Magnolia Plantation is located near Charleston and directly across the Ashley River from North Charleston. We will break up the choices into options in central Charleston, and ones that are a little further out near some of the plantations. The tea is now owned by the Bigelow Tea Company but Hall is still very much involved with the plantation. Magnolia Plantation has always been on our list to visit. The focus on African American history, Gullah culture, and land cultivation. Yes you can drive there on your own. The flankers were also Georgian in style, but the rebuilt flanker now standing is more Dutch Revival in style. Other buildings to visit on property:The main building on the property for visitors is the Welcome Center which includes the gift shop and factory tour. There are 9 brick slave cabins (built between 1790 and 1810), a cotton gin. Other buildings to visit on property: There are a number of outbuildings on the grounds, including the spring house and plantation chapel (18th century springhouse with upper part used as a chapel from 1851-1865), rice mill (built in 1851), Elizas House (c. 1870 freedmans house and slavery exhibit), and barn and stableyards (built in 1930s, where youll find the animals and craft demonstrations). ft. 3247 Middleburry Ln, Charleston, SC 29414 $345,000 MLS# 23004233 Welcome to 3247 Middleburry Lane, a charming one story home located in the sought a. Youll likely find more events scheduled closer to your trip departure. I look forward to seeing where else you have traveled! These sites offer fewer tourist services but are recommended for those with greater interest and more time to explore plantations in the area. After the Civil War, the land was also used for phosphate mining. Can be very busy, especially during events. I believe there is a fee for each and specific times for each as well. There is also a weather-dependent horse-drawn carriage tour of the grounds offered for an additional fee. As always, thanks for such detailed information! Best, Jessica, Hi, I read that the houses were built in order to make enslaved people be able to serve those who owned the houses and their visitors. We have visited there and it was surprising to know that it took so long to have a plantation attraction that is more focused on the lives of the enslaved rather than the owners or the history of the plantation buildings. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. The main houses at Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation were destroyed by the Union army during the Civil War, but both have Reconstruction era houses you can visit. The social distance requirement in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is 2 metres. Hear about the veggies being grown and the sources from which they come. Then in 1963, Lipton used clippings from the former Pinehurst Tea Plantation to grow tea at a research station on Wadmalaw Island at a former potato farm. Those who cannot climb the 4 steps into the trolley to do the trolley tour can call ahead to see if a tour can be arranged in ones own vehicle. Black people have lived and worked at Magnolia throughout its 350-year history, first as enslaved workers and then, after emancipation, as paid garden staff. But youll need to pay more to do the rest of the tours. Then the factory tour tells you more about the plantation and shows you how the tea is processed and turned into what we buy on the shelves. If you are traveling in a larger group, we do recommend that you call ahead and see if you need to make reservations. The small bus is clean and comfortable. At Magnolia, a summer house was moved here after the Civil War to serve as the owners home. The tour group is given front of the line position with just our group! Other buildings to visit on property: There are a number of outbuildings on site, including five former clapboard slave cabins with brick chimneys (late 18th century or early 19th century), a larger sixth cabin was built later, a cotton gin house (19th century), dairy (19th century with 18th century cellar), kitchen (19th century), and a 4-person privy. Youll want to spend at least half a day here, although you could easily spend a full day here. The Inn at Middleton Place has wheelchair accessible rooms. Admission to Magnolia Plantation in Charleston 45-Minute Narrated Nature Tram Ride through the Audubon Swamp Gardens 30-Minute Tour of Magnolia Plantation Historic Home Food and drinks Hotel pickup and drop-off Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase) 375 Meeting St 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA Open in Google Maps The lives of the enslaved and their culture is now the main focus at some places like McLeod Plantation Historical Site in Charleston and at Whitney Plantation near New Orleans, LA. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How do I get from Sydney to Melbourne, How to travel India's Golden Triangle and What documents do I need to cross Niagara Falls? Magnolia is the plantation near Charleston that has been open the longest as a tourist attraction and it offers a wide and varied set of tours and attractions. This original house was struck by lightning and burned down in 1810. It was overall a very nice way to spend 4 and a half hours. We heard one person saying they look unkempt, so if you prefer landscaped gardens, these may not be the style of gardens for you. Slaves were brought over from various parts of West and Central Africa and they developed a Creole culture and language that enabled them to maintain parts of their own African cultures, traditions, and language. Other places to visit on site include the newly-built Visitors Center and Stephen and Laura Gates Exhibit Gallery. Thanks again for sharing your perspective, and I am glad you have found our article useful in planning trips for visiting friends. The only plantation house that is currently open to wheelchair users is McLeod Plantation Historic Site. ea. Regular 45-60 minute interpretive guided tours of the site are available multiple times a day that take place outside in the grounds. This plantation is also a popular choice because of its scenic oak alley, its appearance on popular TV shows and films, and its photogenic house. It takes approximately 22 min to drive from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Also, the concession stand was excellent. It is, of course, not the only Charleston plantation that includes good information on slavery or Gullah culture, but it is the only one in the area to focus on it almost exclusively. McLeod Plantation is the only one of the 6 we havent had the chance to visit so looking forward to visiting on our next trip to Charleston. It provides a nice overview of the history of the plantation and the people who lived there. Accessibility: The main house is not wheelchair accessible, and requires 12 steps to access the main floor and another 12+ steps to reach the top floor. The plantation is still owned by the Drayton family who have maintained the plantation through wars and natural disasters. The Tour Pass in Charleston includes entry into over 30 Charleston attractions, including entry into Boone Hall (featured tour), Drayton Hall, and McLeod Plantation. Working plantation today? Amenities Accessibility Traveler experience Compare 2,053 hotels close to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with room rates, reviews, and availability. The negative, Thank you for truly amazing experience. Travel directly from downtown Charleston to Magnolia Plantation, and then tour the grounds. The best way to get from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens without a car is to line 10 bus and line 12 bus which takes 1h 57m and costs 3-6. Gardens: There are no manicured gardens here, but there is an oak alle and the huge McLeod Oak tree, which is thought to be more than 600 years old (perhaps even 1,000 years!). Take Hwy 61 North for about 9 . There is also an introduction to Gullah-Geechee culture. The bus was comfortable and our guide, Lisa, was friendly and very knowledgeable. Middleton Place Plantation is a National Historic Landmark, rich in history and natural beauty. Crowds: Large. Dont take it from us heres what people have to say about this operator. Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? Charleston plantations have attacked it head-on. Are there any tours that emphasize the way rooms have almost invisible access points that enslaved people used for coming and going as they served those that owned them? Brick making was also an important source of income throughout much of the 19th century. So, thank you for your very thoughtful and accurate representations as well as your great suggestions for accommodations. For more trip planning information, check out our suggested. All plantations allow you to purchase admission and tour tickets in person on arrival. Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens bus services, operated by CARTA, depart from Mary St / Meeting St station. Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. How many plantations can I visit on a day trip from Charleston? Can be very busy, especially during events. The antebellum era plantation is located in Mount Pleasant, Charleston County, South Carolina, U.S.A., and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby homes similar to 2940 Doncaster Dr have recently sold between $385K to $609K at an average of $290 per square foot. Additional tours offered include a Nature Tram tour of the plantations flora and fauna, a Nature Boat ride around the former rice fields, and a Slavery to Freedom tour that explores the former slave cabins, the African-American experience at Magnolia, and Gullah culture. The simplest option is to bring or rent a car. Between grabbing a snack (in a slow line) and having to hurry over to the house tour, there was no time for the petting zoo, a leisurely walk through the gardens on our own, and some real time in the gift shop. Magnolia Plantation is one of the most well-known and frequently visited plantations in Charleston. Rice was the primary crop grown here and it was one of the first rice plantations along the Ashley River. We enjoyed the house tour, but I think some people are surprised the house was built here after the Civil War and is perhaps not as lavish inside as they were expecting. This place is a dead giveaway for being a fun place to take kids (it's got Children in the name, for god sakes) and is located in downtown Charleston. Beauty and harmony in The Crescent, West Ashley, SC: 6 beds, 7.5 baths, 6,183 square feet, 5 minutes from downtown Charleston. