Kids Life Tuscaloosa September/October 2023 | Page 11

Middleton Equestrian Center the popular Middleton Equestrian Center ’ s approximately one hour guided and narrated horseback riding tour . Travel back to the future on these historic grounds . This is a great activity for parents and kids to do together .
The Inn at Middleton Place
Secluded among sweeping live oaks and towering pines , The Inn at Middleton Place is unique with its floor to ceiling windows , hardwood floors and wood-burning replaces fi . The Grand King Suite with a pull-out sofa , is perfect for small families . With almost a cabin-like feel , the kids can enjoy the air mattresses provided by the Inn ( small fee ); and Pack and Plays are also available . For larger families , downtown Charleston has a bounty of hotels , but there is something exciting about lodging where you can roam the grounds where British and American Revolutionary soldiers walked .
Guests at The Inn are granted complimentary access to Middleton Place grounds , home of America ’ s oldest landscaped gardens , in addition to the House Museum and Stableyards . Children under 12 are no additional charge . Dine at Middleton Place Restaurant that dates to 1928 . The Low Country dishes are amazing . Be sure to request a picnic lunch under the stunning oaks . The natural habitat beckons guests to explore by hiking , kayaking , or bicycling — the staff can plan your itinerary .
Visit nearby Magnolia Plantation and Gardens , and explore the famous 19th century gardens . Enjoy the Nature Boat Tour where you will see alligators , herons , egrets , and other marshdwelling creatures . The Audubon Swamp Garden is where trees grow from water , islands float , and wild creatures live . Thousands of plant and animal species coexist , surrounded by blackwater . Tour the house and “ From Slavery to Freedom ” exhibit . Kids love the Nature Train where history and wildlife are witnessed and explained . Be sure to visit majestic Drayton Hall — named Conde ’ Traveler ’ s Best Place to see in South Carolina .
In nearby John ’ s Island , visit the Angel Oak which is considered the largest Southern live oak tree east of the Mississippi River . Over 400,000 people a year journey to see the tree that is 25.5 feet in circumference . It produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet of shade . Sorry kids — no climbing on this famed tree .
CHARLESTON ON LAND AND WATER : Charleston has received the title of 2023 T + L World ’ s favorite cities in the U . S . category for the 11th year in a row . Walk along cobblestone streets surrounded by mansions and Revolutionary War
Everything Zen

structures — still intact . Charleston is a port city and you will want to explore history on land and water . First , visit the Heyward-Washington House Museum , built in 1772 , for Thomas Heyward , Jr ., signer of the Declaration of Independence . Yes , George Washington really did sleep here , in 1791 , when he vis- www . kidslifemagazine . com

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