Flowertown USA: Summerville, South Carolina 

What’s in a name you might ask? Everything! Except that “The Flower Town in the Pines”, as it is known worldwide,  doesn’t do this Southern jewel the justice that it deserves. To visit Summerville, South Carolina in March/April during the advent of spring is to simply get caught up in the heady fragrances and visions of millions of azaleas in full bloom and much, much more!

The annual Flowertown Festival in Azalea Park, which is normally held during the first weekend in April each year, is host to thousands of people from all over the country. Those, who attend the weekend event, flock to this charming little Southern city to relish in its flowers, foods, arts & crafts and family fun. The park is a wonderland of azaleas against the foil of lush green grass with beautiful pathways and bridges taking you over meandering creeks. 

Local, regional and national vendors set up their foods and arts & crafts under the canopy of pristine, white tents in the midst of the garden’s glorious spectrum of colors. The aromas from the many food stations create a festive feeding frenzy for young and old, alike. Talented artists from painter to potters, jewelers and more bring their treasures to the festival. A great venue for finding a unique gift for that special someone, even if that special someone happens to be YOU!

Azalea Park is nestled in the heart of historic downtown Summerville, which is sprinkled with exquisite white cottages and beautiful gardens surrounded by picket fences. A walk or drive through the historic district is an almost surreal experience with antebellum history at your fingertips. This epitome of Southern charm was once the summer retreat for the wealthy Charlestonians, who escaped the summer’s heat and threat of malaria on the peninsula of downtown Charleston in the days long before air conditioning and inoculation for this insect-born disease were known. 

Christmas time is yet another dream-come-true, as the pride of Summerville continues to prove itself strong, as the residents of this community adorn their beloved city with garlands, wreaths, twinkling white lights and Christmas Spirit! Christmas tours of graceful historic homes invite the public to visit once again and step back in time to Christmas Past.

The quaint, tree-lined Main Street is home to specialty shops and boutiques that are proudly owned by local residents. The corner pharmacy was written up in Southern Living magazine and takes one back in time to the 1930’s and 40’s upon crossing the threshold. And, a home-cooked meal at Eva’s Restaurant directly across the street is a must before departing the city limits. Miss Eva, who is 91, opened her restaurant in 1946 when she was 30 years old. She still comes to work everyday and sits in the kitchen in her rocker peeling potatoes for the mashed potatoes and gravy that is on the menu along with fried chicken, meatloaf and plenty of FRESH vegetables to name but a few of the choices. This is an old-guard business run by an all-female staff, who treat you like you were coming for lunch at Granny’s!

So, if you’re looking to find an oasis of Southern charm, visit Summerville, South Carolina. You’ll be glad you did! (But, try to keep it a secret, so that it will stay the way it is…)