Valentine’s Day may be next Friday, but the celebration kicks off this weekend with a Wine and Chocolate Walk. What a great way to get a jump on the celebration of love. It takes place in one of the most romantic of Lowcountry locales - Magnolia Plantation, home to one of the most beautiful - and historic - gardens in America. They’ve hosted the event in years past as the “Valentine’s Chocolate Walk,” and it’s been a big hit. This year they’ve come up with a new twist - they’ve added wine to the occasion. It’s going on both Saturday and Sunday.
What is a Valentine’s Wine and Chocolate Walk?
Magnolia Plantation invites you to come stroll with your sweetheart through the oldest gardens in America, which wind along the scenic Ashley River. First, you’ll pick up your “passport” in the Conservatory. You’ll make your way to any of nine different tasting stations situated throughout the grounds. Each one will feature a decadent chocolate dessert from a different country. Along the way, you’ll be serenaded by musicians. If you feel like imbibing, there will also be wine or beer at the tasting stations. The Wine and Chocolate Walk will be going on both Saturday (Feb. 8th) and Sunday (February 9th) from 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. The Chocolate Walk is free with regular garden admission. To also enjoy the adult beverages, a $6 upcharge gets you a souvenir glass and five tastings. If you’d like to enjoy a romantic walk just with your sweetie, separate interactive activities are available for the kids. As a bonus, children 6 and under are free.
The Camellias of Magnolia
Magnolia Plantation has one of the premiere collections of camellias in the world, with well over 20,000 of the winter-blooming beauties. The famous camellias of Magnolia bloom from the middle of November to April. November and December see the camellia sasanqua in bloom, while the japonicas hitting their stride now, from mid-January to mid-March. Magnolia says this about their gardens: “Unlike most of America’s gardens, which are formal and seek to control nature, Magnolia cooperates with nature to create a tranquil landscape like Eden where humanity and nature are in harmony.” Gardens are, after all, one of the many charms that draw people to Charleston. Magnolia is located at 3550 Ashley River Road. If you’re visiting the Lowcountry, it’s great to check out a plantation or two. Each one is a little different and has its particular charms. But for all-around fun and gorgeous gardens, it’s hard to beat Magnolia. The petting zoo for the kids is a fun bonus, too. From our Isle of Palms vacation rentals, just head across the peninsula and up Highway 61, aka Ashley River Road. And remember to give us a call at EP when you’re looking for a perfect home base at the beach, whatever the season. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger