Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tastings for Spring, 2023--A Wednesday Evening Charleston Lowcountry Tradition

With the Ashley River lazily meandering in the distance, a peaceful easy feeling came over me as I sat on a wooden bench leisurely sipping on a plastic cup of red wine. I was in the company of one of the oldest oak trees in the Charleston Lowcountry. Greyed from age and bearing the scars of a sometimes tumultuous past, the Great Oak's long, broad branches majestically overshadowed the calming waters of the Rice Fields where fish launched themselves into the air like mortar shells and alligators prowled the surface like the H. L. Hunley in search of an unwary prey.

Clinging to the tree's weather-beaten bark, a cardinal curiously watched my every move. We weren't alone. With the Octagonal Garden to the right and the Sundial Garden behind, the soft, intimate chatter and light laughter of fellow strollers navigating the garden's preened pathways filled the warm evening air. The occasion is Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting at Middleton Place.

The Wednesday Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting was started as a way for visitors to experience the beauty of Middleton Place in the early evening light and a more relaxed atmosphere--no tour guides needed. It is just you, the gardens, and a world renowned vino. The Wine Strolls are an invitation to drink in the incomparable natural beauty of the plantations 274 year old gardens--the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Each week, samples of specially selected wines from around the world are uncorked by the Middleton Place Restaurant for you to savor. A different wine region and beautiful garden location in bloom is chosen for the stroll.

Enjoy the following story of last year's wine stroll.

Middleton Place takes on an altogether different look and feel in the subdued light of the early evening hours. Its impressive garden's shadows lengthen, and the shaded hues lighten under the setting sun's penetrating rays filtering through the lower branches of its thick tea olive hedges and taller oaks and magnolias. Peace and serenity abound. It is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of wine as you engage in intimate conversation with your chosen group of close friends or that special someone while you stroll the garden's quiet walkways.

Middleton Place's Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is a 2-hour weekly event occurring on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. On April 13, the evening I attended, three tables were located in different areas of the expansive gardens. You receive eight tickets--one ticket equaling one pour for each wine offering. You can double or triple each pour with one additional ticket each. At the end, a bonus pour was available at the Farm of Middleton Place. Each week the locations change, so if you attend more than one through the spring, your vantage point will not be the same. Some attendees bring their own glasses.

The first table was at the Crane Pool, which overlooks Rice Mill Pond, one of the more stunning views on the property. There were three offerings. My first choice was a double pour from Australia called Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose'--easier printed than pronounced. I just said, "I'll try the one from Australia to start." I am not a wine connoisseur. My second choice at this table was also a double pour of Borsao Macabeo Chardonnay from Spain. Both were very good, but I favor the Rose' since one of its more prominent flavors was pomegranate.

A table filled with appetizers was at this location consisting of cheeses, crackers, fresh vegetables, chocolates, and finger foods, such as meat-filled empanadas.

The second table was in the Small Secret Garden. Navigating the gardens can be similar to walking a maze, so I just followed the sound of conversation to find the table, which was hidden at the end of a secluded path that opened into an enclosed area surrounded by tall, thick hedges. There were three offerings at this table also. Underwood The Bubbles was a Champaign and Sparkling Wine from Oregon. Lapostolle Grand Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a second choice. I chose a double pour of the third offering, a Christopher Michael Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. If I were to use a word to describe it, my simple palate would respond with one word, "smooth."

The third table was the least popular with the crowd. It was located at the Wood Nymph Statue at the far end of the gardens in-between the Reflection Pond and the flooded rice fields. The Sangrias were placed here, and I did a double pour of the red. Sangria is what it is.

It was my third wine tasting at Middleton Place over the years. A substantial crowd attended this event. The stroll through the famous gardens was picturesque as usual. The wine was fine. The weather was ideal, a very comfortable temperature tempered by a slight breeze. The sunlight was perfect. I always enjoy meeting people who read my articles. I had the opportunity to meet a group from my original state, Ohio. I had brief conversations with numerous others while standing in line. I also met three local Summerville ladies, one of whom told me she is a dedicated reader and fan of my blog. There was one annoying guest, but a spray was available to make its presence tolerable. The Middleton Place Garden Stroll and wine Tasting is all about the above. Mission accomplished.

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Cost: $30.00 – $35.00

Sunday Brunch with Historical Dining and Azalea Bar and Garden--A Food Symphony of Contentment

Azalea Bar and Garden and Historical Dining are like Sunday brunch and mimosas, the perfect pairing. About forty hungry patrons came together at Summerville's new gathering place for the July 17 symphony of delectables composed by personal Chef Vince Dodson. It was a brunch fit for a king or queen.

The first movement in a symphony is meant to be lively and sets the mood for what comes after. The opening cup of yellow summer squash topped with a hint of roasted red bell pepper bisque with fresh greens topped with a creamy balsamic vinaigrette did exactly that. It woke up our taste buds and left them desiring more.

