In the heart of the Deep South, beneath trees weighed down by moss and years in the hot South Carolina sun, lies the Ashley River Road, a short stretch of pavement immersed in rich Southern history and culture. History buffs and tourists alike flock to the area to bask in the presence of elegant plantation homes with sprawling, fragrant gardens and to search for antiques, art, and Southern delicacies to take back home.
A center for the arts since the birth of our nation, Charleston, South Carolina has evolved into a mecca for both artists and art enthusiasts. The city is brimming with galleries and antique shops waiting to be discovered. Begin your shopping experience at King’s Street, or as locals call it, “The Antiques District,” southeast of the byway on the east side of the Ashley River. Marked by rows of antebellum homes, palmetto trees, and wrought iron gates, this slice of Southern history is an excellent place to rediscover the furniture, porcelain, silver, art, and other items from the 18th and 19th centuries. While in town, sample some fried okra or a bowl of she-crab soup, a Charleston original, from one of the many local restaurants that specialize in recreating that unmistakable down-home Southern feeling.
Near the byway's southern terminus, the oldest surviving plantation house open to the public, Drayton Hall, not only represents architectural magnificence; it also offers visitors a rare look at work by some of the Lowcountry’s finest talent. Peruse the Drayton Hall Museum Shop and find fascinating handcrafted figures of Gullah children, intricate wooden treasure boxes, or guest towels embroidered with the image of the cast-plaster ceiling medallion in the Great Hall. Whatever you fancy, you can choose from a wide array of artisan treasures and practical presents housed in what was once the caretaker’s cottage.
A centuries-old tradition of dedication to the beauty of the natural world, the majestic Magnolia Plantation and Gardens lies only a few miles to the north of Drayton Hall. Take a tour of the 300-year-old mansion and discover the colorful legacy left behind by the Drayton family’s earliest American ancestors. After a relaxing boat ride across the old flooded rice field, swing down to the plantation’s gift shop and choose the perfect item that will crystallize the day's memories. Select from an extensive assortment of distinctive and unusual gifts and sculptures crafted by artists who perfectly depict the flair of South Carolina's Lowcountry in their work.
Head further north and make your next stop at Middleton Place, where you'll find 65 acres of gardens and a lavishly decorated colonial mansion overlooking the Ashley River. And while a visit to our nation’s oldest gardens offers great sights with a splash of history, it also offers a mouthwatering taste of the South. For those unfamiliar with Southern cuisine, the Middleton Place Restaurant promises a deliciously authentic introduction. Feast on Hoppin' John and ham biscuits, collard greens, and pan-fried quail, and make sure you get a table by a window for an amazing view of the gardens while you eat. Before you call it a day, head down to the gift shop and browse through a delightful selection of quilts, pottery, footstools, and many other memorable items made on-site in the Plantation Stableyards.
Cruise the Ashley River Road and discover the inimitable personality and shopping experiences the Old South has to offer. Stroll the city’s age-old streets and collect one-of-a-kind mementos while you relish your priceless encounter with the Old South's stately charm.
Disclaimer: this story does not serve as an endorsement of any private interest by the Federal Highway Administration.
