Follow the Congaree River out of Columbia, and eventually the water makes its way toward Moncks Corner, where Lake Moultrie and the Cooper River shape the landscape. This week, we’re heading downstream for a weekend centered around Mepkin Abbey, Lowcountry history, and time on the water.

🌿 What to do

Start at Mepkin Abbey, a Trappist monastery tucked along the Cooper River. Walk through the Nancy Bryan Luce Gardens, visit the church, and take your time exploring the grounds. Individual visitors don’t need a reservation.

Keep following the waterways at Old Santee Canal Park, where four miles of boardwalks wind through Biggin Creek and the surrounding swamp. The park also preserves the story of the Santee Canal, which opened in 1800 as America’s first true canal.

At Cypress Gardens, paddle through the blackwater swamp beneath the old cypress trees. Movie fans may recognize the scenery from “The Notebook” and “The Patriot.”

Save room for dessert after loading up on barbecue. | Photo by Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons

🍳 What to eat

For a true hometown breakfast or lunch, stop at Howard’s Restaurant. The no-frills spot is known for country cooking, meat-and-three, and its Southern hospitality.

Save another meal, and a notch on your belt buckle, for Music Man’s Bar-B-Que, where whole hog barbecue is the specialty. The buffet is filled with Southern sides, and Lowcountry favorites like catfish stew.

Where to stay

If a quiet retreat is what your soul is searching for, book a private spiritual retreat at Mepkin Abbey. Overnight guests stay at the St. Francis Retreat Center, eat meals in silence, and have plenty of time to explore the grounds, join the monks for prayer, or simply unplug for a few days.

For a stay built around the water, book River House Escape on the Cooper River. The rental has a private dock on the Cooper River, a pool, and plenty of room to fish or bring your boat for the weekend.