This Beloved Garden In South Carolina Is Re-Opening Soon And We Couldn’t Be Happier

Many in South Carolina no doubt remember the Thousand Year Flood that swept across the Palmetto State from October 1-5, 2015. At least 17 deaths in the state were attributed to the catastrophe, and a wide range of devastation occurred as dams and levies broke, cities and towns were flooded, and our lives were touched in ways we'll never forget. But there is recent uplifting news from a much beloved outdoor attraction that saw so much damage it's been closed since the fall of 2015.

We're happy to say that Cypress Gardens, located in Berkeley County, has announced their Grand Re-opening — and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Over the past three-plus years, visitors to the gardens were turned away. Many were from out of state and merely didn't realize the gardens had suffered so much damage from the Thousand Year Flood that closure was unavoidable. Others, like the bicyclist who took this photo, were natives who simply missed regular visits to the beautiful swamp garden.

The Grand Re-opening takes place on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Since 1931, locals and visitors from all over the world have made the pilgrimage to experience the splendor of the 170-acre garden, nearly half of which features a lush and serene black water swamp filled with foot trails and boat trails.

Guided boat rides and self-guided boats make a trip through the swamp convenient for any skill level. For a small fee ($5), you can take a guided boat tour and enjoy the relaxing and scenic water trail through the swamp.

Self-guided boats are available on a limited basis and, according to the website, are free of charge. Maps and water trail markers help guide your excursion through the massive swamp.

Of course, if boating just isn't in your wheelhouse on the day you visit, you can always meander along the 3.5 miles of trails and walking paths where you'll encounter several gorgeous footbridges that are right out of a movie scene. Some top-rated movies have filmed in Cypress Gardens including "The Notebook," "The Patriot," "North and South," The Yearling," and "Cold Mountain," to name just a few.

Now that the park is finally opening, we're eager to see the status of the famously photographed Spanish mission arch that was built for the movie, "The Patriot." Often mistaken for ancient church ruins, the movie set had become a much loved landmark within the gardens.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 13, 2019 for the Grand Re-opening of Cypress Gardens! Beginning on April 13, 2019, the gardens will be open seven days as week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission is at 4:00 p.m.). Admission fee is: Adults $10, Seniors (65+) $9, Children (6-12) $5, Children (5 and under) free. Parking is free. Guided boat rides are $5 (reserve your seat on-site). Learn more on the official website!

Cypress Gardens is located at 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd., Moncks Corner, SC 29461.