Summerville

Summerville is a town in South Carolina that spreads across three counties and is shaped by pine forests and flowering gardens. The streets run through shady avenues, and along many residential areas stand old trees with overhanging branches.

Plantation owners from Charleston founded the place in 1847 as a retreat during the warm months. The elevation and pines offered cooler air and protection from diseases that were common along the coast.

The name Flowertown refers to the azaleas and camellias that bloom along wide streets in spring. Visitors see the plants in private front yards as well as in public parks, where locals walk and hold picnics.

The visitor center offers maps and information about accommodations and restaurants in the area. The downtown can be explored on foot, with most paths flat and shaded.

A large container shaped like a mason jar filled with sweet tea stands in the town center and bears the name Mason. The entry in the Guinness Book of Records connects the town with the invention of this drink in the American South.

Location: Dorchester County

Location: Berkeley County

Location: Charleston County

Inception: 1847

Elevation above the sea: 27 m

Website: http://summerville.sc.us

GPS coordinates: 33.01850,-80.17565

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:25