Traveling with family is what we are used to doing. Whether it’s traveling to another state, out of the country, or just to a nearby welcoming area, trips with the family that has rich heritage is ideal for most. However, with COVID still a factor in our daily lives, traveling out of the country has lessened and traveling throughout the US has decreased. Instead of ceasing all travel, my goal for you and your family is to find welcoming counties and cities that are following COVID precautions. One county that has many attractions, black-owned restaurants, and shops that should be added to your list for a COVID safe travel is Berkeley County.
History
In 1682, Berkeley County was established and named after John and William Berkeley, who were co-owners of the Province of Carolina. This county, which is a part of the Charleston District, is mostly known for General Francis Marion’s efforts during the American Revolution, however, more history is concreted in the African American race. With over 103,000 slaves in comparison to 30,00 whites, in 1790, the African American presence was more prominent in this area during the startup. With much of the population in the startup of the county being African Americans, many can find African American unique history in the museums of Berkeley County and through the African American local entrepreneurs.
Museum
Berkeley County Museum & Heritage Center
When traveling with your family, we sometimes have a hard time finding things that are pleasing for the whole family. In Berkeley County, the museum is what many local families and tourist families appreciate and I know you will enjoy as well. The Berkeley County Museum & Heritage Center, which has face mask requirements, is sharing history for all of us. From the grave marker for Lucia, a female slave of Hyde Park Plantation to local heros, the Berkeley County Museum & Heritage Center has a piece of information for everyone to take in.
Churches
Have you attended church services or visited churches while on your family travel? If so, then Berkeley County has some churches you should add to your travel list! Berkeley County churches have taken a new approach to sermons and even offers digital services for the safest way to stay COVID free. Below are a few black churches in Berkeley County that you can attend or visit either in person or from the comfort of your hotel room during your stay.
Mt. Carmel AME Church
Leadership: Pastor Curry
Location: 1059 Old Black Oak Rd, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Website: http://www.mtcarmelamec.org/
Daydawn Baptist Church
Leadership: Rev. Joshua Prioleau
Location: 2057 Highway 45 Pineville, SC 29468
Website: http://www.daydawnbaptist.com
Mt. Zion AME Church
Leadership: Pastor Clinton J. McPherson
Location: 464 Howe Hall Rd Goose Creek, SC 29445
Social Media: @MTZIONAME29445
Parks
Churches aren’t the only places to add on your to do list while on a heritage trip through Berkeley County, parks can be included as well. It doesn’t matter whether you are in the main city of Berkeley County, Goose Creek, or the countryside of Sangaree, the county has relaxing parks scattered throughout. Another great piece of advice is that parks are a perfect place to get some fresh air while also staying safe during COVID.
Cypress Gardens
Looking for a scenic garden with plenty of activities for yourself and the kids? Be sure to add Cypress Gardens to your list of activities. Whether you are looking to play with your kids on the playground, spend an hour on a paddle boat or host an outdoor lunch, Cypress Gardens is the perfect place to add your outdoor experience in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Old Santee Canal Park
Located on 900 Stony Landing Rd in Moncks Corner, SC, Old Santee Canal Park is a 195-acre park which commemorates the area’s rich history and habitat. Known for the relaxing boardwalks, the Berkeley County Museum & Heritage Center, and backwaters scenery, the Old Santee Canal Park is one centerpiece in Moncks Corner, SC that you and your family will most definitely enjoy.
Lacey Park
Another park that many locals and tourists are known to go to on their countryside trip, especially with their children, is Lacey Park. Located in the popular town of Moncks Corner, Lacey Park is a small local park for kids to enjoy. A great way to follow COVID safety precautions is by carrying a few wet wipes to clean off before going to your next excursion.
Restaurants
A family friend Berkeley County Trip with heritage isn’t complete unless your taste buds are yearning for more mouthwatering Southern and diverse cuisine. If you are on a weekend trip to Berkeley County, then here are 2 restaurants you can try per day.
Deja Va
Located in Goose Creek, SC Deja Va, a Jamaican and soul food restaurant, is a great Black-Owned Business for tasting new and different dishes. From Deja Va nachos for the kids to rum muffins for the adults, Deja Va has a menu to fit the entire family. Takeout, dine-in, patio, or bar, Deja Va Restaurant and Lounge ensures their customers are practicing social distancing while also giving many choices on preferred seating arrangements.
Elegant Treats
On Corner Square Plaza in Moncks Corner, SC, Swank Desserts specializes in providing southern classics with gourmet ingredients including Charleston Chewies, savory biscuits, bread pudding and so much more. This Black-Owned dessert shop is one that many locals love and can be added to your Berkeley County trip “to eat” list.
Shops
As your heritage trip comes to an end, it may be best you look into services provided by Black businesses or items that are useful when returning back to your home. For me, a great way to end any trip would be with a massage and why not get one at the Black-Owned Grace Salon Suites.
Grace Salon Suites
Grace Salon Suites is located in downtown Moncks Corner, SC have several individual business owners such as hairstylists, massage therapists, makeup artists and yoni steam services to enjoy and partake in while on trip. Once you have pampered yourself, it’s perfect timing to take the kids to purchase something they will also enjoy.
Turning Page Bookshop
African American bookstore owner VaLinda is giving locals and tourists a way to stay connected to the words of a book. Located in Goose Creek, SC, VaLinda and her team ensures peace and positivity when it comes to COVID and says if “you can’t come to us, we will come to you.” So, if you know a few reads that you and your family would like to devour then check and see if this bookshop has what you all need.
All of these historical locations and Black-Owned restaurants, shops, and churches, are places that we recommend for your trip with heritage to Berkeley County with your family. Despite COVID implications, Berkley County has enforced their COVID guidelines and all of these businesses ensures the safety of you and your family. So plan your travel today for this quiet and cozy county.
DISCLOSURE***THIS POST WAS SPONSORED BY BERKELEY COUNTY TOURISM***
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN
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