Looking for a change of scenery? About a 25 minute drive from downtown is the stunning Magnolia Plantation. Founded in 1676, Magnolia Plantation has a rich history, having been right in the thick of both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It’s also the oldest public garden in America, opening up to the public in 1870. The Plantation sits along the Ashley River in Charleston and boasts plenty of swamp land, including some in the garden area. When we were there we saw alligators, frogs, egrets and butterflies, but I’m sure there were lots more critters hiding amongst the thick natural landscape. The Plantation has a beautiful long, white bridge that crosses one of the garden’s ponds and combined with sun and still water, creates a beautiful reflection. Like most great gardens that we’ve come across during our travels, they have a wide variety of plants, ensuring that something will be in bloom all year long. I’m sure it’s even more beautiful during the springtime when the azaleas are in bloom (the Magnolia Plantation website says that the azalea bloom is the best time of year to visit).