Charleston, South Carolina is steeped in history and tradition. Lazy front porches and cobblestone streets lined with historic homes evoke images of summer afternoons in the old south spent sipping iced tea and rocking listlessly back and forth. Tea being the key image here. Tea is a southern staple that had it's humble American beginnings right in Charleston. In fact, The Charleston Tea Plantation is the only working tea garden in America. Laden with droopy elms hanging over the vast fields of tea, The Charleston Tea Plantation is as picturesque as it is historic. Which is why it is the site of the 3rd Annual Flush Festival on May 16th, 2009!The festival name, First Flush, is defined as the escalated, springtime growth of new leaves on the tea plants after a winter of rest. Their "first flush" of new growth is harvested to produce what avid tea drinkers deem to be the most unique, fresh and delicious cup of tea. However, the festival is not just about the tea. Locals refer to it as an "Island Celebration". Residents and locals from nearby towns make the trek up to gorgeous Wadmalaw Island, where the Charleston Tea Plantation is located, to enjoy music, entertainment, art and local cuisine. Tickets for the festival will be on sale soon and available for purchase online at The Charleston Tea Plantaion site and Etix. You can also purchase tickets on the day of the festival at the Plantation entrance. First Flush FestivalCharleston Tea PlantationMay 16th, 2009843.559.0383Image courtesy of Charleston Tea Plantation
