America's Best Idea

Congaree National Park

Before the school year ended, I decided to take some personal days and set my sights on Congaree National Park. Although I didn't win the lottery for firefly viewing tickets, I planned a kayaking trip with my mom instead. It was her first time kayaking, so I booked a tandem kayak to make sure I could do most of the paddling. She did great, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience for both of us.

We arrived at Congaree National Park to a light drizzle, but the rain stopped just in time for our launch into the water. We joined a guided tour with Carolina Outdoor Adventures, kayaking down Cedar Creek, surrounded by the towering bald cypress trees of this unique floodplain ecosystem. Authorized in 1976 as Congaree Swamp National Monument, the park was designated a National Park and renamed in 2003. It also became an international biosphere reserve in 1981, a recognition of its ecological significance. Located in central South Carolina, Congaree is home to some of the tallest trees on the East Coast, including the impressive 130-foot giants often called the "Redwoods of the East."

As we paddled through the murky waters, we were immersed in the park's rich biodiversity. One of the most memorable moments was hearing a barred owl hooting through the forest, its call adding a wild and mysterious element to our adventure. Gliding silently through the water, we felt deeply connected to nature, appreciating the tranquility and beauty of the swamp.

After our kayaking trip, we explored the park on foot, walking along the Boardwalk Loop Trail. This elevated path winds through the heart of the old-growth forest, offering stunning views of the diverse plant life. The trail was easy to follow, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the lush greenery and unique ecosystem of Congaree.

Though we didn't get to see the fireflies this time, fellow visitors told us that their synchronized flashing is truly a sight to behold. It gives me another reason to return and try my luck with the lottery again.

We spent the night in Charleston, a charming southern city known for its historic architecture and delicious food. Exploring by horse and buggy, we soaked in the sights and learned about the city's rich history. Our culinary adventure in Charleston was a highlight, starting with dinner at Husk, where we enjoyed their famous cornbread served in a skillet with cracked sea salt. The warm, buttery cornbread was the perfect comfort food after a day of outdoor activities.

We also enjoyed fresh oysters at Leon's, housed in an old body shop that belonged to Leon Ravenel, a Charleston businessman. The space preserves much of its industrial history, complete with functioning garage doors, concrete floors, and memorabilia from Leon himself. For lunch, we dined at Church and Union, a beautifully repurposed 105-year-old church with 60-foot vaulted ceilings, original stained-glass windows, and the text of "The Art of War" hand-written across the ceiling. Our sweet tooth was satisfied with caramel apples from Savannah's Candy Kitchen, the perfect end to our gastronomic tour.

Congaree National Park and Charleston left a lasting impression on me. The peacefulness of the swamp, the beauty of the old-growth forest, and the charm of Charleston combined to create a memorable trip. Maybe one day I will return and hopefully get an opportunity to witness the fireflies light up the night.