TASTY TRIPS: Sweet on Summerville - The Birthplace of Sweet Tea
by Lynn & Cele Seldon
Although we live and work together 24/7, we cer- tainly have differing opinions about tea, one of our favorite beverages. One of us (not naming names) prefers their tea oh-so-sweet. And the other is a serious unsweetened tea imbiber. But one thing we can agree on here at Seldon Ink is that we love a tasty trip to Summerville, the birthplace of sweet tea.
The tea plant first came to America in the late 1700s, when French explorer and botanist André Michaux planted tea at nearby Middleton Place Plantation. In 1884, an experimental government tea farm was established in Summerville, and sev- eral years later Dr. Howard Shepard opened Pine- hurst Tea Plantation near the experimental farm. His teas were a big hit at the 1904 World’s Fair and Shepard even welcomed President Theodore Roosevelt to tour his Summerville tea operation.
Many decades after Shepard’s death, in 1960, the Lipton Company bought the then-abandoned property and salvaged the remaining tea plants for a research facility on nearby Wadmalaw Island. In 1987, third-generation tea trader William B. Hall and partner Mack Fleming bought the tea farm, establishing Charleston Tea Garden. In 2003, Bigelow Tea Co. bought the farm and partnered with Hall. The tea from the Charleston Tea Gar- den, derivatives of Dr. Shepard’s original Camel- lia sinensis, have earned the honor of being the Official White House Tea and Official Hospitality Beverage of South Carolina.
Thus, Summerville’s roots as the “Birthplace of Sweet Tea” run deep. Here are a few of our favor- ite places to eat, drink, shop, do, and stay, many of which are featured on Summerville’s Official Sweet Tea Trail, which lists more than two dozen sweet tea-related stops, plus prizes for those who buy something and collect stamps along the way.
WHERE TO EAT:
Baker’s BBQ
Baker’s is a Sweet Tea Trail stop with low and slow pork, ribs, and brisket accented with sweet tea, sides we love, and their homemade Sweet Tea Pecan Pie.
Bexley Fish & Raw Bar
Laura (see below) chef/owner Nico Romo raves about Bexley, and he should know fresh seafood, thanks to his acclaimed NICO Oysters + Seafood in Mt. Pleasant. We wholeheartedly concur that chef/owner Jeremy Holst is doing great work with fresh seafood and more from near and far.
Eva’s on Main
Eva’s on Main has “killer Southern food”, again according to Nico Romo, for breakfast and lunch, and we agree. Not to mention their popular daily specials, sweet tea in a mason jar, and more.
The Icehouse Restaurant
The Icehouse is a family-owned farm-to-table Southern fave, thanks to a great Summerville vibe. We especially love their Southern-leaning entrees and sides, as well as sweet tea vin- aigrette dressing and occasional sweet tea-infused desserts.
Laura
Chef Nico Romo is a friend and the famed chef/owner of Mt. Pleasant’s NICO Oysters + Seafood, as well as down- town Charleston’s Bistronomy by Nico, a French bistro we frequent. Summerville’s Laura is the oh-so-talented chef’s ode to his maternal grandmother, Laura, with rustic cuisine inspired by the family dinner table in Italy. We say, “Si!” to Laura’s creative pizzas, pastas, and so much more, and now love it as much as Nico’s other two outposts (with more to come, we hear).
Montreux Bar & Grill
Yet another tasty stop on the Sweet Tea Trail, Montreux is famed for their Saturday and Sunday brunch, which pairs well with their bustling Bloody Mary Bar, mimosas, or tasty sweet tea for those not imbibing.
WHERE TO DRINK:
The Azalea Bar & Garden
Inspired by the signature style of Summerville’s Azalea Mag- azine and featuring craft cocktails, specialty curated wines, a selection of local craft beers, a southern-leaning menu, and a great garden, inspired by the signature style of Summer- ville’s Azalea Magazine, AB&G is a Sweet Tea Trail classic for downtown drinks and more.
Carolina Ale House
Also on the Sweet Tea Trail and easily making “Eat” list as well, their Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka cocktail or possibly their tasty and tasteful Southern Belle Sangria go well with their award-winning wings.
Coastal Coffee Roasters
Thanks to their large selection of fresh teas, this caffeine hotspot is on the Sweet Tea Trail.
