Charleston Day Trips

Plantations

Along the Ashley River are a series of magnificent plantations that can be visited, as well as north along the highway towards Georgetown, where the grounds of Boone Hall Plantation are the main attraction. A majestic oak avenue leads to the estate that has been the model for several films including Gone With the Wind and North and South. The original slave quarters and cotton gin house can be visited along with the classic mansion. Closest to Charleston along the Ashley River is Drayton Hall, the oldest preserved plantation house in America, dating from 1742. The Georgian mansion is a National Historic Landmark and the only plantation house on the river to have survived the Civil War intact. Middleton Place was largely destroyed during the Civil War, but the south wing has been restored and houses an impressive collection of silver, historic documents, furniture and paintings. The ornamental lakes are surrounded by the nation's oldest landscaped gardens dating from 1741 and are home to roaming peacocks and other farm animals. The stunning decorative gardens at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens can be viewed by tram tours that cover the grounds.

Website: www.draytonhall.org; Telephone: Boone Hall Plantation (843) 884 4371, Drayton Hall (843) 769 2600, Middleton Place (843) 556 6020, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (843) 571 1266; Opening time: Plantation opening times vary. Boone Hall is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am to 6.30pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm in summer, closing an hour earlier in winter. The others vary from between 9am and 4.30pm. Most are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; Admission: Plantations have differing entrance fees, ranging from $14 to $15

Angel Oak

Angel Oak (or Scarlet's Tree) is thought to be the oldest existing entity, either living or man-made, east of the Rocky Mountains. This extraordinary live oak is about 1,500 years old and, while not very tall, it does boast a vast canopy. The tree's forest home may have been one of the islands' many lumber sources for ship-building back in the 18th century.

Address: 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island; Telephone: (843) 559 3496; Admission: Free

Caw Caw Interpretive Center and Charleston County Park

Set in the Caw Caw Swamp, the Caw Caw Interpretive Center is home to vast natural, cultural and historical displays. Dating back to the 18th century, this formerly slave-worked rice paddy exhibits earthen dikes, rice trunks and canals. Many species of plants and animals can be observed in the wildlife sanctuary, from beech-holly forests to bald eagles and otters.

Address: 5200 Savannah Highway, Highway 17 South Ravenel; Website: www.ccprc.com; Telephone: (843) 889 8898; Opening time: Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm; Admission: US$1