Nestled on the banks of the Cooper River in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Mepkin Abbey offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and spiritual heritage. This tranquil Roman Catholic monastery was established in 1949 on the site of the historic Mepkin Plantation and is home to Trappist monks of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. Once a sprawling rice plantation owned by Revolutionary War-era statesman Henry Laurens and later the country estate of publishing magnates Henry R. Luce and Clare Boothe Luce, the site was donated to the monks who transformed it into a place of prayer and hospitality. Today, Mepkin Abbey is a hidden gem for both locals and tourists—a peaceful retreat just an hour from Charleston (about 40 miles north) amid charming Lowcountry scenery. It’s even accessible by water: avid boaters can reach the Abbey via a short ride down the Cooper River from Hidden Cove Marina, adding a scenic adventure to the trip.

History & Heritage of Mepkin Abbey

Mepkin Abbey’s roots reach deep into American history. The property was originally part of Mepkin Plantation, granted in 1681 and later acquired by Henry Laurens, a President of the Continental Congress. Laurens’ family lived here, and after the Revolutionary War the land passed through several hands. In 1936, Henry R. Luce (founder of Time and Life magazines) and his wife Clare Boothe Luce purchased the 7,200-acre estate and built extensive gardens on the grounds. Clare Boothe Luce, who converted to Catholicism in 1946, later decided to share this serene place with a religious community. In 1949 the Luces donated about 3,000 acres, including the gardens, to Trappist monks from Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. Twenty-nine monks arrived to found Mepkin Abbey that year, bringing the austere Cistercian monastic tradition to the Lowcountry.

Brandon Coffee of Charleston, 2016 copyright Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Today the monks of Mepkin Abbey live according to the ancient Rule of St. Benedict, which balances “ora et labora” – prayer and work. They devote their days to contemplative prayer (gathering in the Abbey church for services at dawn, midday, and evening) and to manual labor and study. In keeping with Trappist tradition, the monastic lifestyle here emphasizes simplicity, silence, and self-sufficiency. The monks support themselves (and assist the poor) “by the work of their hands,”** cultivating the land and producing goods**. For decades Mepkin Abbey was known for its egg production, until the monks opted to shift away from poultry in 2007. They have since gained renown for cultivating gourmet mushrooms as their main livelihood, alongside other products like garden compost, fruitcakes, and handmade items sold in their gift shop. Despite the quiet seclusion of the cloister, the brothers extend warm hospitality to visitors of all faiths, honoring St. Benedict’s call to “welcome all guests as Christ.”

Getting There

Mepkin Abbey is located at 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, Moncks Corner, SC, roughly a one-hour drive from downtown Charleston. The journey to this countryside locale is part of the charm – expect a scenic drive through moss-draped oak avenues, past rural Lowcountry landscapes and the small-town atmosphere of Moncks Corner. Clear signage on local roads will direct you to the Abbey’s entrance, which is marked by a graceful oak-lined driveway and a simple welcome sign.

For those coming by boat, Mepkin Abbey sits along the Cooper River, downstream of Lake Moultrie. It is indeed reachable by water. In fact, from Hidden Cove Marina on Lake Moultrie, it’s a short and enjoyable boat ride through the Pinopolis Lock and down the Cooper River to the Abbey’s vicinity. Boaters often describe this route as a unique way to approach Mepkin, allowing you to dock nearby and experience the monastery as early settlers might have – via the river. (Be sure to check local maps and marina advice for exact docking spots, since the Abbey itself doesn’t have a public dock.) Whether arriving by car or by boat, the sense of peace and remoteness upon reaching Mepkin Abbey is immediate – you’ll feel a world away from city bustle.

Visiting Information and Hours

Planning your visit to Mepkin Abbey is straightforward, as the community welcomes day visitors most days of the week. Here are the key details to know before you go:

• Grounds & Gardens: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM for self-guided visits, including Sundays and most holidays. You can wander the Nancy Bryan Luce Gardens – a beautifully maintained botanical garden featuring live oaks, river views, and sculptures – at your own pace. The gardens are free to explore and provide a tranquil setting for reflection or photography (amateur only; note that professional photography is not permitted on the grounds). Expect pathways that are a mix of paved and natural surfaces through manicured lawns, flower beds, and under ancient oaks.

• Reception Center & Gift Shop: Open Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 PM (closed Mondays). Begin your visit here to check in and pick up a free map of the grounds. The Visitor Center has restrooms and a quaint gift shop where you can purchase Monk-made products like mushroom-infused food items, locally made jams and honey from other Trappist monasteries, books on spirituality, religious art, and even the Abbey’s famous fruitcake and mushrooms. Admission: There is no fee to enter the grounds or gardens. A small fee is charged only if you take an optional guided church tour (see below).

• Abbey Church Tours: Access to the Abbey Church (the heart of the monastery) is by guided tour only, because it lies within the private monastic enclosure. Guided tours of the church are offered at 11:30 AM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, led by friendly volunteer docents. The tour costs $5 per adult (children free) and typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. During the tour, you’ll learn about the simple, austere architecture of the church – a modern design inspired by 12th-century Cistercian styles – and you may even get to hear about the daily routine of the monks. Note: If you are traveling from afar specifically for the tour, it’s wise to call ahead (843-761-8509) to confirm the schedule, as tour times can occasionally change.

Brandon Coffee of Charleston, 2016 copyright Do Not Use Without Written Consent

• Monastic Prayer Times: Visitors are welcome to quietly attend certain daily prayer services if interested in experiencing the spiritual life. The monks gather in the Abbey Church for Mass and Liturgy of the Hours each day. Key public service times include Mass (7:00 AM Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM Sunday) and brief Midday Prayer at 12:00 PM daily. If your visit coincides, you might sit in the back of the church during these services – it can be a moving, peaceful experience to hear the Gregorian chant and observe the reverence of Trappist prayer. Just remember to remain silent and respectful during any services.

• Etiquette: Mepkin Abbey is an active monastery and home to the monks, so visitors are asked to follow a few simple guidelines. Upon arrival, check in at the Reception Center and respect all posted signs. Only certain areas are open to the public (the main entry road, gardens, gift shop, and tour route); please refrain from entering signed “Monastic Areas” to respect the monks’ privacy. Silence or quiet voices are appreciated, especially near the church and cemetery. No pets are allowed on the grounds (except service animals) and, as mentioned, professional photography and drones are prohibited. By observing these rules, you help maintain the tranquil atmosphere that makes Mepkin so special.

Exploring the Grounds: What to See

One of the greatest appeals of Mepkin Abbey is the serenity of its grounds and natural setting. There are several areas and points of interest you won’t want to miss:

• Nancy Bryan Luce Botanical Garden: These formal gardens – originally designed in part by Clare Boothe Luce in the 1930s – are the centerpiece of any visit. Winding paths lead you past towering live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, through camellia and azalea beds (spectacular in spring), and to quiet nooks with benches overlooking the Cooper River. Scattered throughout the garden are sculptures and artworks, including graceful religious statues and hand-carved wood artwork made from trees felled by Hurricane Hugo. The gardens invite slow, reflective walking. Don’t miss the Meditation Garden and the Labyrinth – a walking maze of concentric circles formed by low hedges and grasses. Walking the labyrinth is a popular contemplative practice; even if you’re not on an organized retreat, you can stroll it at your own pace for a bit of mindful meditation amid nature. The gardens also offer lovely river vistas; a short trail leads to a bluff where you can gaze across the Cooper River’s tranquil waters – a perfect spot for photos or quiet thought.

• Abbey Church: The monastery’s church is a strikingly simple yet beautiful building, constructed with a focus on natural light and humble materials rather than ornate decoration. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful, sparsely adorned sanctuary with wooden benches and a plain altar – all designed to direct one’s focus to prayer. If you take the guided tour (as noted, 11:30 AM on select days), you can step inside and learn about the church’s architecture and meaning. Outside of tour times, visitors generally are not allowed into the church on their own, but you can peek in from the entry or attend a public service. Nearby, you might notice the cloister entry (marked by a sign) which is off-limits to visitors – behind it lies the living quarters of the monks.

