Located in Dorchester County (about 45 minutes from Charleston traveling north on Highway 61), Summerville, South Carolina, was founded in 1785, when many plantation owners fled to this pineland village to escape the swamp fevers and insects. After the turn of the 20th century, Summerville became a winter resort for northern visitors, including Theodore Roosevelt.
The town's historic district, which includes 200 buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its old-fashioned Main Street has an old-style hardware store, some nice cafes and restaurants, and Guerin's Pharmacy, a drugstore with an authentic 1920s soda fountain. It is also home to The Inn at Woodlands Mansion, an award-winning luxury retreat and event venue.
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