A Day in Summerville
Downtown Summerville is its own special gem with tons of local shops and galleries to explore! It has more history than you would expect, and it’s worth a day trip even if you live closer to the coast.
You know we always start with the food scene when we take you on a tour of town, and we’ll start in the heart of the quaint downtown. Eclectic Chef is perfect for a light lunch - fresh made deli offerings including salads, paninis and wraps. Piazza is a boutique next door with lovely gifts and housewares for window shopping after lunch. If you're in the mood for something heavier, Montreaux's offers burgers and more of a bar food menu, including tacos and hot sandwiches. They offer live music “of every imaginable style” Thursday through Monday and a quintessential southern brunch menu on the weekends. Oscars is the top choice for happy hour, dinner or special occasions. This local staple has been serving up seafood and Southern cuisine for more than 40 years. It's known for shrimp and grits, seafood burrito (yes, a burrito), steaks and even a salad bar with chilled plates. You can dine in the lounge or the dining room. Oscar’s is great for a quick but tasty lunch or even the fanciest of dinner celebrations.
Four Green Fields Gifts is one of my go-to places to pick up locally sourced goods and gifts. They have lots to choose from and can put together wonderful baskets if you don't know what to choose. It's fun to take out of town visitors here!
Sculpture in the South is a local NPO that promotes the appreciation of sculpture and installs incredible pieces along Main Street from downtown to all throughout Azalea Park, ideal for a great walking tour. Here is a helpful map to guide you.
Third Thursday transforms downtown to a special marketplace with closed off streets and extended hours the third Thursday of each month. Typically featuring local music and entertainment, craft booths, sidewalk activities and more! It's a fun evening seeing the community all come out together.
Summerville has some of the best local parks! Conveniently located off Bacons Bridge Road is area favorite Ashley River Park. With playgrounds, picnic shelters, splash pad, fishing pond, two dog parks, riverside walking trails and kayak launches, there's something here for everyone to enjoy. It’s a full day of enjoying the outdoors in a fairly new park. If you're looking for a quiet place to run or bike, Sawmill Branch Trail is a paved biking and walking path that is just shy of seven miles long.
By far the two biggest events are the Azalea Festival in March/April, and the Sweet Tea Festival in September. Both are held in downtown Summerville and garner tons of local business support and presence!