Charleston Tea Garden

Tourist attraction · Charleston County

2

@atlasobscura

"Whether it’s white, green, or black, all tea comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis. Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world (after water, of course). But since Andre Michaux, a French botanist, brought the plant to North America in the late 1700s, it wasn’t until 1888 that someone finally succeeded in producing plants that could grow tea for consumption in the United States. Dr. Charles Shepherd, who owned the Pinehurst Tea Plantation in Summerville, South Carolina, had many years of tea triumphs. He even won first prize for his oolong tea at the 1904 World’s Fair. However, after his death in 1915, his farm was left abandoned and overgrown. In 1960, the Thomas J. Lipton Company purchased the Pinehurst Tea Plantation and relocated the surviving tea plants to a research facility about 20 miles south of Charleston on Wadmalaw Island, where the Charleston Tea Garden now is. After 17 years of experimenting, which resulted in over 300 varieties of tea, Lipton concluded the climate and high cost of labor were prohibitive to successfully growing tea in the U.S. A man named Bill Hall, whose father and grandfather were tea tasters, bought the site in 1987. After reviewing Lipton’s efforts, he developed eight varieties of his own, blending the tea with flavors including raspberry, mint, and bergamot for Earl Grey. The tea is grown organically and is harvested with a one-of-a-kind machine assembled on site. The farm turned over a new leaf when Bigelow bought it in 2003 and began distributing the tea nationally (it’s currently available at Whole Foods), and Hall continues to oversee the facility. Visitors can walk through the factory and board a trolley to listen to a guide while seeing the tea plants. The plants bloom October to December, and the fresh leaves from the tops of the plants are harvested every 18 to 21 days from about the first week of May until late October. At the gift shop, free samples of hot and cold tea and a wide assortment of tea-related items are available. In September 2020, the facility changed its name from the Charleston Tea Plantation to the Charleston Tea Garden." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

15 Places Every Tea-Lover Should Visit Before They Die
Adiakina (Atlas Obscura User)

6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487 Get directions

charlestonteagarden.com
@charleston_tea

2 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

Bull Island

Island · Charleston County

Bulls Island offers a serene escape with its pristine beaches, enchanting maritime forests, and ample wildlife, all just a ferry ride from Charleston.

2 Postcards

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina

Mexican restaurant · Charleston County

At Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, you can dive into vibrant Baja-inspired bites like tacos and tortas, all while soaking up a lively beachy vibe and delicious margaritas.

3 Postcards

Mondo's Italian Restaurant

Italian restaurant · Charleston County

Mondo's serves up hearty, authentic Italian comfort food in a cozy setting on James Island, complete with a charming outdoor patio and generous portions.

1 Postcard

La Bonne Franquette

Restaurant · Charleston County

La Bonne Franquette is a charming West Ashley bistro serving delightful French classics and excellent wines, with sunny patio seating perfect for brunch.

5 Postcards

Colectivo

Mexican restaurant · Charleston County

Colectivo is centered around a traditional, family-style experience. We combine the traditional preparations and ingredients of Mexico’s cuisine with the atmosphere.

3 Postcards

Pier 41

Seafood restaurant · Charleston County

At Pier 41, a laid-back gem in Mt. Pleasant, you can savor fresh seafood with a Pan-Asian flair, daily specials, and unbeatable happy hour deals.

4 Postcards

Wild Olive Restaurant - Johns Island, SC

Italian restaurant · Charleston County

Nestled off Johns Island, Wild Olive offers a rustic-chic haven for Italian food lovers, showcasing artisanal pasta, freshly sourced ingredients, and a cozy ambiance perfect for any occasion.

6 Postcards

Gillie's Seafood

Seafood restaurant · Charleston County

At Gillie’s Seafood, you'll discover a cozy spot that serves up delicious, home-style Southern seafood favorites while paying homage to the chef’s grandmother with a charming 'Grandma wall.'

2 Postcards

The Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey

Non-profit organization · Charleston County

Nestled in the scenic Bulls Bay Historic Passage, this sanctuary showcases stunning raptors and offers captivating flight demos amid the coastal forest.

4 Postcards

Roadside Seafood Johns Island

Seafood restaurant · Charleston County

Homey spot for traditional American fare including grilled & fried seafood & Southern sides.

1 Postcard