We Like Football and Scarecrows and Azaleas and Pine Trees

Welcome to Summerville!

Along with many other women bloggers, I am participating in a “blog trip” this week.



Part of what we’re doing is introducing our hometowns to others from throughout the US and the whole world. So, here we go!

I’m a lifelong South Carolinian, currently calling Summerville, SC, home. Summerville is also known as “Flower Town in the Pines” or, shortened, “Flowertown.”

There’s a Flowertown Festival each spring – just when the thousands and thousands of azaleas are in bloom. The old historic district of the town has loads of magnolias, pines, azaleas, camellias and more. We were the first town to have an ordinance prohibiting the cutting of trees:

To protect Summerville's biggest asset, the village became an official town in 1847, passing a first law prohibiting the cutting of certain-sized trees without permission, and fining offenders a then hefty $25. That ordinance, one of the oldest of its kind in the United States, is still on the books. (from the Summerville web site.)


The tree-cutting ordinance is one of several environmental niceties about Summerville. Years ago, the town was the place people came to escape mosquitoes during the hot, muggy summers in nearby Charleston.

In fact, in the late 1800s, the International Congress of Physicians declared Summerville as one of the two best places in the world for the treatment and recovery of lung disorders. (Talk about breathing a sigh of relief!) This was based on the perceived healing aspects of the pine tree's turpentine scent.


Numerous inns and small hotels were constructed to handle the many visitors, who came for their health; realizing the beauty and quaintness of the town, many built seasonal homes and then became permanent residents. Cosmetics magnate Estee Lauder lived in Summerville.

Right in the middle of town, there’s Hutchinson Square. Every October, we have “Scarecrows on the Square.” Groups decorate and sponsor scarecrows. It’s fantastic for children! On Independence Day, the celebration is known as “Red, White and Blue on the Green.”










Aside from the town’s Azalea Park, where many weddings are held, there are nearby gardens known world-wide: Middleton Place Gardens, Magnolia Gardens and Cypress Gardens. There are 700 local buildings on the National Historic Register.









Azalea Park hosts the annual "Sculpture in the South" event each May. The town is acquiring some beautiful pieces for public display and appreciation.




And, like in many Southern communities, there is football. But football here is like in no other place. That’s because of Coach John McKissick, the winningest coach in history in the sport of football. Here’s the blurb from Wikipedia, along with a picture from NFL Legends:

John McKissick In 2004, he became the first American football coach in history to win 500 career games. His 500th win came against Mount Pleasant's Wando High School. He had already beaten Wando in 1993, to establish a national high school football record with 406 wins. As of 2007, he hasn't missed a game in 55 years. He has led Summerville to 10 state championships. With over 500 wins, Coach McKissick is the winningest and longest serving active high school football coach.


There are unique restaurants throughout town, including the prestigious Woodlands Inn and Resort. As noted on the inn’s website:

Woodlands Resort & Inn is one of only three lodging properties in America to be awarded the Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awards for both lodging and dining. It is also a member of the highly esteemed Relais & Chateaux and is the Charleston area's luxury retreat only 30 minutes from the historic District. The Dining Room has been awarded the Relais & Chateaux highest culinary designation - Relais Gourmand. http://www.woodlandsinn.com/.


Downtown is full of unique shops, restaurants and just plain beauty! It's a great place to take a daily walk, which I do, though not quite daily.









Come visit in person some time. Great schools, friendly people, modern AND quaint!



While you're here during this blog trip, please take a minute to vote in the anonymous poll - top left-hand corner. Thanks so much!