Brookgreen Gardens: A walk to remember

The hot and humid -- 100 degree plus -- summer days vacationing with family in South Carolina can be brutal at the ocean.  Escaping to a shaded wonderland called Brookgreen Gardens is a pleasant change from the sand and saltwater. 

The attraction offers something for everyone from majestic live oak trees, impressive sculptures and fountains, pontoon boat rides, rainbows of native flowers, butterfly gardens, and even a small zoo..

This hidden treasure is located south of Myrtle Beach on Route 17.  Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, whose family fortunes were in shipbuilding, founded this retreat from the beach in 1931.

Their Atlantic coast residence, Atalaya Castle, located in nearby Huntington State Park, is an unusual work of Moorish-style architecture that is worth a visit.  The Huntington's interests included the arts and nature. Brookgreen Gardens is a tribute to their philanthropy.