A melodious pairing of a deep dish quiche with caramelized fennel reduced in Italian Barbera wine and laced with Fontina cheese came next. As to the meaning of reduced, I have no clue, but it worked for me. The quiche was accompanied by seared chicken tenderloin with Portobello and Marsala wine with a touch of cream. It is here we got our first seasonings of history. Fontina cheese is old. How old? The first recorded mention of it was in the 1100s, and although Marsala is Italian, the wine with the same name owes its origin in 1773 to a storm and an Englishman named John Woodhouse.

The whole affair was brought to a finale with fresh crepes topped with a 60% dark chocolate sauce and fresh strawberries along with a goat cheese mousseline topped with a pomegranate sauce followed by a sweet red wine infused with layered Greek yogurt and pears topped with Moscato cream.

I was asked which serving was my favorite, and I said with conviction, "All of them." It was just the right amount of food for a Sunday brunch. And the mimosas, the first is complimentary. Additional cocktails, wine, coffee add-ons, and soft drinks were available for purchase, along with AB and G's full menu of signature craft cocktails.

New Summerville acquaintances Mike and Sherry

Historical Dining and Azalea Bar and Gardens' Sunday Brunch is a culinary symphony of contentment to your taste buds and a great event for making new acquaintances. Reserve your spot for the coming weeks. It is well worth the $35.

219 Cedar Street, Summerville, SC

Two Summerville Favorites Team Up--Azalea Bar and Garden and Historical Dining's Chef Vince Dodson

Azalea Bar and Garden at 219 S Cedar Street, Summerville's new cocktail hot spot, is the perfect place to grab a refresher plus one with your closest friends or significant other. A diversified list of craft cocktails are offered. My two favorites thus far are the Hemingway Daiquiri (White rum, lime juice, Maraschino liquor, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and lime twist for $12) and Dr. Shephard (Sweet tea vodka, ruby port, pink lemonade, and fresh mint for $12). Specialty curated wine, a selection of local craft beers, and a menu of Southern favorites round out its unique presentations.

Dr. Shepard

Since its opening, it has collected a dedicated following of Summerville residents, goal achieved. However, successful businesses always find ways of becoming better, and Azalea Bar and Garden has just upped their game.

The Azalea Bar and Garden has formed a partnership with Historical Dining and Personal Chef Vince Dodson. Starting Sunday, July 10th, The Azalea Bar and Garden will open its doors to present a multi-course tapas-type brunch. The event will feature an alternating cuisine of French and Italian. Seating time is at 10 am and 1 pm promptly.

The menu will change each week and appear on Historical Dining's website and Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages. The price per person is $35, which includes a beverage. Credit cards and cash will be accepted during brunch service.

There will be limited seating, so make your reservations beforehand at Historical Dining. Reservations for each Sunday must be made no later than the Friday before. Enter your name, email, phone number, and party size to hold your reservation. For parties larger than ten, please email tricia1823@gmail.com or chefvincedodson@gmail.com or call (919)358-0768. Other dates available for reservations are July 17, 24, and 31.

The menu for July 10 is as follows.

STARTER: A cup of carrot and curry bisque accompanied by fresh greens topped with yellow bell pepper vinaigrette.

SOMETHING SWEET: Fresh crepes topped with a white chocolate sauce garnished with fresh raspberries and slivers of roasted almonds.

THIRD BITE: Deep dish Quiche with caramelized onions, fire roasted tomatoes, and laced with goat cheese. Garnished with cantaloupe and fresh grapes. Poached salmon in Sancerre wine piped into puff pastry topped with Val-Wa sauce. This sauce is named after the queen of Spain, Elizabeth Valois, 1545-1568.

LAYERS: Honey yogurt layered with fresh strawberries.

Parting Gift: Signature roasted almond banana nut Bundt cake.

Azalea Bar and Garden article.

Historical Dining article.

Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting April 13, 2022--Gratifying

Middleton Place takes on an altogether different look and feel in the subdued light of the early evening hours. Its impressive garden's shadows lengthen, and the shaded hues lighten under the setting sun's penetrating rays filtering through the lower branches of its thick tea olive hedges and taller oaks and magnolias. Peace and serenity abound. It is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of wine as you engage in intimate conversation with your chosen group of close friends or that special someone while you stroll the garden's quiet walkways.

Middleton Place's Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is a 2-hour weekly event occurring on Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. On April 13, the evening I attended, three tables were located in different areas of the expansive gardens. You receive eight tickets--one ticket equaling one pour for each wine offering. You can double or triple each pour with one additional ticket each. At the end, a bonus pour was available at the Farm of Middleton Place. Each week the locations change, so if you attend more than one through the spring, your vantage point will not be the same. Some attendees bring their own glasses.

The first table was at the Crane Pool, which overlooks Rice Mill Pond, one of the more stunning views on the property. There were three offerings. My first choice was a double pour from Australia called Yalumba Y Series Sangiovese Rose'--easier printed than pronounced. I just said, "I'll try the one from Australia to start." I am not a wine connoisseur. My second choice at this table was also a double pour of Borsao Macabeo Chardonnay from Spain. Both were very good, but I favor the Rose' since one of its more prominent flavors was pomegranate.

