Charleston Plantations
photo by @explorecharleston on Instagram
McLeod Plantation
This historic site is unique in that it is one of only two plantation properties in the country that focuses primarily on the perspective of the enslaved. McLeod Plantation Historic Site is the closest of these historic sites to downtown—it's about a 10 minute drive from most locations on the peninsula. The interpreters at the property tell powerful stories about Gullah Geechee culture, while the landscape provides space for a transformation of conscience. It is owned and operated by Charleston County Parks. Closed on Mondays.
photo by @explorecharleston on Instagram
Drayton Hall
A must for any architecture lover! This is the oldest example of Palladian Architecture and the only one of the Ashley River Plantations open to the public with an original Big House. A visit to Drayton Hall starts with an orientation and video called “Port to Plantation,” which describes the way the lowcountry agricultural industry developed, and explains the area’s centrality to the international slave trade. You will be provided with headphones to listen to an excellently researched recording for a self-guided tour of the home. There is also a cafe, shop, museum, gallery, and a caretaker's house to peruse. The property is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is operated by a 501c3 nonprofit led primarily by educators. Closed on Tuesdays. Book online and save 10% on tickets with code WalkTalk
photo by @sibiyes on Instagram
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
The most romantic gardens in America! You'll recognize them from many films or iconic photo shoots. They are known for their incredible bounty of Camellias, showcasing different varieties as they bloom between September and April. Do not miss the Slavery to Freedom tour and ask for interpreter Joseph McGill. Mr. McGill also runs the Slave Dwelling Project – be sure to check it out! This property is the first plantation in America to open as a museum to visitors – it is still in the ownership of Drayton descendants and run for profit. Open every day but Christmas.
photo by @danieladuncan on Instagram
Middleton Place
This property boasts the first formal gardens in America and the iconic Butterfly ponds. The Middleton Place sheep graze and maintain the front lawn and provide a great attraction. The gardens truly are incredible, but the outbuildings really tell you the full story. A rebuilt wing of the former big house is open for tours. There is a very cool modern inn on the property, as well as a restaurant. You can buy a combination ticket to also see the Edmonston-Alston house downtown to experience the lifestyle of one of the wealthiest and most prominent South Carolina planter families and those they enslaved. The properties are owned and operated by a 501c3 non-profit, Middleton Place Foundation, managed by educators and descendants.
photo by @mpollardrealtor on Instagram
Boone Hall Plantation
You’ll probably recognize this house from The Notebook and the 1980s series North and South – however, the house was built in the 1930s! The site hosts historic tours and a multitude of events on the working farm. Full disclosure: Walk & Talk has not recently visited this historic site, and our tour guests have given mixed feedback on the interpretations. The property is privately owned and run for profit.