Beyond Charleston: Mount Pleasant's Historic Plantations and Landmarks

Most visitors come to Boone Hall for that iconic oak-lined entrance (yes, the one from The Notebook), but my import/export background has taught me to look beyond the surface beauty to the economic systems that created these places. Founded in 1681, Boone Hall remains one of America's oldest working plantations, with a complex history that's finally being told in full.

The plantation's Gullah culture presentation and preserved slave cabins offer one of the most comprehensive looks at enslaved life I've encountered in the South. As someone who's documented craft traditions globally, I was particularly moved by the basket-weaving demonstrations that continue centuries-old techniques brought from West Africa.

During my visit last October, the plantation's harvest festival coincided with perfect weather—crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons. I captured the changing light on the Avenue of Oaks using my travel tripod, which proved invaluable for those golden hour shots when the moss seems to glow from within.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum offers a fascinating contrast to the plantation experience. As someone who's navigated global shipping logistics professionally, I found myself captivated by the USS Yorktown's role in transforming maritime commerce and military strategy.

The aircraft carrier's 888-foot length houses not just military exhibits but also provides context for how naval power shaped Charleston Harbor's development as a trading port. What surprised me most was the Vietnam Experience Exhibit—an immersive recreation that goes beyond hardware to explore the human stories.

For those traveling with family groups, this site offers multi-generational appeal. My binoculars came in handy for spotting dolphins in the harbor and examining details of Fort Sumter across the water. The museum typically requires 3-4 hours to explore properly, but history enthusiasts could easily spend a full day here.

Tucked away in the Old Village area sits Snee Farm, once the country estate of Charles Pinckney—a principal author of the U.S. Constitution whose contributions often go unrecognized. As someone fascinated by how craftsmanship shapes cultural identity, I was drawn to this site not for grand architecture but for its archaeological significance.

The modest 28-acre property preserves foundations of original structures and archaeological findings that reveal daily life patterns from the 18th and 19th centuries. The visitor center, housed in an 1828 coastal cottage, contains exhibits that thoughtfully examine both Pinckney's political contributions and the enslaved community that maintained his wealth.

What makes this site special is its intimacy. Unlike larger plantations, you can explore at your own pace with few other visitors around. I spent a peaceful afternoon sketching ceramic fragments on display (my grandmother's influence never leaves me) and walking the interpretive trails through grounds that once grew indigo and rice. My travel journal filled quickly with observations about how this site presents a more nuanced view of founding father mythology than many historic homes I've visited.

Perhaps the most meaningful experience in Mount Pleasant isn't found in a formal museum but along Highway 17, where Gullah Geechee artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of sweetgrass basketry. As someone who's documented craft traditions across Southeast Asia and South America, I find the resilience of this particular art form remarkable.

These intricate coiled baskets—made from locally harvested grasses, pine needles, and palmetto fronds—represent one of North America's oldest continuous craft traditions with direct African roots. The basket stands along Highway 17 and Hamlin Road aren't tourist traps; they're authentic workshops where many artisans are creating pieces using techniques passed down through generations since the 1700s.

My professional background in import/export has made me keenly aware of how global development threatens traditional crafts. The basket makers of Mount Pleasant face similar challenges as urban development limits access to natural materials. I was particularly moved speaking with a seventh-generation weaver who described how her family adapted their techniques as sweetgrass became scarcer.

For those interested in bringing home a meaningful souvenir, these baskets represent living history. While quality pieces command appropriate prices (starting around $50 for simple designs), my travel camera captured the intricate process that justifies the investment. Each basket represents dozens of hours of skilled labor and centuries of preserved knowledge.

My exploration of Mount Pleasant's historical landscape always ends at Shem Creek, where the area's maritime past blends seamlessly with contemporary life. This working waterfront has evolved from a shipbuilding center and shrimping hub to a dining destination, yet it retains authentic connections to its seafaring heritage.

The Shem Creek Boardwalk provides an excellent vantage point to observe working shrimp boats returning with their catches—a tradition increasingly rare along the developed Atlantic coast. As someone who's documented how traditional industries adapt to changing economies worldwide, I find Shem Creek's balance between preservation and progress fascinating.

For sunset viewing, I recommend walking the full length of the boardwalk with a insulated water bottle filled with something refreshing. The boardwalk connects to Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park via a pathway that offers spectacular views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge against the changing evening sky.

After exploring the creek's history, consider dining at one of the waterfront restaurants. While several cater heavily to tourists, Vickery's Bar & Grill offers a more local experience with its deck overlooking the marsh and creek. Their seafood comes directly from the boats you'll see docked nearby—a farm-to-table experience that predates the modern movement by generations.