• Columbarium and Cemeteries: Mepkin Abbey’s grounds include serene burial sites. A Columbarium near the gardens houses the ashes of departed loved ones (niches are open for public purchase as a sacred resting place). History buffs may want to visit the Laurens Family Cemetery, where Henry Laurens’ ashes were interred – notably, Laurens was the first formally documented cremation in American history, carried out on this property in 1792. His son, John Laurens, a Revolutionary War hero, is also buried here. The Luce family (Henry and Clare, along with their daughter and Clare’s mother) have graves on the Abbey grounds as well. Walking to these quiet graveyards under the mossy oaks is a poignant reminder of the generations of history at Mepkin. Visitors are welcome to pay respects, but please be respectful and maintain silence in these areas.

• Outdoor Art and Stations of the Cross: As you explore, you’ll find contemplative artwork dotting the landscape. There is a wood-carved crucifix and other religious art pieces created by monks or local artists from natural materials. A path near the gardens features the Stations of the Cross, with simple markers for each station – a devotional walk that many find moving. Even if you’re not religious, the art and symbols add to the atmosphere of reflection.

• Wildlife and Nature: The Abbey’s 3,000-acre property includes not just manicured gardens but also expanses of untouched Lowcountry nature – forests, marshes, and riverfront. Keep an eye out for birdlife (egrets, herons, and hawks are commonly sighted) and listen for the sounds of nature as you walk. It’s not uncommon to spot a lazy alligator in the distant rice pond canals or turtles sunning on logs (so do mind posted signs and don’t wade into any waterways). The bluff by the river often catches nice breezes and is a great spot to enjoy views of the Cooper River, which inspired much of the site’s history and beauty.

The Monastic Gift Shop & Farm

Before you leave, be sure to stop by the Reception Center Gift Shop (open Tue–Sat 9–4, Sun 1–4)if you haven’t already. It’s more than just a souvenir stop – it’s a chance to take home a piece of the Abbey’s tranquility and support the monastic community. Popular items include:

• Local Monastery Products: Mepkin Abbey’s oyster mushrooms are famous in the region – grown on site, these fresh mushrooms are often available for sale (or you might buy a kit or dried mushrooms). They also sometimes sell mushroom compost for gardening enthusiasts. Seasonally, the monks bake fruitcakes (a beloved tradition at many Trappist monasteries) which can be purchased here or ordered online, especially around the holidays.

• Trappist Treats: The shop features goodies from other Trappist monasteries across the country. You might find jams, honeys, chocolates, and creamed honey made by monks and nuns elsewhere – delightful gifts or road trip snacks. Don’t miss the famous Monks’ Bread or homemade fudge if in stock.

• Books & Devotionals: A well-curated selection of books is available, covering topics like contemplative prayer, monastic life, theology, and local history. Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of the Benedictine way or just a good read for your trip, you’ll find something of interest. There are also beautiful icons, rosaries, and religious art prints for those inclined.

• Handicrafts: Check out the simple handicrafts and keepsakes – from hand-poured candles to wooden crosses and ceramics. Many items are made by the monks or local artisans, reflecting the spiritual and natural themes of Mepkin. Even if you’re not religious, a bag of stone-ground grits or a bottle of hot sauce from a Louisiana abbey makes for an authentic and unique souvenir!

Purchases at the gift shop directly support the Abbey. Note that the store is closed on Mondays (when the whole Abbey is mostly closed to public), so plan accordingly.

