Be prepared for the South Carolina heat and humidity, particularly if you are visiting in the summer months. Beautiful landscaped gardens were designed and planted by Henry Middleton in the 1740s but these would be ruined and largely neglected after the Civil War. The Charleston Tea Plantation was founded by Mack Fleming and William Barclay Hall, a third-generation tea taster in 1987. No drones allowed on site. For more trip planning information check out our suggested 2 day Charleston itinerary and the local Charleston official tourism website. It is also great that there is now a gift shop, and caf. At certain times of the year, visitors can even pick their own basket of fruit as part of the U-Pick-Em business. A brief history of plantations in Charleston South Carolina. But some definitely focus on it more than others. The best way to get from Charleston Historic District to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens without a car is to line 10 bus and line 12 bus which takes 2h 10m and costs 350-500. : Yes, tea is grown and processed here on the tea farm. Email them at office@magnoliaplantation.com To get to Magnolia, click here for exact directions from your starting point. In the summer of 1990, Magnolias ignited a culinary renaissance upon opening in Charleston, S.C., paving the way for a new generation of Lowcountry cooking in the city and across the entire South. Slavery Information: Boone Hall offers daily live talks on both slavery and the Gullah culture. Each of the Charleston plantations offer different experiences. For locals, it is also a popular spot for annual festival events. that can be seen in the Gates Gallery, including items owned by the Drayton family. It has appeared in TV series such as North and South, Days of Our Lives, the 1993 mini-series Queen (by Alex Haley) , and the 1994 Scarlett mini-series (sequel to Gone with the Wind). The fact that it has been owned (and is still owned) by the same family for 300+ years is also unique. This original house was struck by lightning and burned down in 1810. Tel (843) 571-1266. Our tour guide was excellent as he entertained us on the way to the plantation with various facts and stories about the plantation and Charleston area. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share you own perspectives and experiences as a local Charlestonian, African American, and someone who has visited some of these homes and former plantations! Today, at nearly 500 acres and with the distinction of being America's oldest garden, Magnolia extends the same gracious hospitality to your guests as the Drayton family did when it first settled here in 1676. 1.5 Find the best deals on car hire. Working plantation today? The house, for instance, had two flakers which were destroyed by natural disasters in the late 19th century. Charleston Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. The Main House - also called the Drayton House - at Magnolia Plantation. These houses were built and lived in by the rich merchants, politicians, and plantation-owning families of antebellum Charleston. The road distance is 21.3 km. It was overall a very nice way to spend 4 and a half hours. Fort Moultrie is a series of fortifications on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, built to protect the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Architectural Style: N/A So Id only purchase online if you are certain you want to visit. So, thank you for your very thoughtful and accurate representations as well as your great suggestions for accommodations. If you make a purchase using one of these links it means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Duration: 4.5 hours Departure Location: 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC Easy Cancellations! The Drayton family lived in the current main house until 1975. Magnolia Plantation is known for its well-preserved Romantic Style garden, which is designed to be an oasis away from the city. Later, the Middletons rebuilt the destroyed South Flanker in 1869 and it was lived in by the Middleton family, up until 1975. What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens? Main Cash Crop: Rice and indigo. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Travelling to the UK: What do I need to know?, How to get from London City Airport into central London and Italian Lakes: Getting around by train - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Boone Hall Plantation is one of America's oldest working plantations, continually growing crops for over 320 years. Im looking forward to returning for another stay. : No During the Civil War the plantation was used as a headquarters for Confederates troops and then by Union troops. But also art exhibits, jazz shows, a mystery dinner event, home baseball games (Charleston has a minor league team), and weekly farmers markets. For guidebooks, consider the latest edition of Lonely Planets Charleston Guide or Fodors Carolinas & Georgia Guidebook. Although the plantation is owned by Bigelow, the tea from the plantation is currently only sold under the American Classic and Charleston Tea Garden brand names. for over 30 years. I am a native Charlestonian I moved away for university and only visit for holidays and such. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. I believe there is a fee for each and specific times for each as well. But you can also grab a quick bite from the Garden Market. Magnolia Plantations & Gardens has a lot of space to walk and wander outside, picnic areas, a nature train, a boat tour, a small petting zoo with farm animals, a playground, and the Audubon Swamp Garden. That said, Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall also all provide tours focused on the experiences of the enslaved and African Americans. Location: 3550 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414. Main Cash Crop: The plantation was used to grow indigo and cotton, and to raise cattle. There are many smaller neighborhoods on the downtown Charleston peninsula, some only a few streets long. There are a number of outbuildings on site, including five former clapboard slave cabins with brick chimneys. Not recommended. Boone Hall Plantation is a popular choice for those looking for a plantation to visit from Charleston. Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Magnolia is located at 3550 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414. The first floor of the main house is wheelchair accessible by using a wheelchair lift. Hopefully this at least somewhat answers your question and I think there are books out there that are focused on the slavery history and/or architecture that could give more expert advice on this topic Just let us know if you have any other questions about visiting the plantations in Charleston. Hope this helps! While certainly a top-five plantation property and the most visited in Charleston, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is best known for its thousands of beautiful blooms and salient structures . They also offer a specialized bird walk on Sundays led by a local ornithologist. Charleston Historic District to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens bus services, operated by CARTA, depart from Mary St / Meeting St station. Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy everything that Drayton Hall has to offer. There were several period pieces of furniture in the house. Drinks are available for purchase at the Magnolia Plantation. Of course the best way to learn more about slavery is to read accounts by former slaves. John Drayton, who had Drayton Hall built, was actually born on nearby Magnolia Plantation, but would move down the Ashley River to establish his own residence in 1738. The best was saved for last! Boone Hall Plantation was founded in 1681 by John Boone and the Boone family lived here until 1811. The Caretakers House was built after Emancipation and the exhibit here focuses on the lives of African Americans at Drayton Hall after the Civil War as many families continued to live and work here in maintaining the house, grounds, and doing phosphate mining until around 1960. After the Civil War, the gardens would become neglected, but they would be restored and expanded by J. J. Pringle Smith (descendant of the Middletons) and his wife Heningham in the 1920s and they would also open them up to the public for the first time in the late 1920s. It was purchased by William Wallace McLeod in 1851 who had the current house built and many of the agricultural buildings. Middleton Place: Tour America's oldest landscaped gardens and a house museum. The vegetable she crab soup was delish and huge!! The plantation focuses not only on the lives of the enslaved but also the lives of the formerly enslaved and their descendants after the Civil War to the 21st century, which is a time period less often mentioned during plantation visits. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 800-232-4636. My hotel recommended this tour company and we were lucky to get a spot! French Quarter Inn Show prices Enter dates to see prices 4,035 reviews 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401-3125 0.1 miles from Charleston City Market What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens? The gardens give young children plenty of space to explore and they may also enjoy seeing the animals and watching the craft demonstrations by local artisans. Directions Directions From Downtown Charleston: Take Highway 17 North towards Mt. Fort Moultrie is a series of fortifications on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, built to protect the city of Charleston, South Carolina. No, although a small area of Sea Island cotton is being grown on the plantation again as a project by volunteers and staff for demonstration and educational purposes. We purchased some of the plantation-grown tea here, but you can also purchase it online via the plantations website or on Amazon here. Does the tour length include travel time back and forth from Charleston? The main house can only be visited with a guided tour, but the grounds, gardens, and stableyards can be explored on ones own. The big reason to tour the house at Middleton, Magnolia, or Boone Hall is that's the only place you'll get a guide to tell you about ownership, plantation life, crop management, etc. They founded the city, then called Charles Town, and set up large plantations around the outskirts. Tours/Tour Guides: The McLeod Plantation Historic Site can be visited as part of a guided tour (included with admission) or can be done as a self-guided tour if you prefer (there is a phone app and signs to guide visitors). Meet your guide at the Charleston Visitors Center, right in the middle of historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (464 acres, 187.77 hectares) is a historic house with gardens located on the Ashley River at 3550 Ashley River Road west of Ashley, Charleston County, South Carolina. Last updated: 22 Feb 2023 Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens? Sea Island cotton grown in the Charleston area became one of the most expensive and sought after cottons in the world in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Later, the Middletons rebuilt the destroyed South Flanker in 1869 and it was lived in by the Middleton family up until 1975. Middleton Place Plantation is a National Historic Landmark, rich in history and natural beauty. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. However, their restoration and expansion in the 1920s would breath new life into this grand estate. There are a variety of complimentary guided tours included with admission: a Garden Overview, Meet the Breeds (an introduction to heritage animal breeds), Beyond the Fields (black culture and slavery), and various seasonal Nature Walks. The Garden Market & Nursery sells plants, garden tools, crafts, and home accessories, including items handcrafted by the local artisans. Drayton/Hastie family. Days Tours Available from Charleston: This half day tour includes transport, Middleton Place admission and tour, and a 3-course lunch at the Middleton Place Restaurant. There are 3 ways to get from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens by bus, taxi or car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. 425 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29403 United States +1-843-7182327 | Email: . There is also information and objects related to slavery and the lives of African American at Drayton Hall in the Visitor Center and Gates Gallery. The paths throughout the grounds and gardens are partially wheelchair accessible but some are sand or grass which can be difficult for wheelchair users. The McLeods grew cotton until 1922 when the crop was wiped out by the boll weevil. Take some time after the tours to taste some tea samples and to have a look at the gift store. Thanks Tecsi, glad you enjoyed it and hope you enjoy your trip to Charleston if you are planning a visit! We recommend checking the events schedule as events will mean larger crowds and that regular plantation tours and activities may be suspended. Boone Hall Plantation 1235 Long Point Road . Only one of the plantations, Middleton Place, offers on site accommodation. Below is a map of the Charleston plantations. $385,000 Last Sold Price. Slavery Information: The best way to learn about slavery at Drayton Hall is to take the interpretive guided tour focused on slavery offered twice a day here. Yes, photos are allowed everywhere including in the house. This allows visitors to better see and understand the architecture and construction of the house. If you have questions about accessibility, wed be happy to help. So it will just depend on your exact dates and your interests. This caused many surviving working plantations to cease farming efforts and many fell into disrepair. Today it is a 37 acre park dedicated to Gullah heritage and African American history. The portico was added to the rear facade, and the rear is now used as the front of the house. Most hotels are fully refundable. While plantation tours can be entertaining and enjoyable, do remember that for some visitors the experience is more serious and can be emotional. Thanks for the good work. They vary in architectural styles. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston 227 Bus Tours from 63.42 per adult Private Chauffeur & Admission to Middleton & Magnolia Plantation + Box Lunch Bus Tours from 715.61 per adult (price varies by group size) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Middleton Place Admission with Self Guided Tour and Lunch 161 Recommended The Gullah Theater, garden center, and gift shop are wheelchair accessible and t. here are wheelchair accessible bathrooms on site. wolf fruit king piece; how far is magnolia plantation from downtown charleston . The closest plantation to downtown Charleston, the McLeod Plantation Historic Site sits on James Island. Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston is hosted by Adventure Sightseeing. The bridge has a main span of 1,546 feet (471 m), the third longest among cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere. Address: 4300 Ashley River Road, Charleston,SC 29414 Enslaved blacks were forced to work in the plantation houses, fields, and even in the slave auctions in which they were sold. The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is easily one of the most spellbinding sites in the city of Charleston, with acres of wildly growing gardens that have captivated visitors for generations. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help. Im planning a trip to Charleston Mid Sept 2021, is there is anything specific that you know is happening during this time? Owners: John Drayton purchased the property in 1738 and the Drayton family would own the property and live here for generations. The grounds are beautiful, but definitely take the tractor tour to get the full view and hist, I think we got to see almost every street in Charleston, our guide was terrific, we learned so much about both the, I really liked the Gullah presentation and the gardens. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is ranked #3 in Charleston with endorsements from 6 reviewers like Lonely Planet, Travel + Leisure and Fodor's. Middleton Place. During the Civil War the plantation was used as a headquarters for Confederates troops and then by Union troops. Note that the interiors of the outbuildings can not be visited for safety reasons, but some are open for visitors to see the inside of them (from outside) and some house exhibits. This oak alley has been featured in films like The Notebook. cannot resit to take photos. The cheapest way to get from Hyatt Place Charleston - Historic District to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens costs only $2, and the quickest way takes just 21 mins. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is recommended. circa 1705. It has stunning bridge-covered ponds and beautiful flowers. The area became particularly known for its rice, and the use of tidal irrigation changed the landscapes of this area and make this a much more profitable endeavor. It was built using the design-build method and was designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff. The Welcome Center, gift shop, picnic pavilion, and toilets are wheelchair accessible. All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties. They were also one of the few brickmaking producers still operating after the Civil War. On balance, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is the choice of most writers compared to Middleton Place. Or you can stop at the Boone Hall Farms Market nearby after your visit. Days Tours Available from Charleston: This half day tour from Charleston visits Magnolia Plantation and includes round-trip transportation as well as guided tours of the house, gardens, and grounds. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center. Similar to the rural plantations, most of these city mansions were run with the use of enslaved labor. Required fields are marked *, Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise! These plantations were run using generations of enslaved people and visiting can be upsetting or cathartic for their descendants and other visitors. The current house was constructed on the site of the former house in the early 1870s. Many of the paths are gravel and walking tours go onto grass so can be difficult for a wheelchair. , but you can stop at the Boone family lived in by the boll weevil no extra cost you... 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