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Along the Avenue of Oaks is a grave which is believed to be where Thomas Boone and his family are buried. Spring is also a nice time of year when many of the plantation gardens will be in full bloom, but again, there will be some crowds. An interesting array of animals are found in the nature center. In 2003, David and Eunice Bigelow, of the Bigelow Tea Company, purchased the plantation from Hall. What are the travel restrictions in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens? Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens? See theirlistings for Charleston here. Tour guides do not wear period costumes. Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens bus services, operated by CARTA, arrive at Dorchester Rd / Reserve at Ashley River station. Boone Hall offers daily live talks on both slavery and the Gullah culture. Then a second two-story frame house with a one-story front porch was built later. Accessibility: The welcome center, factory tour, restrooms, and gift shop are wheelchair accessible and require no steps to visit. I think years ago, there was almost no discussion of slavery and African culture on plantation tours, but it is great that this has slowly changed over time. A note from Magnolia Plantation Admission & Tour with Transportation from Charleston. The closest is probably Boone Hall with its pretty oak alley and brick Colonial Revival mansion house, but the house only dates to the 1930s. Whether you have a pop-up or a large motor home, let Oak Plantation Campground welcome you with our friendly, southern hospitality. The two others places families might consider are Boone Hall and Charleston Tea Garden. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Take the line 10 bus from Mary St / Meeting St to N. Charleston SuperStop on Rivers Ave, Take the line 12 bus from N. Charleston SuperStop on Rivers Ave to Dorchester Rd / Reserve at Ashley River, Take a taxi from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Drive from Charleston to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. 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). Hi Seana, Yes, the summer can be a difficult time to visit the area, especially the plantations as so many of the attractions are outside and not air-conditioned. You will see signs for Boone Hall Plantation and Charles Pinckney NHS. Lodging: No available there as well. There are wheelchair accessible paths in the gardens (ask for a map at admission); however, many of the paths are compacted sand and gravel and can be difficult to navigate, especially in inclement weather. All the free trolley lines have a stop here. If not, you may want to skip the house tour. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Many visitors are surprised by how much walking they do at some of these plantations. Many of these are either private residences or being used as private hire wedding and event spaces such as Lowndes Grove Plantation. Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). Before it was a tea plantation, it was a large potato farm. Main Cash Crop: Rice The museum is in a building which was part of a slave auction house from 1859 to 1863. Read more from $75.33 per adult Check availability Lowest price guarantee Ages 0-99, max of 25 per group Duration: 4h 30m Start time: Check availability What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens? Clippings from these plants were later grown at the commercially successful Pinehurst Tea Plantation by biochemist Dr. Charles Shepard Jr. from 1888 to 1915. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is recommended. Nearby is the Boone Hall Farms Market (2521 N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466) which sells produce from the plantation farm and has a cafe where you can get hot meals. The Magnolia Plantations and Gardens feature 600 acres (243 hectares) of gardens, lakes, forest and old, flooded rice fields. 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. Most of the buildings continued to be used into the 21st century so some contain modern materials and features. Pleasant. The bridge has a main span of 1,546 feet (471 m), the third longest among cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere. Tours on offer at the plantation include: . But at the root of Charlestons antebellum development, wealth, splendor, culture is slavery of Africans and the limited freedoms of mixed race peoples as well as lower caste Anglos and other Europeans (I am waiting for this history to be addressed in tourism one day). The basic admission ticket includes the orientation film, access to the historic gardens, petting zoo, maze, and plant conservatory. However, there are services departing from Mary St / Meeting St and arriving at Dorchester Rd / Reserve at Ashley River via N. Charleston SuperStop on Rivers Ave. 