An active Trappist monastery that welcomes both men and women retreatants. Daily visitors are welcome. The former plantation home of Henry Laurens, Congressional Constitutional president, and later to publisher and philanthropist Henry R. Luce and his wife, Clare Boothe Luce, the beautifully landscaped grounds overlook the Cooper River. Clare Luce commissioned famous landscape architect Loutrell Briggs to create Mepkins Gardens. In 1988, the gardens were renovated through the efforts of Nancy Bryan Luce, wife of Henry Luce III, and for whom the gardens are named. Mepkin Abbey is offering a tour of Nativity sets from around the world the week before and the week of Thanksgiving, with some 30 to 50 different sets. The week after Thanksgiving is open for motorcoaches, with tours being offered at 10am and 1:30pm. Call to reserve a tour.