The Grove, the Inn on Harlee

Mullins, about nine miles from Marion, is home to the South Carolina Tobacco Museum, The Museum’s curator is a fountain of information about the area and its local shops and wonderful places to eat lunch and dinner. Located between Mullins and Marion is the Russell Stover candy outlet, which has every kind of chocolate imaginable at discount prices.

Darlington Raceway, home to the Darlington 500, Darlington Speedway, Offers NASCAR fans thrills and chills as their favorite drivers race around the oval track which is too tough to tame.

The Carolina Entertainment Complex is home to live concerts featuring well known artists. Visit their website for schedules of concerts.

The Lumber, Little Pee Dee, and Great Pee Dee Rivers provide scenic flat water canoeing and kayaking experiences. Betwixt the Rivers, offers several packages available for length of trip, meals, etc.

Florence has good shopping and fine dining. The Columns, located between Marion and Florence, hosts a Civil War re-enactment of the Skirmish at Gamble’s Hotel each March. The Columns is a mid-nineteenth century plantation famous for the columns encircling the plantation house. Call 843.669.6730 for tour and battle information.

Myrtle Beach, offers an ever growing line up of fun an new attractions. Market Commons the new heart of downtown Myrtle Beach offers High end shopping and dining from Ann Taylor to P. F. Changs China Bistro. Visit Coastal Grand Mall the largest Mall in South Carolina with nearly 1 Million Square Feet of Retail Space. Complete your shopping Spree at the Tanger Outlets and Broadway at the Beach with over 350 acres of shops, restaurants, night life and attractions. Or if you would like to try some exotic wine coolers, delicious outdoor cooking, and of course, the wines of La Belle Amie Vineyard. But don't forget to play a round of golf at one of Myrtle Beaches many Golf Course.

The Grand Strand, Besides the beach, a multitude of restaurants, shopping galore, and traffic, there are several attractions which might interest travelers. Located about an hour from The Grove, Brookgreen Gardens, is home to flora, fauna and sculpture which are all highlighted in its native habitat on the backwaters of the Waccamaw River. Directly across Highway 17 from Brookgreen Gardens is Huntington Beach State Park, where you may visit an unspoiled beach, walk the nature trail over the marsh, and see Atalaya Castle, summer home of the Huntington’s, who established Brookgreen Gardens.

Also, Georgetown, located on the banks of Winyah Bay, is an old historic seaport town and home to the Rice Museum. This museum tells the history of the rice culture on the plantation, and offers a house tour, For a look at town living visit Georgetown.

Conway: A beautiful old town situated on the banks of the Waccamaw River, has a wonderful walking trail, boutique shopping and antique shops, coupled with a river walk, kayaking at Conway Kayak and fine restaurants. The trail brochure can be secured at the Chamber of Commerce at the foot of the Main Street Bridge.

Bishopville: The South Carolina Cotton Museum is located in this small agricultural based town. Visit their website for hours of operation. Also located on the outskirts of Bishopville, conveniently off of I-20, is Fryar’s Topiary Garden, a beautiful example of unusual topiaries created by Pearl Fryar, who is self taught in his art.

Hartsville: Their museum, housed in the old post office, depicts the rich history and growth of this quaint college town. Also located in Hartsville is Kalmia Gardens which can be toured by appointment and has no admission fee.

Sumter: Sumter, named for Revolutionary War hero Thomas Sumter, is home to beautiful Sumter Lake Iris Garden, also home to swans which grace the lake around the garden. The Sumter County Museum is also located here and you can search for upcoming events.

The Grove is located on a ten acre green space in the heart of Marion, a remnant of a large farm which refused to yield to development. Half of the acreage is maintained as a park by the city and half is owned privately and contains the gardens and buildings which were once needed in operating the estate known as "The Grove."

The south hall is dedicated to the memory of four generations of the Montgomery family who lived in the house, and family photographs and memorabilia are concentrated there, although items belonging to the family are throughout the house. Miss Annie's Room, Kate's Room, The Senator's Room, and The Brothers' Room are located on the second floor. The house offers rooms and common areas which will satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences.

The soft sounds of ancient tools working wood invite you to the barn where you will find Denley at work producing a piece of furniture. On the path to the barn you can gather fresh eggs for your breakfast from the hens at work in the "fowl house." From this peaceful setting you can take excursions into town or experience a variety of sites and activities within driving distance from The Grove.

The Grove has adequate space for corporate meetings, generously accommodating fifteen to twenty people. Parlors are available for breakout sessions, and the dining room is ready to serve your group a delicious lunch. Refreshments could be made available for your group as well. For those who would want to stay overnight, The Grove has four spacious bedrooms and a suite. We will be happy to assist in securing other overnight accommodations in Marion as well.

Although The Grove is not a public restaurant, the elegant facilities are perfect for special luncheons, teas, and dinner parties for up to 27 people, and special arrangements can be negotiated for additional people. Fine linens, china, silver, and crystal are beautiful accompaniments to your dining experience.

The estate is offered for public tours by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and a lunch can be provided for your tour group. Contact The Grove for pricing and reservations. Individuals are also welcome for touring.

The Grove is a beautiful and elegant venue which has been the perfect setting for birthday parties (adult only), wedding anniversaries, receptions, wedding/baby showers, teas, and other special events for your special occasion. Denley and Ann are available to assist in preparing for your special event, specifically catered to your taste and preference.

The Inn on Harlee is the perfect setting for all your wedding needs or as a site for your special event. Our beautiful Eastlake Victorian home and five acres of grounds provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. Our facilities will impress even the most discerning guests and we can help you tailor your wedding ceremony or event to your exact requirements.

The owners of The Grove take much pride in maintaining this historic property to provide a site that is historic, elegant, and sophisticated. Your friends and family will treasure your gathering at our beautiful home as much as you will. As we take pride in our home and grounds, the owners do not allow weddings or special events where the celebratory emphasis is on drinking, smoking, loud music, or unacceptable behavior. We stand ready to assist you with your wedding plans or special event. We have several vendors that can accommodate your needs and an exceptional wedding planner is available to help make that special day truly memorable.

Call us to discuss your wedding or event needs and we can provide you a detailed quote. We urge all those considering our home for their wedding or event to visit with us in person to tour the home and grounds so that you can envision just how outstanding your wedding or event will be. A wedding or event held at The Grove will provide you with a lifetime of beautiful memories.