Over the past decade, Loop Road has become more than just a scenic drive for me — it has transformed into a trusted companion ...

Cypress Gardens is a hidden gem just north of Charleston. Take a boat tour of the swamp or hike one of the trails through a garden of blooming flowers.

Thanks to a handy network of trails and boardwalks, guests at the federally managed preserve can wander beneath the moss-draped cypress trees and take in the sights and sounds of the swamp.