wrong; it was still a great experience. It was simply dampened a bit by my dashed hopes of interaction.

T.I.G.E.R.S Preservation Station is located at Barefoot Landing Hwy 17 N, North Myrtle Beach, in what we unofficially dubbed, a mini Broadway at the Beach. It's a lovely area with dining, shopping and no crowds. Perfect for anyone who wants to do basically the same kind of thing, but in a low key setting. The tiger show starts at 5 p.m. and is designed to be a preview of the Myrtle Beach Safari. As a result you will be able to see and hear two adult tigers, several baby tigers, a baby wolf cub and a monkey. If you would like to hold the babies the price for the first person is $100 and any subsequent person is $25. This is where the brochure and initial website reading gets tricky. The website clearly states that holding and feeding cost a fee; however, the brochure reads little different. It can lead you to believe that you may pet said animals without a fee, but holding them and getting a picture costs money. And so, therein, lies our disappointment.

Enjoy the slideshow below of the tigers!:

Even with said disappointment, we stayed a good half hour just listening to the baby tigers mini roars and watching the adults nap, play, and generally do tigery things. You can see the baby wolf and monkey when they bring them out for pictures.

Tips for finding the tiger viewing:

1. there are no signs for it so the closest thing you find for a sign to indicate you are in the right area is the one for Alligator Adventure.
2. Once you turn there, go down the road till you hit a parking lot and your tiger destination is on the left.
3. Another way to know you are in the right area is to find the Longhorn Steakhouse and make the turn directly across the street from that restaurant.

This adventure is wheel chair accessible and they have plenty of parking and bathrooms. Be aware that people do bring their dogs and small children here. They also have an unofficial Facebook page that contain more reviews for the safari: Myrtle Beach Safari Wild Encounters.

My final conclusion is that I would go there again. It wasn't what I expected, but, it was awesome to see these animals as close as I was able to and to hear the babies and watch them play. You will definitely find the trip worth your time.

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