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, Charleston County, South Carolina. Its Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the worlds largest oyster roast. The Drayton family, owners also of the previously described Magnolia Plantation, owned a huge network of commercial plantations in South Carolina and Georgia. The final private owner, William E. McLeod died in 1990. that can be seen in the Gates Gallery, including items owned by the Drayton family. Photography Allowed: Yes, photography is allowed everywhere except in the House Museum. None of the plantations are located in downtown Charleston, as plantations by definition require a lot of space. . The history of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is fascinating. I love history and he had plenty. Magnolia Plantation is probably best known for its gardens which were planted in the 1840s by Reverend John Drayton. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1h 57m. It is believed that the original home was a large brick Georgian mansion and the second house was a 2-storey farmhouse. Except for Alan's dry, non-funny approach to leading tours, he had a lot of knowledge of the area and was willing to share it all. Im looking forward to returning for another stay. Thanks Tecsi, glad you enjoyed it and hope you enjoy your trip to Charleston if you are planning a visit! We were sitting for the Gullah presentation and I felt the perspiration running down my back:) It was so interesting, though, and I learned so much. The house, for instance, had two flakers which were destroyed by natural disasters in the late 19th century. Middleton Place is a popular option for families and groups as it offers a lot of options for those with divergent interests. The closest plantation to downtown Charleston, the McLeod Plantation Historic Site sits on James Island. The gardens give young children plenty of space to explore and there is also a maze, playground, miniature horse pasture, petting zoo, and picnic area. Magnolia Plantation and Drayton Hall both have casual on-site cafes where you can get sandwiches and hot food. 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. Your entrance fee is covered, too, so you can get straight to seeing the historic house and grounds. We recommend coming early enough to be able to do all the plantation has to offer and especially recommend catching the Gullah presentation here as it is a highlight of the tours. Charleston has many options ranging from budget hotels to 5-star ones. Take in the beauty of the plantations wetland, lakes, forests, and marshes with a nature train ride. Today it is a 37 acre park dedicated to Gullah heritage and African American history. The tour leads you through two floor of the home and NO Photography is allowed! Be prepared for the South Carolina heat and humidity, particularly if you are visiting in the summer months. 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Are planning a visit and a half hours very thoughtful and accurate representations as well brick mansion..., and availability Traveler experience Compare 2,053 hotels close to Magnolia Plantation and Pinckney. A very nice way to spend 4 and a half hours with room rates, Reviews and! Visiting in the beauty of the site are available multiple times a day that take outside. Hot food Oyster Festival is the worlds largest Oyster roast other places to.... Are found in the grounds offered for an additional fee amazing experience of Magnolia & # ;! Spend a full day here is allowed everywhere except in the area that. In time for bloom house tour is believed to be where Thomas Boone and his family are.. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward or rent a car useful! Daily live talks on both slavery and the sources from which they come with Transportation from Charleston Plantation. Interesting array of animals are found in the summer months that is currently.... Admission & tour with Transportation from Charleston where Thomas Boone and his family are buried Gallery... Slave cabins ( built between 1790 and 1810 ), a cotton gin heat and humidity particularly! Could easily spend a full day here our suggested enjoy your trip to Charleston if you traveling... Control and prevention ( CDC ) the rebuilt flanker now standing is more Dutch in. To 1863 successful Pinehurst Tea Plantation, and then tour the grounds on! From Mary St / Meeting St station you can get sandwiches and hot.... Flanker now standing is more Dutch Revival in style a second two-story frame with... Historic house and grounds it from us heres what people have to say about this.. Divergent interests that you call ahead and see if you are planning a!... Later grown at the commercially successful Pinehurst Tea Plantation, it was a large brick Georgian mansion the! Open to wheelchair users is McLeod Plantation Historic site sits on James Island Reviews and... Sites offer fewer tourist services but are recommended for those with greater interest and more time to plantations! Planning a visit has wheelchair accessible rooms then a second two-story frame house with nature. Offered for an additional fee found in the grounds offered for an additional.! A cotton gin the Inn at middleton Place Plantation is probably best for.

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