Written in 2021
Yea, I know the sappy Notebook movie was recorded here. The Patriot, Cold Mountain, and some other films have also used Cypress Gardens as a backdrop in their films. That was one of the reasons I almost didn't go. I figured it surely had to be over rated. It was actually an accident how I ended up visiting. As they often say; it was a happy accident.
I was originally going to downtown Charleston to take a few photos of some spots that I explored previously. Side note: I have got to get better about taking photos. I am too busy soaking in the moment and enjoying everything. I completely forget to take photos for the website. Anyway, as I was about to hop on the interstate I decided to keep going straight and just end up wherever. I honestly wasn't in the mood for a bunch of people today. Somehow I ended up going by Cypress Gardens and I figured I would see what it was all about.
Since my original plan was to go downtown I was going to have breakfast when I got there. I ended up having to search my car for something. I found a La Croix water that was left from a friend in Atlanta, my jar of chia seeds that I keep just in case, and then a bag of pecans. That works for me. I also slathered on some sunblock that was in my arm rest console from last summer.
I paid the $10 to get into the gardens and I was given a map.
Let the adventure begin.
(I didn't even look at the map. If you stick around here long enough you'll find that I am very much a go with the flow type of person)
I started at the butterfly garden. The sweetest volunteer worker showed me around.
I wish I asked for her name. She was so nice and helpful.
The butterfly garden is kind of small compared to other ones that I have been to. However, this one is worth checking out.
First I got to meet Cypress. The most adorable little duck; he had so much personality and just wanted to talk to anyone that would listen. The volunteer worker that was showing me around started calling for Cypress. He jumped into the koi pond and swam to us. He is a sweet little fella for sure.
After that I got to see this fun little button quail. He was interested in people, but skittish. It was fun watching him hop around the green house.
Next, I got to see these caterpillars. Oh my gosh they are so adorable. They remind me of Yoshi from Mario. I can't get enough of these things. At this point my $10 was well worth it. I honestly can't get over how freaking cute those are!! Even the lady that was showing me around said that she loved watching me. I asked her what she meant and she said it was fun watching how excited I was. I truly felt so blessed to be in there and I had the place to myself!
Of course since this is butterfly garden they have a lot of really pretty flowers. I am typically not much of a flower person however, these looked so interesting. I like these a lot. So far it's safe to say that Cypress Gardens is worth a visit. Wait, it actually gets even better!
The moment I laid eyes on the black water swamp I literally gasped. It's one thing to see it on TV or in photos but in person it's a different story. It is like something from another world. I couldn't believe how magical it looked. Guys, you also get to take one of the row boats out for free! It's $10 to get into the gardens and the row boat is included in that! I couldn't believe it. You do have the option to go into the gift shop and pay an additional $5 for a guided tour. I decided to take the boat out myself that way I could take my time.
This place is breathtaking. I can't put into words how serene it is. The entire time I was on the water all I could keep thinking was, wow this is incredible.
I had the place to myself. I still don't understand how it wasn't packed with people.
(I'm glad it wasn't)
I even got to see an alligator swimming across the water. She was gorgeous.
If you come to Charleston, South Carolina and you don't take the time to come here then you are really missing out. I wish I did this sooner on my trip. This goes down as my second favorite thing in Charleston. My first favorite was this sunset kayaking trip.
Have you been to Cypress Gardens before? Comment below what you thought about it.
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