A Lowcountry Treasure: Charleston Tea Plantation

Just outside of one of the prettiest towns in America on Wadmalaw Island is the little known jewel that is the Charleston Tea Plantation. This Lowcountry treasure is a must-see not only because it’s the ONLY large-scale tea plantation in America, but because it is just steeped (see what I did there?!) in Southern Charm! It’s location on Wadmalaw Island is ideal because of the amount of rainfall any given year, the topography of the land, and the temperate climate.

I had previously been to the plantation with my mom and sisters several years back but since I was in the area, I dragged my parents to visit again. My adventure was on a lovely Spring day and the weather was ideal as the humidity was not as ever-present as usual for the South. The large oak trees and the dreamy Spanish moss greets you with little waves in the breeze upon arrival.

Now this is not your cliché plantation that one may expect to be associated with the dark past of the South. With 120+ (and continually growing) acres of tea plants, this is purely an agritourism site with no manor house to visit. Visitors can check out the harvest of the tea plant tops with the very unique “Green Giant” harvester, take a factory tour of the drying of the leaves, and buy some yummy goodies to take home with you. My favorite part was trying the tea varieties of the day – cold and hot brewed. In the South, we love us some good Southern sweet tea but as a part Yankee, I am also a fan of the hot-brewed kind. This visit perfectly suited my preferences. And don’t forget the fun trolley ride around the plantation!

Let’s take a tour!