A Monumental Magnolia, the Morris Island Lighthouse, and a Lake Wateree Moonrise
Plus, Lady Loutrel’s tea and a handpainted hummingbird teapot
This week, as blooming magnolias scent the air with intoxicating citrusy sweetness, we introduce you to what many believe is South Carolina’s second-oldest magnolia tree. Then, join us for a view of the Morris Island Lighthouse in in Charleston Harbor and experience Lady Loutrel’s afternoon tea service in downtown Charleston. Our Palmetto State journey ends with a moonrise over Lake Wateree.
The Curryton Magnolia
A monumental tree and school of consequence
Story and photos by Tom Poland
Magnolia. Three syllables conjure up snow-white blooms, antebellum homes, old churches, and home places where magnolias anchor a landscape rich with dogwoods and azaleas. And there’s that lane where 122 magnolias welcome dignitaries to the world’s grandest golf course.
To be Southern, y’all, is to walk among magnolias.
I’ll never forget the magnolia my mother and I planted at my boyhood home, or the magnolia at my grandfather’s old home place. When I conjure up those magnolias in my mind’s eye, boyhood returns. Many years later a drive to another magnolia would bring those boyhood memories back.
My journey began with a suggestion. “You need to see the magnolia down in Edgefield County. It might be a record tree.”
That was enough for me. I went.
Upgraded subscribers will receive the full story in a separate email. Free subscribers can preview this email. Upgrade your subscription for full access.
Morris Island Lighthouse
1750 E. Ashley Avenue
Folly Beach, South Carolina
The 161-foot, cast-iron Morris Island Lighthouse, built in 1876, is the third to stand sentinel at the entrance of Charleston Harbor after wars and storms destroyed its predecessors. Severe erosion washed away the keeper’s quarters and island the lighthouse once stood on, making it accessible only by boat or kayak, with viewing opportunities from Folly Beach’s Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. An organization called Save the Light is leading ongoing restoration efforts to maintain the lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lady Loutrel’s Afternoon Tea
61 State Street, Charleston, South Carolina
theloutrel.com
This exclusive two-hour tea service, featured in our Spring There and Back Again journey, makes a delightful Mother’s Day gift for you or your mom this weekend. Savor heritage botanical blends from Oliver Pluff & Co. poured into elegant Estelle Colored Glassware on a private, biophilic-inspired rooftop. You’ll also be served a tiered tower of delicate finger sandwiches featuring smoked salmon, pimento cheese, chicken salad, and cucumber, along with warm scones and an array of sweet Southern pastries and confections. The experience requires a minimum of four people and includes optional alcoholic sips. The service is available Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by reservation, with prices starting at $340.
