When I moved to Charleston in 2003, my grandfather drove me all around town pointing out historic sites and areas of interest. When we made our way to James Island, he directed my attention to a row of white cabins just off Folly Road. It was McLeod Plantation. While a notable historical site, he wasn't sure what the status of the property was at the time. A number of years later, I moved to James Island. I passed those cabins on a regular basis, wondering about them often. This past Friday, years worth of curiosity were satisfied, when I got to tour the plantation a day before it officially opened to the public. I can't encourage locals to check this place out enough. It is a treasure trove of Charleston history.

I never need an excuse to head out to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It's one of my favorite places in the Lowcountry. But a couple of weeks ago, I had an extra reason to be out there. In a week or so more, I'll have yet another. You see the the azaleas are blooming, and sometime soon, they'll be at their peak. In my opinion, there is simply no better time to visit Magnolia Plantation. It has an awe-inspiring beauty in the spring.