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I love this place so much. I visited for the first time on a Saturday afternoon. Check the hours so you have plenty of time to walk the grounds. The gates were closed for the Abbey so we walked around the beautiful grounds with huge trees and beautiful water with benches along the way. One of my favorite sculptures was 'my father's hand' and I loved reading all the stations. There were beautiful flowers in bloom while I was there in April. This is such a sacred space as the stations honored all the disenfranchised people who lived on the property. I didn't get a chance to walk the labyrinth, but I heard it was a large one. The gift shop was full of wonderful items, including jams, soaps, jewelry, teas, and beautiful plaques. I will definitely be back when I'm in town again to explore more of the Abbey.
What a beautiful place! Even though I grew up in Charleston I had not heard of Mepkin Abbey. The grounds are vast and include a beautiful view of the copper river, a labyrinth, gardens, and a cemetery. The visitor center had some nice gifts and the famous mushroom. I came for a weekend retreat and found it peaceful. The only confusion came for me regarding the schedule 3 meals are served each day- breakfast from 5 to 7 am, "dinner" the main meal is served from 12:10 to 12:40 based on my schedule. Supper is served from 4:55-5:25. But really the dinner time meal ends around 12:35. Not knowing this, I took the tour on Saturday wanting to learn more about the monastery. I did leave the tour after church around 12:21. When I arrived, I made a plate of food including a salad, pasta, and beets. At 12:30 a man came and said that I needed to come earlier so that I would have time to eat and began clearing the dishes away. It would have been nice if the schedule just said dinner ends at 12:30 so that I would not have been taken aback at the interaction. This was my birthday and I can't even remember if I have ever been scolded like that since reaching adulthood. The next day I arrived earlier, around 12:15 but some other guests arrived around 12:25 and were given the same abrupt response that they only had 5 minutes to eat. I'm just surprised that the largest meal of the day is served in the smallest window. understanding this is a monastery and not a resort the schedule needs to reflect the real times. With all that said, the other retreat-ants were very nice and respectful, and I still recommend coming.
It was recommended to me, but I come out of this tour kind of befuddled. This is a surprisingly new monastery; the site has a complex history before that which is typical for the region. Tours are offered at limited times and can be canceled. Most of the site is closed to the public which is fair enough, but there isn't enough to see to be worth coming unless you've confirmed there's a tour. Even the tour doesn't allow you to see a lot of the place. The group of tourists around me were dreadful enough to make one consider swearing off all human contact. This place is theoretically all about self-discipline, but the incessant out of turn talking, blocking the path, blocking of everyone else's view, and random departures from a tour that lasted maybe an hour were utterly mind-boggling. If I were rating the other visitors I'd give them a one star review. Having said that, even during the brief opportunity when we were taken to watch the monks singing in their church, the acoustics were impressive but the actual musicianship was oddly half-hearted, with one monk yawning through what I would have thought was an important part of the day for them. Our tour guide was local, and I was rather surprised that many of the people working there were women in what is on paper a private space for men. I didn't learn nearly as much about the environment or about the particular brand of asceticism being practiced as I would have thought. It's a beautiful area, and the fact that they grow mushrooms is nice (this apparently came about only after the place's previous egg-farming practice was found to have low animal welfare standards, which is not great). Making no comment on the theology, I found this tour experience less aesthetically impressive and intellectually engaging than touring some of the older abandoned chapels that dot the region, including one nearby that is closed to the public but can still be viewed from a distance.
A very peaceful place with gardens well taken care of. The store has some items made by the monks like the dark roast coffee or the mushrooms harvested right in the property. Going back when we get out of town visitors. We have been to the Ancient Spanish Monastery, actually the oldest building in North America, construction began over 300 years before Columbus discovered America and was home to the Cistercian monks in Spain, the same monks that live here at the Abbey
A piece of heaven on earth. A beautiful place to sit in the silence of God and search all things spiritual. It offers me a break to recharge from the duties of life, and listen to the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. It amazes me each time I go for a retreat that I are privileged to share in this quiet home the Monks of Mepkin offer to everyone. It is the quintessential resting place for a weary soul.
Mepkin Abbey is a community of Trappist monks established in 1949 on the site of the historic Mepkin Plantation located on the Cooper River. It's a beautiful and tranquil property that is open for tours and retreats . The abbey also hosts an annual Crèche Festival during the holidays . If you love mushrooms , the monks grow them on the property and offer them for sale in the gift shop . Sometimes you may also find Mepki Abbey mushrooms featured on the menu of local Charleston restaurants. If you have interest in becoming a monk they offer information on the submission process . Make sure to bring a camera because it is a picturesque property ! It's a very popular location for engagement photos and weddings. Bring some walking shoes and water if you want to walk around .
