South Carolina’s ‘Garden City’: A Blooming Retreat with Parks, Museums, and a Rich History

Published
South Carolina's 'Garden City': A Blooming Retreat with Parks, Museums, and a Rich History

Maybe you’re familiar with Rose City — the floral-inspired nickname for Portland, the trendy Oregon city where you can order the best coffee in all of America. But you might have never heard of South Carolina’s charming “Garden City”: Orangeburg. Situated about 75 miles northwest of Charleston (the gorgeous South Carolina hub that blends a striking European appearance with Southern charm), the flower-covered city is full of beautiful blooms, fascinating museums, and Civil Rights history.



Residing on the picturesque banks of the Edisto River, the fragrant city of Orangeburg is perfect for a serene South Carolina vacation. From stunning gardens and annual flower festivals to old-fashioned barbecue joints and historic homes, there’s plenty to explore. If you’re looking for an uncrowded getaway where you can quite literally stop and smell the roses, plan your visit to Orangeburg for a sweet retreat in one of South Carolina’s most gorgeous hidden gem cities.

Stop and smell the roses at Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg

Flowers blooming in Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg, South Carolina



The city’s main attraction is the enchanting Edisto Memorial Gardens. Set on 175 idyllic acres along the Edisto River, the sprawling park, dating back to the 1920s, is a floral wonderland of roses, azaleas, butterfly gardens, and Tupelo-Cypress wetlands. Admire the Lady Fountain sculpture at the garden’s entrance, and spend an afternoon tiptoeing across picturesque bridges arching over the river or savoring the scent of fragrant flowers filling the air. Open from dawn till dusk, admission is free of charge and full of beauty. Though the gardens are gorgeous year-round, the best time to plan your visit is during the spring when the roses are in bloom. 

Held during the weekend before Mother’s Day in the gardens, the annual Orangeburg Festival of Roses is a beloved, family-friendly event paying homage to over 4,000 rose plants that populate the park. In addition to flower-gazing, the vibrant festival features carnival rides, local artist booths, and an array of food trucks. Drawing over 40,000 guests per season, the celebration is free to enjoy and a must-see attraction for visitors and residents of Orangeburg. If you want to check out even more flowery attractions, check out the largest single-span glasshouse in the world with an impressive garden and park in Wales.

See also  Top Tips for Keeping Your RV Cool in the Summer Using a Styrofoam Hack



Explore beyond the rose gardens in Orangeburg

Street corner with vibrant old buidings in Orangeburg, South Carolina

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.