Nestled in the thick pine forests 30 miles from historic Charleston, Summerville stretches between Dorchester and Berkeley counties. Much of the northern section lies in Berkeley County, encompassing popular shopping and residential developments. Summerville began as a vacation retreat for wealthy Charleston residents in the 1700s. Today, this area draws newcomers to a combination of affordable housing, top-rated schools, and premier recreational opportunities. Each spring, “Flowertown in the Pines” lives up to its name during the Flowertown Festival, when the city is awash in brilliant blooms and famous artisans arrive from across the nation. Suburban development has added modern conveniences from eateries and restaurants to expansive shopping. Golfing, tennis, boating, and relaxing on pristine beaches are popular pastimes. The Francis Beidler Forest is also a short drive away, and the Dorchester Museum showcases some of the oldest fossils discovered in South Carolina.