With A Monastery, Cypress Gardens And More, You Won't Run Out Of Things To Do In Moncks Corner, South Carolina
By Robin Jarvis
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Published January 10, 2021
One of South Carolina’s most delightful small towns is located way out on the perimeter of the Charleston metro area. If you’ve never been to Moncks Corner, you’ve been missing out. This small town of just over 7,000 residents has much to do, especially if you love the outdoors!
Moncks Corner was incorporated in 1909, with a population of around 200 residents.
This photo from 1904 was taken on one of the town's main streets. Modest homes and buildings line the scruffy dirt road.
Today, Moncks Corner has grown leaps and bounds, but still retains the sleepy little town feel of yesteryear.
Some 30 years ago, this small town had a car dealer whose motto was "Cars are like eggs... they're cheaper in the country." Most things are better in the country, aren't they? Let's take a look at some of the best things to do in Moncks Corner:
Old Santee Canal Park
Four miles of boardwalk meander through this 195-acre site along the Santee Canal. An interpretive center is at the heart of the property and it details 4,000 years of history in Moncks Corner. Learn more
here . Admission is $5 ($3 for seniors).
Cypress Gardens
A visit to this 170-acre preserve and gardens is something that could consume an entire day, if you'd like. With miles of walking trails, a Swamparium, and the largest butterfly house in the state, there certainly is a lot to do here. Learn more
here . Admission is $10 (ages 18-64), $5 (ages 6-17, 65 and older, and 911 responders), $6.50 (military).
Mepkin Abbey
A trappist monk monastery that opened on the old Mepkin Plantation in 1949, Mepkin Abbey is one of a handful of monasteries located in South Carolina. Visit and stroll the beautiful gardens. The gardens are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gift shop, however, is only open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only three persons at a time will be allowed inside as long as the pandemic continues. Also as long as the pandemic prevails, the monastery itself and the church are closed to all visitors. But the gardens are worthy of a visit. Admission is free, unless you want to take one of the garden tours offered on Friday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The cost of the garden tour is $5 adults (children are free). Learn more
here .
Biggin Church Ruins
Biggin church was originally built in 1711, but it has burned three times since then. The rendition that stands now in ruins was built in 1761 and subsequently reconstructed in 1781. At nearly 250 years old it's a moving relic of times gone by in the area. On its' perimeter, you'll find a cemetery with headstones dating back as far as the inception of this chapel. Admission here is free. Learn more
here .
Regardless of which of these outdoor activities draws you to the small town of Moncks Corner, you'll surely need to eat. The town has a few options; here are two very good choices:
Barony House
The number-one-ranked restaurant in town (according to TripAdvisor.com users), Barony House is a casual spot with delicious American fare. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, plus it has beer and wine. It's open for lunch on Sunday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for lunch (same hours) and dinner (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Wednesday through Friday. Learn more from the restaurant's
Facebook page .
Or, if you arrive early in the day to Moncks Corner, have a hearty breakfast at...
Howard's Restaurant
This homey joint will make you feel at home and fill your belly with hearty food that lasts much of the day. Howard's is located right on Main Street as you get into town. It's open for breakfast and lunch from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more from the restaurant's
Facebook page .
Moncks Corner may be a sleepy little town, but it sure has a lot to do! Have you explored any of the places listed above already? Join the discussion in our comments!
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Featured Addresses
Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stoney Landing Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Mepkin Abbey, 1098 Mepkin Abbey Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
Biggin Church, Moncks Corner, SC, USA
The Barony House, 401 Altman St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA
336 E Main St, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, USA