CHARLESTON TEA GARDEN
Tea is a beloved drink enjoyed by billions around the world and Charleston, South Carolina is no exception. The history of tea in Charleston dates back to when French botanist Andre Michaux brought Camellia Sinensis to Charleston. This led to the establishment of the first tea plantation in Summerville, SC in 1888 and, since then, the Charleston Tea Company has become one of South Carolina’s most significant industries.
The Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island is a must-visit for anyone interested in tea and Charleston’s history. Here, visitors can take a factory tour, go on a trolley ride around the 127 acres of tea trees and even participate in a tasting tour. The knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides will answer all your questions and provide a comprehensive history of tea growing.
At the end of the tour, visitors can visit the gift shop, where they can find tea-related accessories, sweets, and local honey. Trolley tours last around 40 minutes and cost $14. The plantation is open seven days a week, excluding major holidays.
Visiting the Charleston Tea Plantation is interesting, and educational, but most of all, it’s just a whole lot of fun!