Named for its location on the highest ridge between Charleston and Savannah, Ridgeland is steeped in history and an important part of the Savannah railroad. You’ll be able to visit a museum in Ridgeland to learn about the town’s importance or go bird watching at a wildlife refuge and nature center. With awesome microbreweries, opportunities to spend time in nature, or go on a fishing adventure, there is plenty to see and do in Ridgeland, South Carolina, and fun to be had for all members of the family.
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1. Sit down at Harold Turpin Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With several benches, fountains, and trees around it, Harold Turpin Park is a great place for people to simply sit back and relax after exploring Ridgeland for some time.
Families or groups with kids won’t have to worry about the little tykes getting bored as there is also a treehouse, playground, and zipline to occupy them while the adults sit down on the benches and take in not only the wonderful scenery but also the beautiful sights of the kids having fun and playing.
Harold Turpin Park
Address: Ridgeland, SC 29936, USA
2. Have a nice cup of coffee at PJ's Coffee Ridgeland
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A coffee shop that started out in New Orleans has expanded its reach all the way to South Carolina. This New Orleans-born coffee chain takes pride in serving house-roasted coffee, organic tea, blended drinks, and pastries.
Some food and drinks you’ll find on its menu include cafe au lait, caramel creme, Vienna creme, macchiato, granita, velvet ice, green tea velvet, turkey sausage, cookies, and bagels. In terms of food quality and dining experience, the cafe doesn’t disappoint as many customers have lauded its great atmosphere, ambiance, and delicious food and drinks.
PJ's Coffee Ridgeland
Address: 8026 E Main St, Ridgeland, SC 29936, United States
Website: PJ’s Coffee Ridgeland
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 3pm
3. Enjoy a nice meal at Taqueria Rocio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Calling itself “the best authentic Mexican restaurant in the Lowcountry”, Taqueria Rocio specializes in serving not only Mexican but also Latin cuisine that is guaranteed to inspire you to come back for more. For those with special diets, the menu also has vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Some dishes served here are fajitas, tortas, nachos, chimichangas, burritos, and quesadillas.
As for food quality, the restaurant is able to back up its claim and provides great tasting food complemented by the amazing restaurant atmosphere for people to enjoy.
Taqueria Rocio
Address: 7715 W Main St, Ridgeland, SC 29936, United States
Website: Taqueria Rocio
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
4. Explore the historic Old House Plantation
Also known as Daniel Heyward Plantation, Old House Plantation is a historic plantation that was first established in 1743 and is the birthplace and final resting place of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of the founding fathers. This plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 and was active throughout the first quarter of the 19th century.
It grew from a 500-acre (202-hectare) plantation into 16,000 acres (6,474 hectares) over the years but was destroyed in a fire in 1865. Some of the surviving buildings that still stand today include the main house, tidal mill, stable, and slave quarters.
Old House Plantation
Address: SC-462, Ridgeland, SC 29936, United States
5. Browse through Ta·Ca·Ron's inventory
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In the market for some Cuban cigars? Maybe some wine or great coffee? If the answer to either of those questions is a yes, Ta·Ca·Ron is the place to go. This Cuban-owned shop offers a plethora of Cuban seed cigars, boutique wines, and Cuban-roasted coffee.
One of the things that set this shop apart from others is its ability to produce its own cigars. You heard it right. This shop has its own boutique factory in the Dominican Republic and it allows the shop to sell cigars at wholesale prices while ensuring the quality is on par with mainstream brands.
Ta·Ca·Ron
Address: 6983 Okatie Hwy #170, Ridgeland, SC 29936, United States
Website: Ta·Ca·Ron
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
6. River Dog Brewing Company
Posted by River Dog Brewing Co. on Sunday, 29 May 2016
A popular micro-brewery, offering flights, pints, and tours, River Dog offers beer “made from scratch in the South Carolina low country.” The brewery is a must for beer lovers and offers classic beers, as well as seasonal flavors, such as a fall, spiced amber ale. There are also unique brews, such as a milk stout brewed with coffee and an imperial milk stout brewed with cocoa, coffee, and vanilla beans. You might consider pairing them with a cheese plate.
The staff are very informative and would love to chat with you about their brews. Tours are offered at 3 pm, every second Saturday of the month, when you’ll get to learn about the making of the different varieties of beer.
