With Charleston being one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, it's easy to get lost in all of the details. This week we're diving into West Ashley + why it is a great place for you to consider planting your roots!
Rich in History
In 1670, the English ship Carolina brought colonists to the west bank of the Ashley River. These settlers and their descendants built a flourishing plantation life in what became St. Andrew’s Parish, which is modern day West Ashley. The Civil War devastated the plantation society, and the glory years of St. Andrew’s Parish waned until 1889, when construction of a new toll bridge improved access to West Ashley. Many of the original families who built homes, churches, schools, and businesses still live in the community today which is just a testament to the continued vitality and livability of St. Andrew’s Parish, West Ashley.
Get Active! - Parks 🛝
Charles Towne Landing
When: Park Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm
Animal Forest Daily 10 am - 4:30 pm
Closed Christmas Eve and
Christmas Day
Where: 1500 Old Towne Rd | Charleston SC 29407
Charles Towne Landing Park is located on the original site where English settlers landed in 1670 and set up the first permanent European settlement in South Carolina. The park boasts a 12-room exhibit hall with interactive exhibits, a replica of a 17th-century sailing ship, and an Animal Forest natural habitat zoo. Visitors can tour the ship, take a peek at otters, bears, bison and more, or take an audio tour on the self-guided history trail. Bicycles can be rented by the hour or by the day for use on the 7 miles of paved and unpaved trails. The park has a small gift shop and offers free WiFi at the Visitors Center. Paid Admission is required to enter the park.
Stono River County Park
When: January: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | February: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. | March & April: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | May-August: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. | September: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. | October: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. | November & December: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: 3644 Moonglow Dr, Johns Island, SC 29455
Situated at the foot of the Limehouse Bridge, Stono River County Park offers beautiful Lowcountry river views from 1.5 miles of wooded trails and marsh boardwalks for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The 85.5-acre site is comprised of 25.3 acres of highland, 12.2 acres of marsh island, and 48 acres of marsh adjoining the Stono River. Just under the viaduct and across Main Road is the trailhead for the West Ashley Greenway. Some park amenities include: 39-space parking area, marsh boardwalk leading to an island in the Stono River, over a quarter-mile of island trails with views of the Limehouse Bridge and Stono River, restroom, picnic area, bike racks, bike repair station, chilled drinking fountain.
Yummy Eats! 🍴
The Glass Onion
Upbeat spot serving refined, locally sourced soul-food favorites in charming environs.
Support Local! - Farmers Markets 🥕
West Ashley Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | April 20 – November 2, 2022
Where: Ackerman Park | 55 Sycamore Avenue, Charleston, SC 29407
The WAFM is dedicated to the support and advocacy of local farmers and growers and features fresh seasonal produce, as well as sweet and savory foods from area vendors who source ingredients from nearby farms. A curated program of live entertainment and family-friendly activities will enhance the farmers’ market experience.
Ackerman Park is a popular and easily accessible City-owned park that is also adjacent to an underutilized commercial strip center on St. Andrews Boulevard. The WAFM has the potential to be a catalyst in the revitalization of the area – similar to how the downtown CFM was instrumental in the revitalization of Marion Square.
Charleston Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM | April 9 – November 26, 2022
Holiday Market: Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (12/3, 4, 10, 11 & 17)
Where: Marion Square | 329 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Take a stroll through Marion Square to enjoy a bounty of fresh local produce, flower bouquets, and homegrown creativity from a wide variety of local artists!