Retreat Opportunities at Mepkin Abbey

One of Mepkin Abbey’s special offerings is the chance to go deeper than a day visit – spiritual retreats allow individuals to stay on the monastery grounds and share in the quiet life for a few days. The St. Francis Retreat Center, a modern and comfortable facility on the Abbey property, hosts guests (of any or no faith) who seek personal reflection and renewal. Here’s what to know if you’re interested in a retreat:

• Retreat Format: Retreats are typically private and self-directed, meaning you won’t necessarily have a formal program or group activities (unless you come for a specific workshop). Most retreatants use the time for silence, reading, prayer, or exploring the beautiful grounds. Retreats can be booked for either weekday spans (Monday afternoon to Friday morning) or weekend spans (Friday afternoon to Monday morning). A limited number of week-long stays (Monday to Monday) may be available as well. The Abbey can accommodate up to 12 retreatants at a time in the retreat center’s simple guestrooms.

• Accommodations: Each guest is provided a modest but comfortable private room with bed, desk, easy chair, and private bath – linens and towels included. (Married couples can be accommodated in adjacent rooms if requested.) The rooms are deliberately free of distraction – expect no TV or WiFi – to encourage a peaceful experience. You’ll find the silence and simplicity refreshing.

• Meals: Retreat guests take their meals in a dining room adjacent to the monks’ refectory, eating the same vegetarian fare as the monastic community. Meals are eaten in silence, while one of the monks reads aloud during the main noonday meal (often from Scripture or spiritual literature). This practice might seem unusual at first, but many find it deeply calming and communal in its own quiet way. Coffee and tea are typically available in a common area for retreatants.

• Participation in Monastic Life: As a retreatant, you are welcome to attend the monks’ prayer services in the Abbey Church – in fact, you’ll have a reserved section in the chapel choir stalls so you can fully join in if you wish. Whether it’s the pre-dawn Vigils at 4:00 AM or peaceful Vespers at 6:00 PM, joining the chant and liturgy can be a profound experience of the Abbey’s rhythm. You’re free to attend as many or as few of the offices as you like. Additionally, a monk is usually assigned to briefly orient retreatants, answer questions, or offer spiritual guidance if sought. The sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is available on request for Catholic retreatants. The Clare Boothe Luce Library is open certain hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 AM–4 PM) for retreatants who wish to read or study in a well-stocked spiritual library.

• Booking and Cost: Retreat stays should be reserved in advance, often several months ahead as they are popular and space is limited. You can book online via the Abbey’s website or by contacting the guestmaster. There is no fixed fee for a retreat; instead, guests are invited to give a donation as they are able (a suggested range might be provided, to cover the cost of room and board). The monastery’s goal is to make the experience accessible to all seeking peace. Remember that a retreat at Mepkin is not a hotel stay – it’s a chance to unplug and embrace stillness. Guests are expected to maintain quiet and refrain from outside activities during their retreat (Charleston’s tourist attractions can wait until after!). Many who stay at Mepkin Abbey describe it as a transformative time of rest for the soul.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

Mepkin Abbey strives to be welcoming, but due to its historic and natural landscape, accessibility can be a bit limited in certain areas. Visitors with mobility challenges should note the following:

• The main Reception Center, gift shop, and Abbey Church are wheelchair accessible (no stairs and with accessible entrances). The church tour route is mostly on level ground or gently graded paths.

• The gardens and trails are only partially wheelchair-friendly. Much of the garden area has dirt or gravel paths and grassy lawns. There are some paved sections near the parking area and gift shop, but as you venture further, the terrain can be uneven. Visitors using wheelchairs or walkers can still enjoy some of the scenery – you might consider driving down the main dirt road that leads by the river for wider views if walking is an issue. In fact, staff note that you can drive to most of the scenic spots to get a view, even if you can’t traverse on foot. However, heavy electric wheelchairs or scooters might have difficulty on soft ground and grass parking areas. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to call ahead – the Abbey staff or volunteers may be able to accommodate special arrangements, such as opening a gate for vehicle access closer to a site.

• Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at the Reception Center. There are no public restrooms once you leave that main area, so plan accordingly before walking the grounds.

• Seating: There are benches throughout the gardens for those who need to rest. The Abbey understands that contemplation can go hand-in-hand with taking a seat under a shady tree.