Beautiful place! Tons of places to walk and explore. You have to stop into the visitors center/grift shop first to check in. They have a map with is very helpful. So many cool things to see and beautifully kept grounds! We were excited to see the Lauren's family gravesites since we are huge Hamilton fans. It was really cool!
If you ever want to not leave town but feel like you are traveling to another time go to Mepkin Abbey. Not only are the views beautiful you can set up a picnic at sunset and have some wine and relax while enjoying the scenery. At 6pm they always ring the bell and you see the monks walk around the abbey. This location while it's marked as a historical sight it doesn't disappoint. You can see old broken trees, a grave yard, wood carvings the monks have done of the nativity set and Jesus. There is a library and a church in the Abbey. You'll also find a welcome center however they close people to 6pm- so go early if you'd like to see the welcome center and the church. The perfect time to go is sunset. From the photos, the view and the peace that surrounds you it's priceless! Absolutely a must in Charleston. Best of all, it's free to go inside! It's up to you to make beautiful memories.
I absolutely love Mepkin Abby. The grounds and gardens are a fantastic place to get away from it all and get in touch with nature. There is also a gift shop where you can buy crafts from other Moncks and they also grow and sell mushrooms. I'm 38 now and have visited all my life. If you want time to slow I strongly recommend Mepkin Abby
This was my first visit to Mepkin Abbey, and I will be back, although on a day when it is not raining. We had reservations / tickets for the crèche festival on Monday, and wouldn't you know that when we got there it was raining, had been raining, and the event was mostly outdoors. We walked the trails and admired the decorated sheep, taking note of the number next to each one so that we could vote for our favorite design. Inside the library, there were many hand crafted crèche displays for us to admire. The creativity was mind boggling and I only wish that I had an ounce of that imagination to design these little nativities at home. The gift shops were very nice and friendly, but because of the weather, we didn't get to see much more of the property. Hopefully our next trip will be dryer and we can explore more of the property. Be sure to say hi to Abbey, the resident dog, who adopted the monks as her own.
2 months ago
While we were walking in at 3:50, the lady at the visitor center came out. Lights were off... "we are closed". No rest room, no map of property....very annoying. Supposed to close at 4. Other than that, gorgeous property. read more
30 days ago
I have been here numerous times with my family. We still enjoy going here. Great place to relax and take in the scenery or for a picnic. read more
Tucked away just north of Charleston, Mepkin Abbey is a true hidden gem that offers a breathtaking escape into serenity. This stunning property, once a historic rice plantation, is now home to a Trappist monastery where peace and natural beauty go hand in hand. The grounds are simply spectacular-ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, rolling landscapes overlooking the Cooper River, and beautifully maintained gardens that invite quiet reflection. The highlight for me was the breathtaking cemetery, where the simplicity of the white crosses set against the peaceful surroundings creates an incredibly moving experience. Visitors can explore the monastery, walk the peaceful trails, and admire the magnificent gardens, including the Mepkin Abbey Botanical Garden. The monks maintain a gift shop with local products, including their famous mushroom compost and handmade religious items. Whether you're seeking a spiritual retreat, a nature-filled escape, or simply a peaceful afternoon away from the bustle of Charleston, Mepkin Abbey is well worth a visit. It's one of those rare places where time seems to slow down, allowing you to breathe. A rarity these days. It's an ideal location to visit in the spring or autumn when it's cooler Take a picnic & hang families or visitors from out of town. read more
I love this place so much. I visited for the first time on a Saturday afternoon. Check the hours so you have plenty of time to walk the grounds. The gates were closed for the Abbey so we walked around the beautiful grounds with huge trees and beautiful water with benches along the way. One of my favorite sculptures was 'my father's hand' and I loved reading all the stations. There were beautiful flowers in bloom while I was there in April. This is such a sacred space as the stations honored all the disenfranchised people who lived on the property. I didn't get a chance to walk the labyrinth, but I heard it was a large one. The gift shop was full of wonderful items, including jams, soaps, jewelry, teas, and beautiful plaques. I will definitely be back when I'm in town again to explore more of the Abbey. read more
What a beautiful place! Even though I grew up in Charleston I had not heard of Mepkin Abbey. The grounds are vast and include a beautiful view of the copper river, a labyrinth, gardens, and a cemetery. The visitor center had some nice gifts and the famous mushroom. I came for a weekend retreat and found it peaceful. The only confusion came for me regarding the schedule 3 meals are served each day- breakfast from 5 to 7 am, "dinner" the main meal is served from 12:10 to 12:40 based on my schedule. Supper is served from 4:55-5:25. But really the dinner time meal ends around 12:35. Not knowing this, I took the tour on Saturday wanting to learn more about the monastery. I did leave the tour after church around 12:21. When I arrived, I made a plate of food including a salad, pasta, and beets. At 12:30 a man came and said that I needed to come earlier so that I would have time to eat and began clearing the dishes away. It would have been nice if the schedule just said dinner ends at 12:30 so that I would not have been taken aback at the interaction. This was my birthday and I can't even remember if I have ever been scolded like that since reaching adulthood. The next day I arrived earlier, around 12:15 but some other guests arrived around 12:25 and were given the same abrupt response that they only had 5 minutes to eat. I'm just surprised that the largest meal of the day is served in the smallest window. understanding this is a monastery and not a resort the schedule needs to reflect the real times. With all that said, the other retreat-ants were very nice and respectful, and I still recommend coming. read more
