Exploring Charleston: Angel Oak

There are so many places in the Charleston area that make this place so special.  Whenever we have friends and family visit, we always visit some of the same stops: a plantation, (Magnolia or Boone Hall), the beach, a few favorite restaurants (I'll just drop this label here for your scrolling pleasure), and Johns Island.  Located Southwest of downtown Charleston, Johns has some of the most natural beauty in the Lowcountry.  Offshoots of Johns Island include Wadmalaw Island (where the Charleston Tea Plantation is) and Kiawah Island (with my favorite views and food at the Ryder Cup Bar).  On the way to either of these spots is the Angel Oak, and if you're in the area, it is definitely worth a stop!

"Woah, that's a big tree."  I don't think I've ever met someone who was let down by the size of this beauty.  You drive down a dirt road and park outside the entrance to the tree before being greeted by this absolute monster with limbs that stretch out in every direction.  Angel Oak is approximated to be 400 years old and towers over 60 feet high.

As you can see above, there are some wires and poles that hold this giant live oak tree together in spots since the weight of each branch can be in the tons.  Since it's so strong, live oak wood was even used to construct the USS Constitution in the late 1700s.  Many branches of Angel Oak also lay on the ground and grow horizontally, with branches stretching out more than 150 feet from the base.  

Can you tell we've been there a few times... and I enjoy taking photos of it?!  If you want the true feel of the Lowcountry, I highly suggest a drive down those live oak-lined Maybank Highway or Bohicket Road to see Angel Oak.