Well 2020 rolled into our lives like a hormonal teenager. Just when life was seemingly calming down for my family and we’d made big travel plans, we were all sent to our own little corners of the world for safety purposes. I was furloughed from my job and after 5-weeks at home my position was eliminated entirely, after 25 years of service at the same Healthcare Organization. Not one to let grass grow under my feet, I immediately started applying elsewhere upon furlough, as I felt that if they couldn’t afford me then not much was going to change in a few months. Thankfully, I landed a new job in my arena rather quickly. The job takes me to an area outside of the Midlands. So, my husband and I took a little day trip to check out the area, test the drive and see what we could find. All while socially distancing and being super safe of course. I am all about taking this situation seriously and masking up as much as possible.
Our adventure landed us in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Home of the Edisto Memorial Rose Gardens (and South Carolina State University – a post for another time, campus is closed currently), quite the impressive place that neither of us had ever visited even though it had been on our list for some time. As it turns out, the first week of May was the perfect time to visit as it’s high season for Rose Gardens and is normally the weekend of their annual Rose Festival which, like everything else had been cancelled. But Mother Nature was still showing out and the Roses were UNBELIEVABLE. It felt wonderful to be out in the open air, distanced from others as the property is expansive and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Just take a look at these beautiful photographs that I snapped. I think this would be the perfect spot for a family pic-nic. We didn’t take advantage of all of the trails as we had not planned to stop and walk and were not dressed appropriately but what we were able to enjoy left us wanting to come back and see more. Wear comfy walking shoes when you visit.
We drove around this sleepy little town full of beautiful architecture that just screams for someone to take a chance and open locally owned shops. The Town is clean and impressive but there’s really not much there. We happened upon this little joint called the Dairy O that was open via drive-thru only and the line was so long we just had to hop in it and see what it was about. We grabbed a couple of sandwiches; ham and egg salad, milkshakes and headed to the little town center where we squatted on a bench beside a lovely fountain and watched the cars mozy on by. In the corner of the town square I spotted a beautiful little tea shop, the only business as far as I could see but unfortunately it was not open on that particular day. I did however visit a few weeks later.
Tea Thyme is the cutest little shop. When I stopped by they were still offering curbside to go. Because no one was in the shop at the time I opted to go in and pick up my pre-ordered sandwich. The store itself is a gift shop full of various lose teas and everything you would need to pull off a classy high tea. While there’s no seating inside, they do have a lovely courtyard. It happened to be raining on the day I stopped in to grab lunch but I can see myself sitting out there on a sunny afternoon and definitely plan to go back. The food was unique but quite flavorful and tastey.
Orangeburg is also home to another local restaurant that I have heard great things about, Chestnut Grill. While I have not eaten there, I have it on my list of things to try once the Covid situation is under control and I actually feel comfortable enough to eat inside a restaurant among other people.
Overall it was a nice little drive and a safe way to get some fresh air during these weird times. If ever in the area, definitely stop by the Rose Gardens to stretch your legs and take in some of God’s most amazing creations.
The Southern Curious Itinerant Blog 