A table filled with appetizers was at this location consisting of cheeses, crackers, fresh vegetables, chocolates, and finger foods, such as meat-filled empanadas.

The second table was in the Small Secret Garden. Navigating the gardens can be similar to walking a maze, so I just followed the sound of conversation to find the table, which was hidden at the end of a secluded path that opened into an enclosed area surrounded by tall, thick hedges. There were three offerings at this table also. Underwood The Bubbles was a Champaign and Sparkling Wine from Oregon. Lapostolle Grand Selection Sauvignon Blanc from Chile was a second choice. I chose a double pour of the third offering, a Christopher Michael Cabernet Sauvignon from Washington. If I were to use a word to describe it, my simple palate would respond with one word, "smooth."

The third table was the least popular with the crowd. It was located at the Wood Nymph Statue at the far end of the gardens in-between the Reflection Pond and the flooded rice fields. The Sangrias were placed here, and I did a double pour of the red. Sangria is what it is.

It was my third wine tasting at Middleton Place over the years. A substantial crowd attended this event. The stroll through the famous gardens was picturesque as usual. The wine was fine. The weather was ideal, a very comfortable temperature tempered by a slight breeze. The sunlight was perfect. I always enjoy meeting people who read my articles. I had the opportunity to meet a group from my original state, Ohio. I had brief conversations with numerous others while standing in line. I also met three local Summerville ladies, one of whom told me she is a dedicated reader and fan of my blog. There was one annoying guest, but a spray was available to make its presence tolerable. The Middleton Place Garden Stroll and Wine Tasting is all about the above. Mission accomplished.

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Cost: $25.00 – $30.00

Ashley River Park Update--Pictures and Video

Ashley River Park off of Bacon's Bridge Road on the Ashley River was supposed to open late summer, but it is obvious that did not happen. On my previous picture updating excursion, August 25, it was beginning to look like Jurassic Park. Even though slow progress was being made on the buildings, the newly constructed activity area had become overgrown with tall weeds, there was no grass as of yet, and the roads were not completely paved.

The park's designs include an interactive play fountain meant to look like a map of the Ashley River, two dog parks, open lawn areas, playground and picnic areas, and an event space which holds a pavilion and tiered lawn by a large pond with fishing piers and boardwalks.

On my most recent visit, November 18, a huge change had taken place with the roads and landscaping. It is beginning to look like the Ashley River Park the county envisioned. Opening now is set for 2022. Enjoy the updated pictures and video.

Ashley River Park—Due to Open Late Summer…Pictures and Video of Progress

Do you desire to escape the Covid 19 Pandemic blues for the great outdoors? Don't we all. A good enticement for satisfying that urge is presently underway just a stone's throw from Bacon's Bridge Road. The $13 million Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Department's Ashley River Park will be an 85-acre activity oasis for Summerville residents of all ages on completion.

The County purchased the 3/4 mile riverfront property for $1.45 million in 2012 from a housing developer who went bankrupt. Thank goodness the housing development never took place. Although many sacred Summerville pines faced the ax in the clearing of the land, this is by far better use of the pristine, upper Ashley River ecosystem. The activity park will include riverside trails, a fishing pond, picnic shelters, a playground, a splash pad, dog parks, a ropes course, and a climbing wall. There will also be an event lawn and pavilion for events, such as concerts, festivals, weddings, reunions, and more. A kayak launch already exists at the Howard Bridgman River Access at Bacon's Bridge.

Due to the recent rains, my trek into the park project, to say the least, was a muddy one, but well worth the effort to provide Summerville residents with an update. On the day I visited, the construction crew made final preparations to lay the cement for the large splash pad, just one of the park's major features. When completed, a replica of the Ashley River surrounded by multi-colored concrete will snake through the splash pad and topped with blue tile. Fountains mounted on the splash pad will spray water. Many of the shelters and buildings were in various construction phases, as were the parking lot, the playground equipment, the dog parks, and the fishing pond boardwalks.

At present, it is a developing recreational island of projects surrounded by South Carolina muck. When finally finished, it will be a water and green space where families will be able to soak in the amenities and beauty along South Carolina's Black Pearl At The Heart of It All. It's scheduled to open in late summer. There will be an entrance fee to cover operational costs that at present have not been determined. Enjoy the pictures and video.

The Ashley River Park is one of five Dorchester County Park Projects. Rosebrock Park is already open with 70 acres of riverbank trails. The Walnut Hill park will feature 128 acres of wetlands and bottomland 2 miles upstream from the Ashley River Park. Summerville's Bend on the Ashley will consist of 38 acres adjacent to town-owned Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing. Finally, a marsh park on 80 acres of the old Kings Grant Golf Course a mile downstream from Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing is in the works. It will be managed by the city of North Charleston and include a walking trail and paddle craft launch.