It was recommended to me, but I come out of this tour kind of befuddled. This is a surprisingly new monastery; the site has a complex history before that which is typical for the region. Tours are offered at limited times and can be canceled. Most of the site is closed to the public which is fair enough, but there isn't enough to see to be worth coming unless you've confirmed there's a tour. Even the tour doesn't allow you to see a lot of the place. The group of tourists around me were dreadful enough to make one consider swearing off all human contact. This place is theoretically all about self-discipline, but the incessant out of turn talking, blocking the path, blocking of everyone else's view, and random departures from a tour that lasted maybe an hour were utterly mind-boggling. If I were rating the other visitors I'd give them a one star review. Having said that, even during the brief opportunity when we were taken to watch the monks singing in their church, the acoustics were impressive but the actual musicianship was oddly half-hearted, with one monk yawning through what I would have thought was an important part of the day for them. Our tour guide was local, and I was rather surprised that many of the people working there were women in what is on paper a private space for men. I didn't learn nearly as much about the environment or about the particular brand of asceticism being practiced as I would have thought. It's a beautiful area, and the fact that they grow mushrooms is nice (this apparently came about only after the place's previous egg-farming practice was found to have low animal welfare standards, which is not great). Making no comment on the theology, I found this tour experience less aesthetically impressive and intellectually engaging than touring some of the older abandoned chapels that dot the region, including one nearby that is closed to the public but can still be viewed from a distance. read more
A very peaceful place with gardens well taken care of. The store has some items made by the monks like the dark roast coffee or the mushrooms harvested right in the property. Going back when we get out of town visitors. We have been to the Ancient Spanish Monastery, actually the oldest building in North America, construction began over 300 years before Columbus discovered America and was home to the Cistercian monks in Spain, the same monks that live here at the Abbey read more
2 years ago
A piece of heaven on earth. A beautiful place to sit in the silence of God and search all things spiritual. It offers me a break to recharge from the duties of life, and listen to the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. It amazes me each time I go for a retreat that I are privileged to share in this quiet home the Monks of Mepkin offer to everyone. It is the quintessential resting place for a weary soul. read more
Mepkin Abbey is a community of Trappist monks established in 1949 on the site of the historic Mepkin Plantation located on the Cooper River. It's a beautiful and tranquil property that is open for tours and retreats . The abbey also hosts an annual Crèche Festival during the holidays . If you love mushrooms , the monks grow them on the property and offer them for sale in the gift shop . Sometimes you may also find Mepki Abbey mushrooms featured on the menu of local Charleston restaurants. If you have interest in becoming a monk they offer information on the submission process . Make sure to bring a camera because it is a picturesque property ! It's a very popular location for engagement photos and weddings. Bring some walking shoes and water if you want to walk around . read more
5 years ago
Love it there. Feel like it should be a must visit. It's so beautiful and peaceful. The oyster mushroom is a must buy, goes great with pasta read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Beautiful place! Tons of places to walk and explore. You have to stop into the visitors center/grift shop first to check in. They have a map with is very helpful. So many cool things to see and beautifully kept grounds! We were excited to see the Lauren's family gravesites since we are huge Hamilton fans. It was really cool! read more
If you ever want to not leave town but feel like you are traveling to another time go to Mepkin Abbey. Not only are the views beautiful you can set up a picnic at sunset and have some wine and relax while enjoying the scenery. At 6pm they always ring the bell and you see the monks walk around the abbey. This location while it's marked as a historical sight it doesn't disappoint. You can see old broken trees, a grave yard, wood carvings the monks have done of the nativity set and Jesus. There is a library and a church in the Abbey. You'll also find a welcome center however they close people to 6pm- so go early if you'd like to see the welcome center and the church. The perfect time to go is sunset. From the photos, the view and the peace that surrounds you it's priceless! Absolutely a must in Charleston. Best of all, it's free to go inside! It's up to you to make beautiful memories. read more
6 years ago
