Adventure Guide: Treehouses

Swiss Family Robinson. Peter Pan. The Sandlot. When I think of these movies, the first thing that comes to mind is that every child should watch these classic films (and on repeat if you ask me, but I digress). I am also brought back to so many fond memories of my childhood – those that included wonder, magic, imagination, adventure, and best of all, outdoor play. Even better? When all of those came together in the ultimate outdoor escape…a TREEHOUSE.

Whether you lived vicariously through the adventures of the shipwrecked Robinson family, dreamed of fighting pirates with the Lost Boys, or had sleepovers complete with scary stories and s’mores like the baseball-loving kids in The Sandlot, everyone can remember a time when they wanted a treehouse of their very own. A place to call your own, way up in the trees, where you could let your imagination run free. Where parents and girls (or boys) were not allowed. Where doors lived in the floor, where boards nailed to tree trunks replaced conventional stairs, and where you could look out for impending danger with the help of a telescope in your leafy tree hangout.

One thing is for sure. The magic of treehouse living is an unforgettable feeling. And if you weren’t lucky enough to have your own “fort in the trees,” well we can help. (Just sprinkle a bit of pixie dust, think happy thoughts, and make your way to Palmetto Bluff to explore two for yourself.)

Tucked away in the live oaks in Moreland Village, alongside the May River, and next to the one of several fire pits, is the original treehouse at Palmetto Bluff. With 55 steps, 5 stories, and unlimited views at the top, this magical creation was one of the first amenities offered at the Bluff. Built by father-son duo Wayne and Heath Edwards, this 5-story tree house was designed to emphasize the land that is at the forefront of Palmetto Bluff. With a centuries-old live oak, draped in Spanish moss, winding its way up through the center, this treehouse was constructed so as not to touch a single part of the tree. The idea was to always let the live oak grow on its own, with no inhibitions. Building the tree house was a process that can only be described as strategic artistry. Wayne and Heath built one floor at a time, taking the time to assess the tree above them every step of the way. The final product is a place of wonder where imaginations can take flight.

The Edwards didn’t stop there. Right off Mount Pelia Road, beyond the perimeters of bustling Wilson Village, lies another of their magical creations. Standing three stories tall, this treehouse is more for the kids. Boasting a spiral staircase, a metal slide, a wooden boardwalk, and a rope ladder, there is no shortage of fun to be had here.

Imagination. Adventure. Secrets among the trees. Young in age or young at heart, the treehouses at Palmetto Bluff beckon visitors to get out and explore – creating new memories or living in the nostalgia of old ones.