Hello friends!
A few weeks ago, Sassy and I traveled up to Moncks Corner, South Carolina to visit the historic Mepkin Abbey. Unfortunately, they were set to close within 15 minutes of arrival. So we peeped the grounds and gardens, but I knew I needed to return with more time to explore. I was surprised when I shared about the abbey in my Instagram stories that so many locals had either never heard of Mepkin Abbey, or had never been to visit. As a (fairly new) lowcountry local, it is my goal to visit as many of the historic gems as possible. This time, when I set out to visit Mepkin Abbey, I planned to dedicate at least an hour to explore the grounds.
History in a Nutshell
The Mepkin Abbey was originally Mepkin Plantation, founded by Henry Laurens as a rice plantation. He and his family are buried at the Laurens Cemetary on the property. The plantation switched hands multiple times before being established as an abbey, home to a community of Roman Catholic monks. The property has extensive gardens, intricate sculptures, and the road is lined with giant oaks that also provide shade.
If you’re obsessed with the Hamilton musical, you may recognize the Laurens name. John Laurens, son of Henry Laurens, fought along side Hamilton, Lafayete, and Mulligan in the Revolutionary War. Although his family had slaves, he was an abolitionists who recruited slaves to fight in the war with the promise of freedom. He died in South Carolina, after the War was finished, and his efforts were lost. John Laurens, along with his parents and siblings, are buried on property in a small family cemetery.
Mepkin Abbey in an Hour
Without a doubt, it is possible to spend an afternoon walking the grounds, or sitting on one of the many benches overlooking the Cooper River reading a book or simply marveling at the water. There are two parking areas, one near the visitor’s center and the other near Luce Garden. It is possible to park at the front lot, near the Visitor’s Center, and walk the entirety of the property. But I chose to drive to the back lot and explore.
Ideally, I would have taken a tour of the property (for only $5), which takes 45 minutes. It goes through the history of the property, and visits most of the monastery buildings. Unfortunately, due to covid-19, no tours are being held and the Monastery, Church, and Retreat Center were closed to visitors.
I spent an hour visiting through each of the sites, soaking in the beauty, and listening to the natural silence. There is a truly ethereal beauty about being on a historic property. The church bells are supposed to be incredible, but I wasn’t lucky enough to hear them while I was there. As a bonus, a photographer was shooting a beautiful couple in one of the gardens. The man was wearing a red tuxedo, and the woman wore a white and red gown. It was absolutely stunning, and I hope they didn’t mind me watching.
Mepkin Abbey Visitors Center
After arriving, guests are requested to sign in. This was as simple as signing a guestbook with my name, city of residence. The gift shop has local honey, catholic relics, tee shirts, and souvenirs. There was also a restroom, which is essential after the drive. From there, guests can take a short stroll around the Garden of St. Clare.
Firemen’s Memorial and Labyrinth
Directly across from the road leading to the visitors center is a wide field. The labyrinth is essentially a grassy maze. Kids were in it when I passed, though I didn’t stop. Behind that, the Firemens’ memorial is a small simple stone statue structure. Both can be accessed by foot if parked in the Visitor’s Center parking lot.
Mepkin Abbey Columbarium
Walking the path around the Columbarium was a very cool experience. The architecture is so cool, how it wraps around the large garden. Each compartment can be purchased to store the cremated remains of loved ones.
Laurens Cemetery
Continuing past the Columbarium, there is a hidden staircase down towards a marshy area. The cemetery is small, and has the gravesites of Henry Laurens (family patriarch) and his wife and children. Although the stones were weathered, they were still able to be read.
African-American Cemetery
The Mepkin Plantation was labored by slaves, who were buried in unmarked graves around the property. The African-American Cemetery was created as a memorial by the monks, and has gravestones believed to belong to the descendants of slaves. Near the trailhead to the African-American Cemetery, which is a 1.5 mile walk, is a memorial arbor.
Plan your Adventure to Mepkin Abbey
Address: 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner SC 29461
If you are local to the Charleston area, take a trip up to Mepkin Abbey, in Moncks Corner. Or, next time you’re in the area, be sure to add this beautiful, historic garden to your itinerary. It only takes an hour (plus drive) of your time!
This post is part of my Lowcountry Local Tourist series, which is meant to highlight the greater Charleston areas. If you have a suggestion for a daily adventure that fits, or if you’re a local business owner that would like to collaborate, please comment below or shoot me an email at SymonSaysSmile@gmail.com
Read More:
All Adventures | Savannah, GA | Carowinds
Pin for Later:
