THE STYLE ISSUE
S E P TE M B E R 2 02 5
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
Style takes Center Stage Whether it's your home, your favorite form of entertainment, or what you wear, we hope our "Style Issue" inspires you to be authentically yourself! Firefly is reimagining what a neighborhood can be. Created by Mark Enderle and Mark Yarborough of Storied Development, Firefly blends thoughtful design, natural beauty, and human connection into something enduring. From its walkable village layout to a golf course woven into the land itself, every detail honors both the environment and the people who will call it home. That same spirit lives in the hands of Mark Farrell, founder of Buffalo Craft. With a focus on craftsmanship and meaning over mass production, Buffalo Craft produces heirloom-quality jewelry designed to last generations. And as summer evenings begin to wind down, The Doobie Brothers will bring their legendary sound to FirstBank Amphitheater offering a perfect chance to slow down and connect through music. Wherever this season finds you, we hope these stories inspire you to enjoy the city we all live in. Thank you for reading.
September 2025 PUBLISHER
Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R
Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R
Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Maria Dinoia, C.W. Sterling
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AT H E N A W E S T, P U B L I S H E R @ T H O M P S O N S S TAT I O N L I F E S T Y L E
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Thompson’s Station Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Thompson’s Station area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
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Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Thompson’s Station Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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inside the issue SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E
16 24
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Featured
10
Building Firefly
Inside the Vision, Craft, and Community Spirit Powering Middle Tennessee’s Most Thoughtful Community
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Legends In Harmony
24
Forged by Hand, Fueled by Passion
6
On the Cover
Departments
Mark Farrell, owner of Buffalo Craft Company, works on a custom piece of jewelry.
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Lifestyle Letter
10
Open House REAL ESTATE
16
Must See ARTS + CULTURE
24
Maker’s Studio SHOPPING
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Culinary Creations TRAVEL
The Doobie Brothers Bring Decades Of Music To FirstBank Amphitheater
The Art of Crafting with Intention
Photography: Karen Creason
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BUILDING FIREFLY
Artist rendering of the Outpost comfort station and grill
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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O PE N H OU SE | REAL ESTAT E
INSIDE THE VISION, CRAFT, AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT POWERING MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S MOST THOUGHTFUL COMMUNITY
Storied Development partners Mark Enderle and Mark Yarborough
In the rolling hills of Maury County, where pastoral beauty meets a growing appetite for intentional living, something extraordinary is taking root. Firefly is more than a new neighborhood; it’s a redefinition of what it means to come home. Conceived by Mark Enderle and Mark Yarborough, partners at Storied Development, well-known for their success with The Grove in Williamson County, Firefly builds on decades of expertise while breaking away from traditional formulas. “We’ve been in the Nashville area for years and understand that the golf-centric market is significantly underserved,” Enderle says. “The Grove taught us lessons that inspired us to create something the market has never seen before.” With a seasoned team that has crafted some of the nation’s most celebrated master-planned communities, they’re setting a new standard, not just for Tennessee, but for the entire country.
“Instead of duplicating what has worked in the past, we set out to reimagine what a neighborhood could be,” Yarborough explains. “Firefly will be a place where families grow closer and stay connected across generations.” That philosophy is reflected not only in the layout and programming, but in the very name: Firefly. Evoking summer evenings, barefoot childhoods, and the timeless joy of catching flickering lights in a jar, the name captures a sense of wonder and nostalgia that threads through the entire community. At its core, Firefly honors the land it inhabits. Rather than forcing the land to fit a mold, Firefly celebrates the natural contours, expansive vistas, and rural charm of the Tennessee countryside. The homes reflect a contemporary farmhouse style, timeless, personal, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. “Firefly’s respect for the natural beauty of the area is expressed through design flexibility and a land plan that meets the real CONTINUED >
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needs of families,” says Enderle. This attention to detail also extends to the wide range of amenities offered, each striking a balance between elegance and simplicity while seamlessly blending into the landscape. Firefly is a place where authenticity, beauty, and simplicity come to life. True to Firefly’s immersive spirit, even the golf experience defies convention. Andrew Green, one of the nation's most acclaimed course architects, has seamlessly woven an 18-hole championship course and a 9-hole short course into the landscape, honoring the natural terrain in every design choice. By taking cues from the land itself, the courses blend harmoniously with their surroundings, resulting in both a challenging and inspirational golfing experience. “There’s a real connection between the Tennessee countryside, the community being built here, and this golf course,” Green says. “They’re not separate ideas, they’re one story told in different ways.” This approach transforms golf from a solitary luxury into a shared narrative that runs throughout Firefly. The neighborhood flows with a sense of rhythm and openness. Walkability, humanscale architecture, and gathering spaces foster daily moments of interaction. Firefly is centered around a village concept; instead of oversized clubhouses or grand statements, the thoughtfully scaled and positioned amenities create connection, approachability, and relationship-driven experiences. “The Village model keeps amenities on a personal scale,” says Enderle. “It encourages residents to come together naturally, to connect with ease.” This commitment to connection runs deeper than any blueprint. From the start, Firefly has prioritized people over polish. Events, programming, and shared spaces aren’t afterthoughts; they are foundational elements. “People make the party,” Enderle adds. “That idea has guided every decision. Our goal is to help neighbors become friends and families build memories that last.”
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O PE N H OU SE | REAL ESTAT E
Artist rendering of Base Camp family club
That people-first mindset is also evident in how the team addressed early infrastructure challenges. When local water systems proved insufficient for long-term goals, the developers took action by working closely with Maury County Water to deliver a future-proof distribution system. “It wasn’t just about solving our problem,” Enderle explains. “It was about creating something that serves this area for decades.” Combined with a forward-thinking Planned Unit Development strategy, this investment below the surface enables Firefly to grow with both integrity and flexibility. While Firefly offers striking architecture and enviable lifestyle elements, its ambition goes beyond mere aesthetics. This isn’t a place designed to impress; it’s a place built to endure. Success here won’t be measured in homesite sales or Instagrammable moments but in the quiet accumulation of stories, milestones, and everyday joys. “Anyone can build amenities and beautiful homes,” Enderle says. “But what matters is whether people truly enjoy them, whether they feel at home, and whether their children and grandchildren remember this place with love.” In a region racing toward the future, Firefly stands out by moving with intention. It invites you to slow down, settle in, and become part of something lasting. FireflyLiving.com
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Legends In Harmony
The Doobie Brothers Bring Decades Of Music To FirstBank Amphitheater
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE
After reuniting with Michael McDonald for a celebrated 50th anniversary tour in 2021, the Doobie Brothers’ longtime members Pat Simmons, Tom Johnston, and John McFee were feeling energized about their recent collaboration and decided they wanted to keep that momentum going. "We had a ball on the road for four years touring with Mike," says Johnston. "Everybody gets a kick out of being able to play basically the whole catalog of the band." CONTINUED >
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Photo by Jim Trocchio
Michael McDonald/Photo by Clay Patrick McBride
It was that vibe and momentum that lead them to working on new music, and merging the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (and recent Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees) group’s different hit-making eras together for the first time in decades with McDonald back in the fold on the new music. Walk the Road was born, marking the first time in the band's 55-year history that all three of its principal songwriters have contributed songs to an album. It's their 16th studio album and the first with original new material featuring McDonald since 1980. The album's ten tracks explore themes of recovery, reflection, and unity.
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“When you walk out on that stage, and the audience goes off and starts Patrick Simmons/Photo by Clay Patrick McBride
singing all the songs, no matter what their age,
"Everybody is completely involved in this album. The writing, the playing, the signing, all of it," Johnston says. "All of the songs on the record have their place," says Simmons. "Every song has its own message. I feel like what's cool about this album is that all three of us wrote songs, so there's enough of a variety. Each song has its own personality and brings a certain aspect to the record." That 55-year-history dates back to 1970 when The Doobie Brothers band was founded in San Jose, California by Johnston and Simmons and quickly rose from playing energetic local gigs to achieving national stardom with their early hits, "Listen to the Music," "China Grove," and "Long Train Runnin." They earned their first number one in 1974 with Simmons’ "Black Water." McDonald joined the band in 1975 as a keyboardist, and it was his smooth, R&B‑infused voice that helped usher in a new era. Albums like Takin’ It to the Streets and Minute by Minute won them multiple Grammys and spawned chart-toppers like "What a Fool Believes," shifting the Doobie Brothers toward soft rock and really cementing their 1970s legacy.
yelling and screaming, it gives you such a rush.” - Tom Johnston
As the Doobie Brothers bring their Walk This Road Tour to Franklin this month, their appearance follows a recent induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. "It was amazing," says Johnston. "We were all blown away that we were selected. We didn't see it coming. The people you're getting inducted to be in the hall of fame with, guided you musically as you were coming up. To be included in that lofty atmosphere of really great writers is mind blowing." CONTINUED >
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Photo by Jim Trocchio
"It was a really humbling experience," says Simmons. "One of the guys being inducted had 89 number one songs!" The key to The Doobie Brothers longevity and success lies in their touring says Johnston. "Touring has a great deal to do with it. When you walk out on that stage, and the audience goes off and starts signing all the songs, no
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M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE
Tom Johnston/Photo by Clay Patrick McBride
matter what their age, yelling and screaming, it gives you such a rush. All of a sudden you're 20 again." Simmons adds, "Inspiration is part of the process. Every time you work on new material, it becomes fresh. The inspiration manifests itself once you get on to something. It comes from inside." So what's next for this legendary band? According to Johnston, "We've talked about doing another record. If more tracks come up, great. We'll just keep writing." "Oh, we'll always be writing," adds Simmons. "We’ve worked together so long, and part of the reason we're still playing together is because we have this agreement on how we want to live our lives," The guys are looking forward to bring their music and harmonies to Franklin. "I have a lot of friends in Franklin and I've been to some cool restaurants out there," says Simmons."It's a great area. It's the Hollywood of Nashville." Adds Johnston "It's a beautiful part of the country."
John McFee/Photo by Clay Patrick McBride
“I feel like what’s cool about this album is that all three of us wrote songs, so there’s enough of a variety.”
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ARTICLE BY C.W. STERLING | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
FORGED BY HAND, FUELED BY PASSION The Art of Crafting with Intention An Intimate Look Inside Buffalo Craft and the Rise of J. Fava
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M AK E R’S ST U D IO | SHO PPIN G
The Buffalo Craft Company Team
In a quiet corner of the jewelry world, something real is taking shape. It doesn't clamor for attention. It isn’t chasing trends. It’s built for those who value depth over dazzle. At Buffalo Craft, everything starts with one clear idea: if it’s not made with intention, it’s not worth making. That idea has carried founder Mark Farrell through over 15 years of steady growth, learning, and refinement. From repairs and resets to custom builds, Buffalo Craft began with a willingness to do it all. But over time, the vision sharpened: to create lasting pieces with soul and precision. "My best work always came from starting with a clean slate," Mark says. "I wanted to be known for the pieces that actually meant something."
A PHILOSOPHY YOU CAN HOLD IN YOUR HAND
Craftsmanship might be back in style, but for Buffalo Craft, it never left. Every piece that leaves the bench is designed to be worn, to be passed down, and to hold up for the long haul. "Nothing we do is random," Mark explains. "Every line, every material, every cut is all considered. We care about where our stones come from just as much as who ends up wearing them. The work has to feel honest. It has to function. It has to last." That care and consistency is what separates Buffalo Craft from companies that mimic the look of handmade. This isn’t “craft-inspired”. Rather, it’s the real thing, refined. CONTINUED >
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BUILDING FOR THE RIGHT FIT
Buffalo Craft doesn’t aim to serve everyone. These days, they work with people who know what they’re after: fewer things, made better. Whether it’s a custom engagement ring or a signature piece, clients are drawn to the quiet confidence of quality. "Our clients care about the story," Mark says. "They want something honest, something rare. They want to know the piece has a reason for being." That shared mindset leads to deeper trust and better outcomes. It’s not just about what the piece looks like, but about what it stands for. To explore more about the process, philosophy, or to inquire about a custom piece, visit www.buffalocraft.com. There, you can see the full scope of the work and begin your own story with Buffalo Craft.
THE HEART BEHIND J. FAVA AND PEACOCK GEMS
One of Buffalo Craft’s most exciting projects is now taking shape: the upcoming J. Fava line, featuring the Peacock Gems sapphire collection. Designed by master jeweler Jason Marchiafava, J. Fava will feature 500 individually serialized rings, each built around a pastel-colored, step-cut oval sapphire with traceable origin and a GIA laser inscription. The journey began with a 2021 trip to Thailand that laid the groundwork for a sapphire expedition to Sri Lanka in 2022. What followed was a commitment to sourcing and cutting rare, collectible sapphires to exacting standards. The result is Peacock Gems: a carefully assembled collection made for those who value rarity, transparency, and craftsmanship.
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"We're not just making rings—we're giving these stones the homes they deserve," Mark says. "J. Fava is a way to show what’s possible when everyone involved, from miner to cutter to bench jeweler, is aligned on quality." While the collection will officially launch in spring or summer of 2026, its story is already being shared. And while Buffalo Craft is a key part of the build, J. Fava is a collaborative effort; one rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
VALUE THAT HOLDS
Mark won’t call his jewelry an investment because that’s not how the industry works. But he does believe that some things carry lasting value. "When a piece is made well, with rare material and great care, it holds up. Not just physically, but in the heart," he says. "You don’t just own it. You remember who gave it to you. You remember why you got it. That’s real value." That kind of durability, emotional and physical, takes more than tools and talent. It takes restraint, experience, and standards that don’t bend.
LOOKING AHEAD
Buffalo Craft isn’t chasing growth for growth’s sake, but rather it’s building a slow, steady, and strong foundation. As the business continues to grow, so does its focus: fewer compromises, deeper relationships, and a body of work built to last. "To me, success isn’t about scale," Mark says. "It’s about building something that could last 100 years. We want to be doing this the same way decades from now: with pride, with purpose, and with people who get it." Buffalo Craft isn’t for everyone. But for those who know what they’re looking at, and know what it means, it might just be exactly what they’ve been waiting for. Buffalo Craft. J. Fava. Peacock Gems. Crafted with intention. Made to matter. Built to last.
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BUFFALO CRAFT
2105 Wall Street, Suite 101 Spring Hill, TN 37174
MAURY COUNTY'S ONLY
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MARK FARRELL
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IT’S A GREAT TIME TO
Fall In LOVE With A New Home Call me today to help you find your dream home.
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Affiliate Broker
WWW.MONAWILSON.COM | Direct: 615.400.0708 | Office: 615.463.3333 28
GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK SHOP LOCAL
YO U R D I G I TA L D E S T I N AT I O N FOR LOCAL LIVING
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ARTICLE BY ATHENA WEST | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
The Mills House
CHARLESTON, SC REIMAGINED FOR GROWN-UPS Grab your favorite travel partner (or go solo), leave the kids at home, and set your out-of-office reply. Charleston, South Carolina is calling. Known as “The Holy City,” Charleston is no stranger to charm, but it’s the grown-up, elevated experiences that make it a must for couples, girlfriend getaways, or anyone craving a curated escape. With centuries-old streets, world-class cuisine, boutique hotels, and exclusive experiences, this four-day Charleston itinerary, carefully crafted with help from Explore Charleston, is your ticket to indulgence, Southern style!
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CHARM, CUISINE, AND CURATED LUXURY
La Cave/Photo by Andrew Cebulka
Joe Riley Waterfront park
DAY ONE Check In: The Mills House Begin your adventure at The Mills House, a pink-hued architectural gem with deep Charleston roots dating back 170 years. It has been lovingly renovated and reimagined to honor the rich history of the city while celebrating the modern spirit of Charleston. The hotel is within walking distance of nearly everything in the Historic District and blends Southern charm with modern-day comfort.
Rainbow Row
Costa/Photo by Andrew Cebulka
Afternoon Stroll: Charleston Icons Grab your walking shoes and begin with a casual walk through the heart of the city: Joe Riley Waterfront Park and the iconic Pineapple Fountain, the rainbow-hued facades of Rainbow Row, and the oak-shaded promenade at The Battery and White Point Garden. Dinner: Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar Where local seafood meets Italian. Whether you are an adventurous eater or not, there is something for everyone. Pair your grilled octopus or lobster tagliatelle with a crisp white wine on the breezy patio. Late Evening: La Cave Be transported to the South of France at this elevated sipping lounge. La Cave offers extensive lists of French wines, high-end whiskies, and cordials meant to be sipped and paired alongside a thoughtful menu of small plates. CONTINUED >
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DAY TWO Morning: Biscuit-Making at Callie’s Wait… hear us out. We know you are on vacation but this isn’t your typical cooking experience. This is a beloved culinary experience. Get your hands in some flour and have fun biscuit-making at Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. Owner Carrie Morey wanted to share her mother's biscuit recipe nationally and this November marks their 20th anniversary so Carrie is clearly doing something right. During this hands-on private class, you’ll learn the art of crafting tender, buttery biscuits from scratch. Hint: There is a not-so-secret “secret ingredient” you wouldn’t traditionally find in a biscuit recipe, but … you’ll have to take a class to find out what it is.
Late Morning: Private Hat Bar Experience with Southern Ruetz Next, channel your creativity and personal style with a private session at Southern Ruetz. Known for their bespoke events and luxury experiences, one of their standout offerings is a custom hat bar. You’ll design a one-of-a-kind wide-brim felt or straw hat, choosing from an array of ribbons, feathers, charms, branding, and custom burn designs. It’s part fashion, part artisan craft, and entirely unforgettable. Bonus: You get to wear your creation for the rest of the trip (and collect compliments everywhere you go). Lunch: Treat yourself to a memorable lunch. Option #1: Grab a table at Church & Union. When you walk in, you may think you are in a church. And technically, you are. The church-turnedrestaurant is an unforgettable setting. If you are an avid reader, check out the ceiling. The entire text of Sun Tzu's Art of War is hand-painted on the ceiling of the main dining room. And if you look closely, there are hidden messages from the artist up there too. Option #2: If you’re craving something lighter (or just need a sweet fix), stroll over to Carmella’s Dessert Bar for artisanal pastries, espresso, or a scoop of gelato. Heaven in a cup. Afternoon Wine Stop: Make your way to Wine & Company where boutique wines take center stage. Their curated choices are perfect for tasting. Pair it with a charcuterie plate and settle in for a while. The layout
Callie's Hot Little Biscuit
Carmella's Dessert Bar
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Church & Union
of the bar, tables, and couches makes it easy to find a new local friend and chat for a while. Dinner: XO Brasserie Conclude your day at XO Brasserie, contemporary Chinese cuisine with a focus on Cantonese and Sichuan flavors. Order a round of cocktails, share a few small plates, some house-made dumplings and toast to a day well spent, one filled with flavor, flair … and a fabulous new hat.
DAY THREE Morning Departure: Check In at The Inn at Middleton Place By now you are likely ready for a bit of quiet and a little more elbow room.
Hop in the car because you are trading the bustle of downtown Charleston for the peaceful sounds of crickets, frogs and wildlife. You’ll know you're close when the trees and moss start arching over the roads. The Inn at Middleton Place is located just 25 minutes away. This award-winning hideaway features floor-toceiling windows, minimalist design, and complimentary access to the adjacent Middleton Place estate. Explore: Middleton Place Gardens and House Museum Spend your day exploring Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark known for its 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Wander among centuries-old camellias and reflecting pools, visit the house museum, and reflect on the site’s complex history. Lunch/Dinner: Middleton Place Restaurant You can actually walk from the Inn to Middleton Place restaurant via a trail on the property. Just follow the trail signs. The 10-minute walk is stunning. You’ll see wildlife, cross bridges, and view scenery that cannot be beat. Bring your appetite as the portions are as generous as the people serving you. Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits are prepared with ingredients from the estate’s farm and gardens. CONTINUED >
Southern Ruetz hat bar
Middleton Place
The Inn at Middleton Place
Wine & Company
XO Brassiere/Photo by Andrew Cebulka S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/TH OMP SO N S STAT I O N
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Magnolia plantation
Charleston City Market
DAY FOUR
offers interpretive exhibits and guided tours. Known for its wild, romantic gardens and diverse wildlife, the plantation is best explored at a relaxed pace.
Morning: Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Just a few miles from the Inn at Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation is a fitting finale to your Lowcountry retreat. As one of the oldest public gardens in America, Magnolia is deeply rooted in the story of the South. Walk through informal gardens but also take time to engage with the site’s important history. Magnolia
Late Morning Return: Charleston City Market After checking out of the Inn, return downtown for a visit to the historic Charleston City Market. This open-air market features local artisans, sweetgrass basket weavers, and handmade goods. It is the perfect place for a meaningful souvenir. Charleston knows how to do grown-up fun right. It's the kind of place where history meets happy hour, and where every street corner might surprise you with a new favorite restaurant, boutique, or story. So pack your bags, grab your travel buddy, and head south. Be sure to rent a car, pack your walking shoes and get ready for a good time. Charleston is ready when you are… and trust us, it knows how to show you a good time. CharlestonCVB.com
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | T RAVE L
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