Page 24 - Summerville NCG 2018

Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest
The Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest is
the hidden gem of Audubon South Carolina. Fully ADA
compliant, the 1.7-mile boardwalk stretches through
Parks & Recreation the old growth section of Four Holes Swamp in upper
Dorchester County. Visitors will venture on a self-
guided walk among 1,000-year-old cypress and tupelo
trees in a forest that is home to 140 species of birds
and other native wildlife. As unique as the stroll along
the boardwalk is, the center also offers extraordinary
Flowers, History, Trails and More experiences through guided canoe trips in the spring,
night walks once a month, and bird walks. Other
Inspire the Outdoor Life in Summerville
S ummerville has been a natural haven Azalea Park programs include workshops throughout the year,
education programs, and summer camps. More
than 10,000 visitors from 30 countries and five
continents visit the Audubon Center at Francis
since the early village was founded in the
Azalea Park features hundreds of azaleas that

18th century as a beautiful retreat away

The visitor center at Francis Beidler
from the summer heat. Centuries later, tourists still burst into bloom each spring, as well as reflecting pools Beidler Forest annually.
and bronze sculpture along the winding paths. Shaded
flock to the area to discover the towering pines, sweet benches and picturesque bridges make the park a Forest also has a “Swamp Shop” that
turpentine scent, and thick blossoming azaleas that the favorite spot for mothers strolling babies and people specializes in merchandise by local artisans
town is renowned for today. As for the heat: a glass of wanting to enjoy a quiet lunch surrounded by nature. and Fair Trade goods. The Swamp Shop is
sweet tea in the birthplace of the famous “house wine Also equipped with two tennis courts, a community a great place to visit for unusual gifts, from
of the South” should refresh and energize your time out center, and two gazebos available for special events, specially blended olive oils and coffee to Fair
in nature. Trade jewelry to books to children’s toys.
Azalea Park combines beauty and function into a place 336 Sanctuary Road
Ashley River Blue Trail that residents enjoy daily. Find it at the corner of Main Harleyville, SC 29448
The Ashley River Blue Trail runs more than 30 Street and West Fifth Street S., and across Main Street (843) 462-2150
miles from its headwaters in Dorchester County’s to Magnolia Street. sc.audubon.org/visit/beidler
Great Cypress Swamp to the Charleston Harbor,
with wildlife and historic sites lining its banks. The
river corridor contains 26 separate sites listed in the
National Register of Historic Places, including Magnolia
Plantation & Gardens, Middleton Place, and Drayton
Hall. The upper river provides paddlers sanctuary from
large motorized boats and can be accessed at the
Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing at 4820 Ladson Road
Extension and the Howard Bridgman River Access
at Bacons Bridge at 200 Renken Road in the
Oakbrook area of Summerville. Learn more at
dorchestercountysc.gov/parks and
visitsummerville.com.

20 greatersummerville.org • (843) 873-2931 2019-2020 GREATER SUMMERVILLE / DORCHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RELOCATION GUIDE