The Breathtaking Scenic Drive In South Carolina That Runs Parallel To The Ashley River
By AnneMarie|Published May 13, 2024
×
AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
It’s been called one of the most beautiful drives in America, a road that parallels the beautiful Ashley River in Dorchester and Charleston Counties called Ashley River Road, the oldest highway in the state. It was established in 1691, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, and designated a National Scenic Byway in 2000. The road stretches for 12 miles and only takes about half an hour to drive straight through, but there are sights to enjoy along the drive that you’ll want to take time for.
Starting on the Charleston end of Ashley River Road at Charlestowne Landing, which is technically not directly on Ashley River Road (slightly off the route on Old Towne Road), this state historic site is the birthplace of South Carolina. The Ashley River Road was actually developed for early settlers to travel to Charlestowne Landing, making it the perfect starting point for experiencing the scenic byway.
Allow for time to tour The Adventure, Charleston's only 17th-century replica sailing ship.
Advertisement
Traveling about five miles north on Ashley River Road, you'll come to Old Saint Andrews Parish Church, which was built in 1706 and is the oldest surviving church building south of Virginia. Its historic graveyard dates from the church's establishment.
As you continue north along this pretty route, at less than a mile from the church you can stop for a cup of coffee from beans roasted in-house at the Charleston Coffee Exchange.
Another two miles north from the coffee shop is Drayton Hall, which is the oldest (circa 1738) unrestored plantation house in America still open to the public. It was one of four plantation homes along the river spared from being burned down by Union forces during the Civil War.
It's believed that the home may have been spared because of smallpox quarantine flags posted by Dr. John Drayton as part of his service as a surgeon during the War.
Just three-quarters of a mile northward on the gorgeous Ashley River Road drive, you'll come to America's first public gardens, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, which are actually also still owned by the Drayton family. Here you'll experience more than 400 acres of protected wetlands that are a nature lover's paradise.
And last but not least, after about another 3.5 miles on one of America's most beautiful drives you'll find Middleton Place, featuring America's oldest landscaped gardens, dating to the 1730s. By now, you may be quite hungry and can enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant on-site.
What a day full of history and the beauty of South Carolina! You’ll want to be sure to wear some comfy sneakers so you can make the most of each stop along this scenic route. You’re sure to understand why it’s been named one of the most beautiful drives in America once you’ve experienced it for yourself.
What’s your favorite scenic drive in South Carolina?
