By Lisa T. Bergren

We were somewhat embarrassed, since my husband’s a sculptor, that we’d never heard of Brookgreen Gardens—a National Historic Landmark—before we went to Myrtle Beach. Our half-day visit made us glad our hosts knew of this place, what the Charlotte Observer calls “one of the seven wonders of the Carolinas,” and thought to introduce us to it too.

A Bit of History

From the 17^th century, English settlers and moreover, their African slaves, carved sprawling rice fields from swampland. During the Antebellum years, they helped make this region the leading world producer of rice.

Strolling through the stunning gardens, underneath ancient, massive oaks thick with Spanish moss, you also get a sense of history. While the old antebellum mansion where George Washington once stayed is long gone, you can still see where boats once pulled up to load their cargo of rice. Four massive plantations—The Oaks, Brookgreen, Springfield and Laurel Hill—once claimed these 9,000 acres.

In 1929, Archer Huntington, a philanthropist, and Anna Hyatt Huntington, his wife and an accomplished sculptor, visited the properties, and the Carolina Lowcountry captivated them. They purchased land that included river and swamp, pine forest, marsh, oak and beachfront. At first, they planned to build a winter home, but gradually their vision grew to incorporate something more grand, still: a place to showcase American figurative sculpture, as well as a refuge for native plants and animals. In 1931, they created the non-profit institution and a year later, opened the first sculpture garden in the United States to the public.

The Sculpture Garden

Anna Hyatt Huntington, who gained world fame from her Joan of Arc statue that was installed in New York City, was an accomplished sculptor making a very nice living on her own, even before she married Archer, the son of a Robber Baron (railroad/shipping magnate). Many of her works can be viewed in the gardens, but our favorites—from what we could see in our brief visit—were the Fighting Stallions and her Diana.

But there are over 1200 sculptures done by over 350 artists from the 19^th century to the present, making this the largest and most comprehensive collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. If sculpture/art is your bag, you’ll be glad the entry ticket allows for return visits all week long.

While we were there, the National Sculpture Society had its 77^th Annual Awards Exhibit up in the Rainey Sculpture Pavilion (through October 31, 2010). We loved examining each piece and voting for our favorites (by invitation of the docent). Check out the website for upcoming exhibits.

Things to Do with Kids

• Brookgreen Detectives book available at Welcome Center to help engage kids
• “What’s Blooming” cuttings outside the Welcome Center also help kids (and you!) identify some of the unique flowers currently at their peak in the sprawling, verdant gardens
• Children’s Discovery Room in the Wall Lowcountry Center: Ages 4-12, open 12-4:30, provides interactive exhibits to help children learn more about the history, art and nature at Brookgreen
• Butterfly House: While there are hundreds of amazing butterflies flitting around the gardens themselves, here children will be amazed as gorgeous specimens—from all over the world—that will land on their nose, they’re so close
• Lowcountry Zoo: Locals told us to take kids there during 11-1:00, when most of these rescued/rehabilitated animals get fed (and are most visible) ; kids can see river otters, alligators and more
• Children’s Sculpture Garden: It’s small, but worth a brief stop to take in the teepees, kid-friendly sculptures like a mama bear and her cub, and verses from children’s literature

History Buffs & Digging Deeper

I want to go back someday and take a few of the special tours—along the creek in a pontoon boat, and over hidden roads to explore cemeteries, a Civil War earthen fort site, a rice mill chimney, a bluff with a panoramic view of the Waccamaw River and more. Each requires a reservation and an extra fee, but they all sound intriguing to me! (Most are not recommended for children age six and under.)

I also want to take a contemplative turn through the recently opened labyrinth.

A Lovely Place for Lunch

We ate at the Pavilion Restaurant and enjoyed a fantastic salad and the not-to-be-missed She Crab Soup. You can also eat in the center of the garden, at the Old Kitchen, where they serve soup and sandwiches and there’s a small café in the Wall Lowcountry Center too.

Upcoming Events:

• Harvest Home Weekend, October 16-17
• Night of a Thousand Candles, a holiday tradition, dates online
• February-Early March: Daffodil Days
• Check out the web site for new and upcoming events

Entrance Fees (as of Fall 2010):

• Adults, 13-64: $12.00
• Seniors, $10.00
• Children, 4-12: $6.00
• Children 3 and under FREE (take a stroller for weary little legs)
• Annual memberships available

Hours & Details:

• Open daily 9:30-5:00
• Located on US Hwy 17 between Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island
• #800-849-1931 for info
• No pets allowed