• Weather and Attire: Moncks Corner can be hot and humid in summer – plan your attire and hydration accordingly. The best times to visit in terms of weather are spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the gardens are at their most colorful. Summer can be very warm (with July being the hottest, average highs around 81°F/27°C), and also the busiest tourist season. Winters are generally mild (January averages around 48°F/9°C) and the crowds are thinner, though some plants won’t be in bloom. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be on your feet exploring. And because much of your visit will be outdoors, consider bug spray in warmer months and a sun hat. In light rain, the experience can still be enjoyable – just bring an umbrella or rain jacket (and watch your step on possibly slippery paths).

• Photography: You are welcome to take personal photos of the gardens, exteriors, and natural beauty. In fact, many visitors love capturing the grand avenue of oaks or the river overlook. Just remember no photography is allowed inside the church or of the monks if you happen to see them, to respect the sacredness and privacy (and absolutely no drones). If you’re a professional photographer wanting to shoot portraits or events on site, you’d need to seek permission separately – the Abbey often hosts weddings in the gardens, but those are arranged in advance.

Suggested Itinerary & Nearby Attractions

To make the most of your outing, consider pairing your Mepkin Abbey visit with other attractions in the Moncks Corner area. Here’s a suggested day trip itinerary that locals and travelers alike can enjoy:

Morning at Mepkin Abbey: Start early and arrive at the Abbey by mid-morning. (If coming from Charleston, you might leave around 9:00 AM to get there by 10:00.) Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Luce Gardens in the cooler morning hours, when the light is perfect for photos and the river mist may still linger. By 11:30 AM, join the guided church tour to enrich your visit with history and insight. Alternatively, if it’s a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday, you could time your arrival to take the 11:30 tour first, then explore the grounds. Either way, allow about 2 hours at Mepkin to fully soak in the peace – wander the trails, sit under an oak with Spanish moss gently swaying above, and perhaps attend the brief 12 PM Midday Prayer for a moment of reflection with the monks. Before leaving, swing by the gift shop to pick up a jar of Trappist jam or a souvenir.

Lunch Break: By early afternoon you’ll likely be ready for lunch. There are two options:

• Pack a Picnic: If the weather is nice, bring a picnic basket and enjoy lunch right on the Abbey grounds. While there are no picnic tables, you’ll find benches and grassy spots. A favorite idea (recommended even by some travel bloggers) is to picnic by the river view or under the oaks. Mepkin Abbey’s tranquil environment makes even a simple sandwich feel special. Just remember to carry out all trash and keep food away from the wildlife.

• Moncks Corner Eateries: If you prefer a restaurant, Moncks Corner’s small downtown is about 15 minutes away. You can find Southern comfort food, barbecue, or casual cafés along Hwy 52 and Main Street. This gives you a taste of local life. (One popular spot for locals is Barony House for Southern fare, or head towards Carnes Crossroads for some newer eateries.)

Afternoon Nearby Adventure: After lunch, take the opportunity to explore another nearby attraction:

• Cypress Gardens: Distance: Only about 4–5 miles from Mepkin Abbey (a 10-minute drive). This beloved nature park features blackwater swamp gardens where you can take a flat-bottom boat ride under cypress trees (the setting is so picturesque it was featured in movies like The Notebook). Stroll the walking trails and butterfly house for a change of scenery from the Abbey’s gardens. Cypress Gardens offers a serene swamp experience with walking paths and even guided flat-bottom boat tours among towering bald cypress and tupelo trees – a perfect complement to the calm you experienced at Mepkin.

• Old Santee Canal Park: Distance: ~8 miles from the Abbey. This 195-acre park commemorates America’s first canal and has a boardwalk through a lush swamp, a small museum (Berkeley County Museum) with local history exhibits, and the historic Stony Landing House. It’s a great spot for an easy nature walk and a dose of history (Revolutionary War artifacts, early canal engineering, etc.). Birdwatchers will enjoy this park, and kids love the chance to spot turtles and fish from the boardwalk.