Cuppa Manna
This Sweet Tea Trail stop is beloved for their Instagrammable pastries and specialty drinks, including Ginger Peach Sweet Tea.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Antiques & Artisans Village: Featuring more than 150 vendors and consignors, this Sweet Tea Trail stop includes teas from Charleston Tea Garden (see below), teapots, teacups, sweet tea candy, and lots more.
Cotton Down South: Featuring a complete sweet tea line and their famed dough bowls and dough bowl candles, this popular Sweet Tea Rail stop features home décor and so much more.
French Mercantile: This is a great Sweet Tea Trail stop is a great place to find vintage-style tea towels and much more.
Hanebrink Jewelers: Lynn’s a proud veteran, so he loves this veteran-owned shop, and Cele loves it because they carry authentic replicas of brass and sterling silver tea leaves as pendants and earrings, which were derived from original Summerville tea plants.
Lowcountry Olive Oil: Air Force Veterans Jason and Laurie Benjamin offer handcrafted flavored olive oils and vinegars, including their Peach Tea Balsamic Vinegar and their Summerville Blend Olive Oil (we love both and many more of their offerings).
Main Street Reads: Owner Shari Stauch is a long-time bookseller friend (and not just because she carries all of our books). Ask about “tea” books like Baptized in Sweet Tea, Sweet Tea at Sunrise, and Sweet Tea for the Soul. Quite simply, a visit to this sweet downtown independent bookseller is a Summerville must-do.
Simply Country Chic Boutique: Check out their sweet tea hand-poured soy candles.
Summerville Antique Gallery: A great place to look for vintage and antique teapots and teacups.
WHAT TO SEE & DO:
The Axe Joint: Summerville’s first axe throwing range features private lanes and great drinks, including their Sweet Tea Twisted-cicle, co-branded with Christy’s Twist- ed Spirits for this sharp Sweet Tea Trail stop.
B.I.R.D.S. Sculpture Trail: More than 20 life-sized bird sculptures throughout downtown. Begin with Clue #1 at Summerville’s Town Hall
Birthplace of Sweet Tea Mural: Painted by a local artist and located at the Summerville Visitor Center, this Sweet Tea Trail stop provides a must-take selfie spot.
Charleston Tea Garden: Situated about 40 miles south of downtown Summerville, this is a must-see and -do when in the area.
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site: This is a great place to explore the area’s rich Colonial history. Insider tip: Be sure to look for the oyster shell tabby used to build the fort, as well as using the state parks system’s “Ultimate Outsider” stamp for your Sweet Tea Trail stamp, located on the backside of the main parking lot’s information kiosk.
Mason: The World’s Largest Sweet Tea: It stands more than 15 feet tall and can hold 2,524 gallons of sweet tea. Did someone say selfie?
Nailed It DIY Studio: You can buy or make your own hand-built wood décor for your home and more, including unique sweet tea-related signs, as well as door mats, tea towels, and more.
Public Works Art Center: With ever-changing exhibitions, art camps, and classes for all ages, this Sweet Tea Trail stop also includes a gift shop with sweet tea-themed items.
Sculpture in the South: A self-guided tour of Summerville’s acclaimed Permanent Public Sculpture collection, which starts in Azalea Park.
Sue Sanders Memorial Historic Homes and Flowers Walking Tour: We love this tour. Trust us. This tour also starts near Azalea Park.
Summerville Dorchester Museum: This fascinating muse- um is dedicated to the history of Summerville and Dorchester County. Ask them about the “Historic Downtown Tour: Walk- ing the ‘Ville.”
The Timrod Library of Summerville: We love libraries and this classic turn-of-the-century library still uses a card catalog system. We spoke about our writing there, enjoyed a tasty after- noon tea, and learned about their featured “sweet reads.”
The Winchester Spa and Salon: Ask about their indulgent “Sweet Tea Special.”
WHERE TO STAY:
We’ve spent many nights in Summerville over the years—after many memorable meals and more—and can’t just recommend one or two places. Suffice it to say that there’s a great choice of bed and breakfasts downtown and nearby, as well as a great se- lection of “chain” and independent hotels out near I-26, a short drive from downtown.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Of course, there’s lots more to pursue in the Summerville area. For more information, visit www.visitsummerville.com, or stop by the helpful Summerville Visitor Center at 402 North Main Street.