The Sweet Tea Trail is the ultimate road trip for tea lovers and history buffs alike, celebrating one of the South’s most iconic beverages—sweet tea. Rooted in the Lowcountry, this self-guided trail takes you through Summerville, South Carolina, known as the "Birthplace of Sweet Tea," and beyond, offering a mix of history, delicious stops, and Southern charm.

☕ Why Sweet Tea?

Sweet tea is more than just a drink in the South—it’s a way of life. Dating back to the 19th century, sweet tea became a staple thanks to Charleston’s deep ties to the tea trade and the perfect climate for growing tea plants. Summerville claims to be where the first commercial iced sweet tea was born, and they fully embrace that legacy.

🛣️ What to Expect on the Sweet Tea Trail

The trail is packed with fun stops that bring the story of sweet tea to life. Here are a few highlights:

🍃 Charleston Tea Garden – The only tea plantation in North America, located on Wadmalaw Island. Take a trolley tour, see the factory in action, and sample freshly brewed tea straight from the source.

📍 Sweet Tea Mural & Mason – In downtown Summerville, you’ll find a massive mural dedicated to sweet tea and the world’s largest sweet tea mason jar (affectionately named "Mason"). It’s the perfect Instagram spot to kick off your tea adventure.

🥤 The Sweet Tea Trolley – Hop on a guided trolley tour through Summerville, learning about the history of tea and the town’s deep-rooted Southern hospitality.

🍯 Local Tea Spots & Cafés – Throughout the trail, you’ll find plenty of local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants serving up their own spin on sweet tea. Some even infuse it with fruit, herbs, or local honey for a unique twist.

🎉 Sweet Tea Festival – If you time your visit right, you can catch Summerville’s annual Sweet Tea Festival in September, where you can sip and sample different takes on this classic Southern drink.

🏆 Why Take the Sweet Tea Trail?

Whether you’re a die-hard sweet tea fan or just looking for a unique way to explore South Carolina, this trail is a fun, flavorful, and history-packed journey. It’s a chance to step back in time, soak up some Southern hospitality, and, of course, enjoy some of the best sweet tea you’ve ever had.

📍 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a reusable cup—there’s a LOT of tea to sample along the way! 🍹

Full List of Participants

• Cuppa Manna – 100 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Hanebrink Jewelers – 112 S Main St, Summerville, SC, United States

• Four Green Fields – 117 Central Ave, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Everything Chic – 126 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Summerville Dorchester Museum – 100 E Doty Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Eva's On Main – 129 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Baker's Garden and BBQ – 807 Central Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Five Loaves Cafe – 214 N Cedar St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Coastal Coffee Roasters – E 3rd North St, Summerville, SC 29485, United States

• People, Places & Quilts – 129 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Montreux Bar & Grill – 127 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Birthplace of Sweet Tea Mural – 402 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Mason - The World's Largest Sweet Tea – 200 S Main St, Summerville, SC, United States

• Nailed It! DIY Studio – 116 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Carolina Ale House – 191 Sigma Dr, Summerville, SC, United States

• Main Street Reads – 115 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Cotton Down South – 206 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Nina Belle's Boutique – 114 W Doty Ave, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Antiques & Artisans Village – 619 Old Trolley Rd, Summerville, SC, United States

• Summerville Antique Gallery – 901 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Timrod Library of Summerville – 217 Central Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Maggie Rose – 130 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Summerville Country Club – 400 Country Club Blvd, Summerville, SC, United States

• The Icehouse – 104 E Doty Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Fly Modern Apparel – 118 E Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• The Axe Joint – 120 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Public Works Art Center – 135 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Piazza Home – 127 Central Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Lowcountry Olive Oil – 103 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Katie Maes Klassy Flea & Antique – 140 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Azalea Bar & Garden – 219 S Cedar St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Vintage Vibes – 200 N Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site – 300 State Park Rd, Summerville, SC, United States

• French Mercantile – 211 W Richardson Ave, Summerville, SC, United States

• Selfie Addict Studio – 127 S Main St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States

• Winchester Spa & Salon – 105 S Cedar St, Summerville, SC 29483, United States