Dragon Descends on Camden, SC
Written: Jul 13 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Friendly, Historic, Interesting, Lots To Do
Cons: I Couldn't Find Any!
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| thedragonweyr's Full Review: South Carolina |
The Chief Dragon in Residence recently had the pleasure of visiting Camden, South Carolina, for the first time. This is a charming town, about 30 minutes from Columbia and a good 300 miles from The Dragon Weyr.
SOUTH CAROLINA, WELCOME TO THE SWEAT LODGE
I don't want to give anyone the wrong idea, but when I arrived the heat index and the humidity were the same! The last week in June is not the height of summer, by any means, so the temperature only hovered in the nineties. This place sits pretty squarely in the middle of cypress swamps. In other words, perfect dragon territory and it was love at first sight!
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Camden was a large population center during Colonial times and many of the original homes are still standing, as well as a small fort originally built by the British and later taken over by Colonials. The local historical society continues to restore and maintain these interesting and important links to our past. A nicely-illustrated booklet is available all over town for a few dollars and will allow you to take a self-guided tour.
Despite being a munitions depot during the War of Northern Aggression, only minor damage was sustained. Sherman stayed pretty far to the south, so there are also a lot of beautiful anti-belam homes still in use. Many of the historic homes are in private hands and can only be viewed from the street or by special arrangement.
Expect to see lots of beautiful wrought iron, wrap-around two story galleries, huge magnolia trees, and antique shops. The downtown area is in the midst of revitalization and full of interesting shops, art galleries, and eateries. I spent quite a bit of time in a delightful coffee shop, Cups, where the regular coffee is the size of a goldfish bowl and the large will easily double as a dragon wallow. They also offer a nice selection of pastries, lunch items, ice cream, books, and antiques (it is hard to swing a dragon without hitting an antique something in Camden).
WHAT DO WE DO HERE
Mostly we relax. The dominant ambience is one of true southern hospitality, the real deal, honest. This galvanized little Yankee gal dragon was welcomed with open arms and hearts and felt right at home in no time at all.
Everywhere I went, people smiled, chatted, and made nice with me. I could have passed for a long-time resident, apparently. But, more importantly, if they noticed a difference, they were too kind to point it out. I have lived in the south for over 30 years and never have I visited a town more welcoming.
Camden is a very important center for sport horses. In the fall they host important hurdle races and people flock here to participate or watch. This is a World Class event and steeple-chasing horses are brought from all over the world to compete. There are quite a few homes that are only occupied during the race meeting. The race course and stable area are very attractive and extensive. If point-to-point races are something you enjoy, this would be a good spot to visit during their season.
OK, HOW DO WE GET TO CAMDEN TOWN
Camden is easy to find and get to, if you are on the east coast of the United States. Interstate 20 goes right by the town, so driving south on I-95 you would get onto I-20 south of the Florence exit and go towards Columbia. It is about 90 miles. From the south, take I-26 off of I-95 to Route 601(about a 2-hour ride). This will bring you right into downtown Camden. Driving down from western North Carolina, use I-85 to I-77 south (at Charlotte) and get off on exit 34, Ridgeway. Ridgeway is also full of nice antique shops and is only about 26 miles from Camden on Route 34.
WHERE TO STAY
As far as the Chief Dragon in Residence is concerned, the ONLY place to stay in Camden is The Greenleaf Inn. This wonderful bed & breakfast consists of two historic homes, the Reynolds House (1805) and the McLean House (1890). Rates are extremely reasonable at $65-$85/night, all rooms have private baths, and are furnished with lovely antiques. A delicious and ample breakfast is served in the room every morning beginning at 7 A.M. There is also a two-bedroom, two-bath cottage for $150/night. Contact Jack for reservations at 800-437-5874.
The Greenleaf Inn is located on Highway 521, just north of of 601, in the historic downtown area of Camden and is walking-distance to shops and restaurants. It is surrounded by huge old trees and shrubbery and should be a real treat for anyone who has never experienced southern hospitality at its best.
My room was typical of the 13 guest rooms and featured a beautiful queen-sized, mahogany four-poster bed with oriental rugs on the floor. All the rooms have air conditioning and ceiling fans. The bath was especially spacious and well appointed with large tub and vanity.
Each evening we sat out on the second floor gallery and enjoyed the cooler night air and fragrance of magnolias. There is also a ceiling fan on the gallery, to provide a nice breeze on still nights.
Avanti's at the Greenleaf is a lovely restaurant featuring Northern Italian and American style meals served in high-ceilinged rooms decorated with yet more antiques. Dinner is served from 5:30 to 10 P.M. and reservations are suggested (803-713-0089).
There are, of course, the usual assortment of generic motels offering cookie-cutter cinder-brick rooms. However, they are only a few dollars cheaper than The Greenleaf Inn, poorly located, and do not include breakfast. I don't know about the rest of you, but for this dragon, breakfast in bed is a very special treat and one that is guaranteed to win my heart every time.
WHO MIGHT ENJOY A STAY IN CAMDEN
Camden is a perfect place to have a brief romantic tryst. If you are a couple of long standing, this could re-ignite a spark or two. For those lucky enough to still be in the early throes of mutual delight, you can hardly go wrong. Between the charm of the town and the breakfast in bed what more could a couple in love ask for? I would not hesitate to suggest the Greenleaf Inn for a short honeymoon, either. Especially if you have time and/or financial restraints.
THE DRAGON HUMBLY SUGGESTS
If a visit to a small, hospitable, historic, beautiful, and friendly town appeals to you, give Camden Town a try. If being pampered in a beautifully furnished room after a day of antiquing, gallery browsing, eating, or watching horses jump obstacles as they race for the finish line, does not sound like a good time then maybe you should just stay home and watch TV from your barca lounger.
Recommended:
Yes
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