River Dog Brewing Company
Address: 591 Browns Cove Rd N, Suite H, Ridgeland, South Carolina
Website: River Dog Brewing Company
7. Visit the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
This history museum, open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, has “a goal of community engagement through educational programming and changing exhibits connected to the Lowcountry heritage.” Through building community awareness, the center seeks to advance initiatives that preserve the Lowcountry’s history and culture. Events may include “the Lowcountry in WWII,” “Reptiles and Amphibians of the Lowcountry,” as well as a variety of kid’s educational summer camps, archery camps, yoga, and lunch-hour events.
Some of the most popular events are the “Living History” events, which feature actors dressed as recognizable figures from history. They put on a presentation, answer questions, and do their best to characterize the historical people. There’s always something new happening at the history museum, and it’s a great place to stop by if you’re in the area.
Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
Address: 10782 S Jacob Smart Blvd, Ridgeland, SC 29936
8. Take a stroll at the Blue Heron Nature Center
Posted by Blue Heron Nature Center on Saturday, 29 April 2017
Open daily from dawn to dusk, the trails at the Blue Heron Nature Center beckon the nature-lover. The center spans 10 acres (4 hectares) and the trail is made of recycled rubber to promote a “green” environment. It circles around a 3 acre (1.2 hectare) pond and a boardwalk takes you through the wetlands.
If you like to fish, bring a fishing pole and cast out into the pond. There are also picnic tables, perfect for packing a lunch or dinner. You’ll also be able to visit the butterfly garden and a 4,200 square foot (390.2 square meter) learning center, filled with fun facts about the vegetation and wildlife of the area. Although it’s right off of the expressway, it’s a peaceful place and a wonderful way to connect with the earth.
Blue Heron Nature Center
Address: 321 Bailey Lane Rd, Ridgeland, SC 29936
Website: Blue Heron Nature Center
9. Catch a fish with Carolina Fishing Adventures
Posted by Carolina Fishing Adventures on Tuesday, 16 May 2017
Located in Ridgeland, Carolina Fishing Adventures is an excellent inshore fishing adventure. Captain Shannon O'Quinn runs the charter service – he’ll take you out on his boat, supply the gear, bait, water and ice. All you have to do is show up with a good attitude, a lunch, and maybe some sunscreen. Redfish are the most popular fish caught on the charter, but you might catch catfish or other species.
While serious anglers may enjoy the charter, it’s just as appropriate for novice fisherman - the captain will guide you through the steps to catch a monster fish. Even if you don’t want to fish, consider booking a dolphin tour or sunset cruise - a great way to enjoy the ocean, up close.
Prices start at 200 USD for a private dolphin or sunset cruise and range from 400-550 USD for a four-hour fishing charter to an eight-hour fishing trip. Note that private trips are limited to four passengers, while bait fishing charters are limited to three anglers.
Carolina Fishing Adventures
Address: 7724 Bees Creek Rd, Ridgeland, South Carolina, SC 29936
Website: Carolina Fishing Adventures
10. Head back in time at the Rose Hill Plantation House
Located just thirty minutes from Ridgeland in Bluffton, Rose Hill Plantation House is near the coast of South Carolina and is an incredible example of antebellum Gothic Revival architecture. If you’re not familiar with architectural terms, you’ll still be amazed by this incredible home. Its white exterior, winding staircase, and immaculate grounds are breathtaking.
It’s often used for weddings and special events, but you can also take a tour, offered daily from Monday through Friday at 2 pm. Tours are 25 USD per adult and 10 USD per child. You can also book private tours if you’d prefer. Not only will you get to view the incredible plantation and grounds, but the tour guide will explain the role of the home and its owners, in Lowcountry history.
Rose Hill Plantation House
Address: Bluffton, SC
Website: Rose Hill Plantation House
11. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Happy Anniversary to our own Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge! Harris Neck NWR was established on this day, May 25,...
Posted by Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex on Thursday, 25 May 2017
Open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge showcases a variety of wildlife species common to the Lowcountry - including alligators, bobcats, and the beautiful purple gallinule, a brightly colored bird. The refuge consists of marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, and bottomland hardwoods. During daylight hours, you’re free to explore and count the number of waterfowl and birds you’ll see. Birdwatching is best during October through April.
If you’d rather stay in your car away from the alligators, you may cruise down Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, where you’ll still be able to view the wildlife. Bikers are also welcome on the trails. The refuge is located twenty minutes away from Ridgeland, down the coast, towards Georgia.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Address: Hardeeville, SC
Website: Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Alligators, bobcats, and more in Ridgeland
Ridgeland is a proud part of South Carolina’s Lowcountry and offers a variety of environments, from wetlands to forests to coastal beauty. Take a walk into nature and admire the wildlife, or stay on the city side and taste a brew or view a plantation.
History
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