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16.1 miles:
39 minutes
Driving the Ashley River Road Historic Byway (SR 61) will allow you to experience the rural beauty around Charleston and learn about the area’s history. In addition to towering trees with Spanish moss, you can expect to see historic structures, including plantations that survived the Civil War, in this exploration of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
flickr/Jason Raia
1
Ashley Crossing Lane to Magnolia Plantation Road
7.4 miles:
23 minutes
With all the beautiful scenery, plan to bring lunch to your first stop—circa 1738 Drayton Hall. The plantation harks back to earlier eras with no lighting, plumbing or other modernizations. After your tour, visit the African American cemetery, which has been in use since the 18th century. Then there's time to either picnic on the grounds or explore some wetlands.
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2
Magnolia Plantation Road to O'Sullivan Lane
8.7 miles:
16 minutes
If stately old homes are your thing, then you're in luck. Both Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Middleton Place are on this route. Tours at both places cover different elements of history, including the role of enslaved labor. Linger at The Inn at Middleton Place if your schedule allows, and enjoy the views of lush grounds and the Ashley River.
