a kid-friendly adventure to vereen gardens
Guest post written by Morgan Graham, local homeschooling and nature-loving mom.
Vereen Gardens holds more than you might expect! This spot has history, trails, water, boardwalks and more. Read up on it here then make plans to visit this wonderful spot.
ADDRESS: 2250 SC-179, Little River, SC
ADMISSION: Free!
HOURS: Open daily from dawn until dusk. Gates close at 8pm.
BEST FOR: All ages will enjoy this beautiful recreation area! Some areas are not stroller-friendly.
HIGHLIGHT: Hang a shell on the Oyster Tree
overview
Vereen Memorial Gardens is 115 acres of beautiful coastal nature. Walking trails loop the entire gardens to give you the most fantastic views of the waterway, maritime forest, wetlands, and even a pond tucked back in the forest. Informational signs can be found throughout the gardens that encourage you to learn about the wildlife that live in the area. If relaxing is your cup of tea, you can take time to swing and take in the beautiful view, access a beach on the waterway full of shells to sift through (this was my kids’ favorite part) or simply watch the boats pass by.
highlights of the gardens
WALKING TRAILS | There are two main trails with several small trails that branch off if you want to make your walk shorter. The RED TRAIL takes you to the boardwalk with amazing views of the waterway and a shell beach directly on the waterway. My kids looked for tiny crabs and searched for the perfect shells while waiting for boats to pass by. This area was one of our favorites. The red trails also will lead you through the forest where you can hear beautiful birds chirping and possibly spot some mushrooms and lizards along the way.
The BLUE TRAIL leads through the forest on the left side and is where you can find Buckeye Pond. Both trails connect making the loop about 3 miles if you are up for an extended walk.
SWINGS FOR ALL AGES | At the parking lot closest to the waterway picnic tables and swings can be found. Directly in front of the kid area is a swing for adults and/or children that faces the marsh and is the perfect place to relax and watch the nature around you.
A SLICE OF HISTORY | If you are like me and want to make history come alive to your kiddos you show them anything tangible from history that you can. Vereen Memorial Gardens was once the Vereen Family plantation dating back to the Revolutionary War. The Vereen Family were one of the first families to settle along the Grand Strand.
A small cemetery is located on the right side of the gardens near the red trails and can be accessed from the main road. Here you can find the grave of Joshua Vereen. Joshua hosted President George Washington when he visited SC by the dirt road known as Kings Road. Traces of the colonial dirt road that ran from Boston to Charleston can be found near the front of the gardens.
THE OYSTER TREE | This is such a fun and simple activity! Plan ahead by painting a few shells to add to the tree. Look for ones with a hole in them so you can add string or simply hang them on a teeny tiny branch of one of the trees. And then plan ahead by picking up a few shells from the shore to paint at home and drop off on your next trip.
things to add to your adventure
SIDE NOTE FOR EDUCATORS OR HOMESCHOOLING MAMAS | If you are interested in making your visit a little more engaging you can print out adventures like a “look and find” here.
WHAT ELSE TO DO | You’re close to Calabash which is a great spot for some food and shopping. We love Blondiez Donuts, Boundary House Restaurant and The Bagel Dock. It’s also fun to walk through Callahan’s Gifts and the year-long St Nick Nacks.