Charleston, South Carolina, is famous for its picturesque gardens and plantations, which are a testament to the region’s rich history and natural beauty. Garden tours are an excellent way to explore these hidden gem attractions and experience the charm and elegance of southern living. In this article, we will explore the best garden tours in Charleston, SC, and what makes them worth a visit.
The Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
A Historical Treasure
The Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is one of the oldest plantations in the South, dating back to the early 1600s. It is famous for its stunning gardens, which cover more than 60 acres and feature a diverse range of flora and fauna. The plantation’s rich history and its well-maintained gardens make it a popular attraction for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The plantation offers several guided tours, including the Nature Train Tour, which takes visitors through the gardens, marshlands, and swamps to see native wildlife such as alligators and turtles. Visitors can also take the House Tour, which explores the plantation’s history and architecture, or the Slavery to Freedom Tour, which highlights the lives and contributions of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation.
Middleton Place
A Living Museum
Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest continuously operating plantations in the United States. The estate covers 65 acres and features formal gardens, a butterfly pavilion, a stable yard, and a working farm. Middleton Place is more than just a garden; it is a living museum that offers visitors an immersive experience into the daily life of a plantation.
The plantation offers a variety of tours, including the House Museum Tour, which takes visitors through the main house and shares the history and stories of the Middleton family. The Beyond the Fields Tour highlights the contributions of the enslaved African Americans who worked on the plantation and their fight for freedom. The Garden Tour explores the estate’s stunning gardens, which include the oldest landscaped gardens in America.
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
A Hollywood Star
Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens is a historic plantation that has been featured in several Hollywood movies, including “The Notebook” and “North and South.” The plantation covers more than 700 acres and features several attractions, including a butterfly pavilion, a black history exhibit, and a working farm.
The plantation offers guided tours, including the House Tour, which explores the plantation’s history and architecture, and the Slave Street and History Tour, which highlights the lives and contributions of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation. The garden tour takes visitors through the stunning gardens, which feature a variety of flowers, plants, and trees.
Charleston Tea Plantation
A Unique Garden Experience
The Charleston Tea Plantation is the only tea plantation in the United States and covers more than 120 acres of land. The plantation offers guided tours, which take visitors through the tea fields and explain the process of growing and harvesting tea. Visitors can also take the Trolley Tour, which explores the plantation’s history and tea-making process.
The plantation’s stunning tea fields are an excellent place for nature enthusiasts to explore, and the plantation’s tea shop offers a variety of tea flavors to taste and purchase. The Charleston Tea Plantation is a unique garden experience that combines history, nature, and delicious tea.
Cypress Gardens
A Natural Beauty
Cypress Gardens is a nature lover’s paradise, covering more than 170 acres of land that includes swampland, lakes, and gardens. The gardens feature a variety of flowers, plants, and trees, including the world-famous butterfly lake, where visitors can see hundreds of butterflies flying around.
The plantation offers guided tours, including the Swamp Boat Adventure, which takes visitors through the cypress swamp and introduces them to the native wildlife, such as alligators and turtles. The Garden Tour explores the stunning gardens and highlights the unique flora and fauna that call the gardens home.
Conclusion
A Garden Lover’s Dream
Charleston, SC, is home to some of the most stunning gardens and plantations in the United States. The Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Middleton Place, Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, Charleston Tea Plantation, and Cypress Gardens are just a few of the attractions that make Charleston a garden lover’s dream. Whether you want to explore history, nature, or tea, Charleston’s gardens have something for everyone. So, why not plan a visit and experience the beauty and charm of southern living for yourself?