• Hidden Cove Marina / Lake Moultrie: If you came by boat, you’re already on your way to enjoying the lake. But even by car, you could drive 10 minutes to Lake Moultrie’s shore or Hidden Cove Marina to enjoy the waterfront. The marina itself has a small store for refreshments. While you’re in the area, you might appreciate seeing the vast lake and maybe catch a glimpse of boaters heading through the Pinopolis Lock (one of the tallest single-lift locks in North America, connecting the lake to the river!).

Evening: If you head back towards Charleston in the late afternoon, consider stopping for dinner in nearby Summerville or Goose Creek along the way, especially if you want more dining choices. Or, if you timed your Abbey visit late, you might catch a sunset at Mepkin – the golden light filtering through the oaks and reflecting on the Cooper River is magical. The Abbey grounds close at 6:00 PM, so plan to depart by then. It’s the perfect end to a day of calm exploration.

Special Events and Seasonal Highlights

• Creche Festival (Christmas Nativity Display): Every year in late November and early December, Mepkin Abbey hosts its famous Crèche Festival, a display of dozens of handcrafted Nativity scenes from around the world. This festival has become a local holiday tradition. The creches (Nativity sets) are artfully staged throughout the gardens and monastery grounds (both indoors and outdoors), often revolving around a theme – for example, a theme like “Nativity in Wood and with Wood” highlighted wooden creches. The festival is typically open to the public for about two weeks, free of charge (though you must reserve a timed entry slot online due to popularity). If you’re visiting around Thanksgiving or the first week of Advent, be sure to check the Abbey’s website for the Creche Festival dates (e.g., in 2025 it ran Nov. 17–22 and Nov. 28–Dec. 6, Mondays–Saturdays). Seeing the illuminated creches at twilight in the monastic setting is truly enchanting and draws visitors from all over the Lowcountry.

• Easter and Holy Week: The Abbey typically has special liturgical events open to the public during Holy Week (the week before Easter). While not exactly a tourist event, those interested in religious observances can attend services like the Easter Vigil or Good Friday liturgy. Check with the Abbey for schedules, and be prepared for very solemn, reflective ceremonies.

• Gardens in Bloom: For garden enthusiasts, spring (March-April) is prime time at Mepkin. Azaleas, camellias, and other flowering shrubs bloom vibrantly in the gardens, and the weather is generally pleasant. Another beautiful time is mid-late October, when the camellia sasanquas bloom and the light through the changing leaves is gorgeous. Even in winter, the gardens are green and peaceful, with camellias blooming as early as January. Each season offers a different palette, so there’s never a bad time to visit.

• Workshops and Talks: Occasionally, the Mepkin Abbey Conference Center (the Laurens Conference Center) hosts public lectures, especially on themes of spirituality, ecology (they have a Forum on Contemplative Ecology), or art. If you’re interested in a more immersive experience, see if any retreat workshops or one-day programs are scheduled during your visit. These might be listed on the Abbey’s website under “News” or “Events.”

Final Thoughts

A visit to Mepkin Abbey is more than just a sightseeing trip – it’s an immersion into a slower pace of life. Whether you come for the historic intrigue (imagine the layers of history from colonial rice fields to a 21st-century monastic community), the natural beauty (towering live oaks and river vistas that soothe the soul), or the spiritual atmosphere (the echo of chant, the simplicity that invites reflection), you will likely leave feeling refreshed and inspired. Many locals treat a trip to Mepkin as a mini-retreat from their busy weeks, and travelers often say it’s a highlight of their South Carolina itineraries precisely because it’s so different from the usual tourist stops.

As you depart the Abbey’s gates and drive back under the canopy of mossy oaks, take one last look at the peaceful Cooper River flowing by. It’s easy to see why the Trappist monks were drawn to this spot. Mepkin Abbey manages to be both a journey and a destination – a place where the present meets the past in quiet harmony. We hope this guide helps you plan a fulfilling visit. Safe travels, and enjoy your time at Mepkin Abbey, a true Lowcountry treasure!

Cover image: Brandon Coffee of Charleston, 2016 copyright Do Not Use Without Written Consent