• Charleston Tea Garden (Wadmalaw Island, SC)

    We were able visit the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina when we were in the area visiting one of the kids. It was during the off season so we did not get to see as much of the farm activities during our visit but it was still interesting to see the gardens.

    The visitor center and gift shop was out of some of their standard items like a sampler tea gift, key chains but they did have a good number of other fun items for people to purchase. They had a variety of both hot and cold tea for visitors to try during their time on the farm. Since it was a cooler day I went for some samples of the hot tea. My favorite were the Carolina Mint and Cinnamon Spice Tea. Another favorite hot tea in our party was the Charleston Breakfast Tea. Some of the other people in our party tried the sweet cold teas and said that they were great too. If you are there go ahead and try some of their tea!

    We took a farm tour which was informative and interesting. We rode on the big red trolley. Since it was off season there was only about ten of us on the tour. The guide did a good job on the tour. We saw the tea fields, learned about the history of the farm, visited the green house, took some photos and more fun. Their harvester was in the shop for repairs so we did not get to see the “Green Monster” that cuts the tea leaves.

    Tea fields in the winter and dormant stage. The leaves typically grow seasonally in Spring in late April or May through late September or October. They say when the flowers bloom and it looks like white popcorn all over the fields. It would be neat to see the flowers blooming and the harvester in action.

    Interesting sign showing how many miles to various tea plantations around the world. It was neat to see the distance to different locations.

    If you enjoy tea or learning about the process of making tea it is worth at least checking it out if you are in the area.

  • Travel & Vacation: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (Charleston, SC)

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     Visiting the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

    One of the days while we were in Charleston, SC it was raining so we took the time to explore the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.  We had gotten a Groupon for a discounted tour of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon so we figured it was the perfect day to go.  The girls and I had a lot of fun learning about the building and all the history that took place within it’s walls.  Another time about a year later we were in Charleston again and Jake joined us for our second tour of the building.  It is full of history.  The kids really enjoyed it.  A friend recommended we go see this historic site a couple years ago and we have enjoyed going more than once.

    Old Exchange dates back to the 1670’s when it was used as a Customs and Exchange building for the busy Charleston port.  Pirates were placed in the Provost Dungeon.  British tea was stored inside it’s walls.  You can see the old sea wall inside the Provost Dungeon.  During the American Revolution the colonists hid guns and ammunition inside the building.  There is a lot of neat history in this building.

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    Old staircase, not in use anymore

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    Old Seawall can be seen inside the Provost Dungeon.  Half-moon battery.

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    They had amazing brick work done in the building.  It was neat to see.

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    Old model of the building.

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    Our tour guide telling about the pirates they captured and held as prisoners in the Provost Dungeon

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    Pirates biding their time in the Dungeon

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    The had to keep records of all the exchanges and transactions that took place inside the building.

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    The colonists put a powder magazine inside the building and then built a wall in front of it.  Even during the American Revolution when the British soldiers had control and occupied this building they never found it.  After the war when they took down the wall everything was still where they had left it.

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    Provost Dungeon

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    Black Beard the pirate

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    A lot of neat historical pictures line the walls throughout the building

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    It was a rainy day in Charleston.  Perfect day to take a tour of Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.

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    Information about Preside George Washington’s visit to Charleston.

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    We the People….

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    Historical people and swords

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    Rainy day, but still beautiful

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    Looking out from the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon building to the street below.

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    History of the Exchange & Custom House, Faneuil Hall, and more

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    One of the meeting rooms, beautifully decorated

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    The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon Banner

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    Plagues on the outside walls of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!