I absolutely love Mepkin Abby. The grounds and gardens are a fantastic place to get away from it all and get in touch with nature. There is also a gift shop where you can buy crafts from other Moncks and they also grow and sell mushrooms. I'm 38 now and have visited all my life. If you want time to slow I strongly recommend Mepkin Abby read more
8 years ago
This was my first visit to Mepkin Abbey, and I will be back, although on a day when it is not raining. We had reservations / tickets for the crèche festival on Monday, and wouldn't you know that when we got there it was raining, had been raining, and the event was mostly outdoors. We walked the trails and admired the decorated sheep, taking note of the number next to each one so that we could vote for our favorite design. Inside the library, there were many hand crafted crèche displays for us to admire. The creativity was mind boggling and I only wish that I had an ounce of that imagination to design these little nativities at home. The gift shops were very nice and friendly, but because of the weather, we didn't get to see much more of the property. Hopefully our next trip will be dryer and we can explore more of the property. Be sure to say hi to Abbey, the resident dog, who adopted the monks as her own. read more
6 years ago
Perfect way to get away from 'city' life in Charleston without leaving town. Beautiful gardens! Guided tours are short and inexpensive at $5.00 read more
7 years ago
Peaceful, beautiful place to visit. This is my go to spot for gorgeous photography backgrounds. Nice little gift shop and tours available. read more
13 years ago
This hidden gem is worth using your GPS on a lovely day. It's free and the monks allow people to stroll their beautiful grounds along the Cooper River. The grounds ,donated by Clare Booth Luce, allow many opportunities to just stop and enjoy. A sense of tranquility surrounds you. A tour of their church is offered twice a day and there is a small gift shop with products made by the monks, as well as local artists. Food is not available ,so you might want to bring provisions and enjoy a picnic. read more
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the greater Charleston area. There is a grass labyrinth to walk through, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of the river. The Abbey is the perfect place to take a blanket and a picnic basket. You can bring your dog too! There is a visitors center with a gift shop where you can buy the mushrooms grown at the Abbey. read more
A great day trip from Charleston area, especially if combine with Santee Canal park, museum (in park) and Biggin Church ruin. Mepkin Abbey has a beautiful landscaped garden, and is especially attractive when azaleas are in bloom. Take a picnic! To visit the monastery (closed Sundays, but garden open at 1 pm), make an appointment. There is a pretty well stocked shop on the grounds that sells stuff from souvenirs to spice mixes, snacks, preserves and honey, artwork and pottery etc. read more
12 years ago
Wow! Talk about going somewhere to get "centered" again. If you need a good quiet place to reflect this is the place. We also went to the store and bought fresh grown mushrooms. read more
10 years ago
Every year me and my husband come here for the crèche festival.The crèches are so pretty,Some are simple and some are very elaborate.Cant wait to come back next year read more
I have lived in the Lowcountry for over 50 years and never been to this place. That is just absurd. It is a little bit of a drive but after visiting I just loved this place. Absolutely beautiful place and their mission is just inspiring. Their history is wonderful. There are several things to do and we probably should have given ourselves a little more time but basically we got there for the 3 o'clock tour about 15 minutes early and bought some stuff at the gift shop including their wonderful Oyster Mushrooms and Shitake Mushrooms. I can't wait to start eating them this week. This is probably their primary source of income since PETA made them stop their egg operation 9 years back(booo PETA). Father Joe gave us our tour and what a great tour it was. One hour and we all agreed we could have gone even longer listening to him describe their mission and the history of the Abbey. If you go you should make sure to take the tour. We checked out the gardens which was very nice, especially the oak trees that hang over the Cooper River. This is just a special place that I now think everyone should visit. I hope to get back before 50 more years pass. read more
8 years ago
13 years ago
This is seriously one of the best kept secrets in the Greater Charleston Area. The Mepkin Abbey grounds are one of the most gorgeous, tranquil, and peaceful places in all of Charleston. At the edge of the gardens is a stunning view of the Cooper River that you can enjoy after spending some contemplative time meditating in the labyrinth. It is absolutely stunning. Twice a day most days, you can go to the store for a tour of the Abbey and learn all about the monks who live there. They are self-sufficient and sell some of their homemade items like honey cream, mushrooms, and drizzle in the store and I can personally attest to the yumminess of all three. While the store has reasonably priced items for sale, the best part of Mepkin Abbey is that everything else - exploring the grounds, the tour, admission, etc - is 100% free. How this place isn't swamped with visitors every day is beyond me. Take advantage of it! read more
13 years ago
12 years ago
Beautiful place to visit! Quiet, serene, peaceful, a place to reflect on the beauty around us. Worth the drive! It's a nice place to take family photos. read more
11 years ago
Lovely grounds, came for the Crèche display & it was well worth the day trip!! Will come back in spring for the flower gardens!! read more
10 years ago
13 years ago
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