By: Sandra Wiktor
When you are typically in a relationship with someone, would the ideal way to convey your undying infatuation be to build them a huge garden in your wealthy plantation that would last for over 325 years?
Chances are, the answer is no. However, wealthy plantation owner John Drayton would say yes. He cultivated such a garden to, as said by the man himself, “…create an earthly paradise in which [his wife] Julia may forever forget Philadelphia and her desire to return there.” This haven, Magnolia Gardens and Plantations, has been named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” by the Travel and Leisure Magazine, the only garden in South Carolina bestowed with such an honor. It is easily accessible, too, as it is only three hours away from Charlotte.With the garden’s vibrantly colored azaleas and camellias, the elegant bridges reaching across green-coated lakes that appear almost solid, and vast thickets of old oaks stretching across the sky beside sparkling rivers, this title was well deserved.
The pricing varies, and can range anywhere from $15 – $47. For basic admission, the price is just $15, with additional activities $8 each, and an all inclusive pass for $47. For the basic admissions ticket, in addition to the gardens, one can access the zoo, conservatory, gift shop, orientation theater and Peacock Cafe.
The gardens, with their untamed beauty, are worth the visit in themselves. However, a visitor may also be equally drawn to the zoo, featuring several indigenous species, including gray foxes, bobcats and several birds of prey. The conservatory, with its semi-tropical plants that provide a brief snippet of the fauna of the Caribbean, may also be worth a visit.
The orientation theater provides a rich history of the plantation and is also available for visitor enjoyment. Visitors can uncover some hidden treasures in the gift shop, which offers a wide variety of artistic works and other miscellaneous gifts. Finally, the Peacock Cafe features exactly what the name suggests: peacocks, which stare hopefully at you as you dine on the cafe’s sandwiches, chips and other snacks. Though the basic admission ticket gives visitors a good peek at Magnolia Plantation and Garden’s potential, if they are willing to pay extra, visitors are able to experience it in its entirety.
With eight dollars extra for each activity, visitors are offered the opportunity to enrich their visit. They could saunter through the wealthy historic plantation house, but also see a stark contrast to its opulence on the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour, which features the slaves’ cabins from the 1850’s. One can also survey the gardens from the seat of the Nature Train, which passes by a variety of wildlife including alligators along the way, or even sail across flooded rice plantations on the Natural Boat. They can also take a brief sojourn into Audubon Swamp Garden, where the boardwalks and bridges allow visitors to experience this natural haven in places where it would have otherwise been inaccessible. With all things considered, $8 may be a small price to pay for some of these remarkable experiences.
It is safe to say that anyone who is interested in tidbits of history intermingling with stunning natural beauty would be wise to take some time out of their week to stroll across Magnolia Gardens and Plantations.
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