One of the first things we did once we got to Myrtle Beach was purchase a membership to Brookgreen Gardens. It took a little bit to convince Dan that we could make a year long membership worth it in 3 months, but that’s exactly what we did.

Shortly after Dan got the contract (his first travel nursing contract) I did tons of research on Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. Brookgreen Gardens is actually in Murrell’s Inlet, but it was only about a 20 minute drive from the house we rented. All of my googling turned up dozens of beautiful pictures of the classic centuries old oak trees covered in Spanish moss that Brookgreen Gardens is full of. I clicked through some of the pictures and realized that we were most definitely going to have to visit the Gardens.

We brought nearly everyone, friends and family, who visited us to Brookgreen Gardens and quickly made our membership worth it. Our first visit we stopped by for their spring plant sale and ended up buying multiple pepper plants and a few others, which became one of our favourite pastimes at home. When my dad, stepmom, and sister visited we were able to attend their spring wine festival which was so much fun. They’re constantly putting on events and showcasing new exhibits, on top off everything else that is already so worth it to experience.

It’s honestly a place that can entertain and enthrall any age or type of person in my opinion. They offer many classes, activities, and talks for kids in addition to sculpture exhibits and history talks geared more towards adults. Dan, my brother, and I enjoyed “the Creek Excursion” where we learned about the old rice plantations and the history of slavery in that area, while touring the creeks on a pontoon boat. We even spotted a few alligators.

While we immensely enjoyed all of our visits to Brookgreen Gardens, the highlight would have to be the Summer Light: Art by Night event that they put on throughout the summer. We went at least three times, if not four, with almost everyone who visited us while it was going on. You can catch a glimpse of how magical it was in the pictures below, but nothing can truly capture it other than being there in person. The cicadas, the lights on the moss, the gentle music playing in the background made it the most beautiful and magical thing I’ve ever experienced. To top it off, the night begins with live music and local food trucks so you can have a full stomach while you walk around, or bring a hot pretzel and a glass of wine with you while you explore.

Brookgreen Gardens is on many lists, including the list of National Historic Landmarks, and it certainly sits atop mine of places I hope to go back to.