georgetown plantation tours 2022

Tour of Historic Plantations & Homes

By prince george winyah church women.

For over 75 years, the Prince George Winyah Church Women have hosted the Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes each spring. In this self-guided tour, visitors have a unique opportunity to tour select historic plantations, town homes, and gardens located in and around Georgetown County, South Carolina. Tickets are required, and we recommend you purchase them in advance. All money raised by the Tour is allocated to community outreach and the preservation of our historic church buildings. The success of the Tour has made a difference in the lives of the poor, the friendless, and the needy in our community, which continues to be our prayerful aim in this endeavor.

Save the Date

March 28-29, 20 25, georgetown, south carolina.

“Phenomenal! The sheer number and variety of homes and plantations we visit is incredible, but it is the irresistible southern hospitality of this community that has me hooked."

Plan Your Tour

While the tour of homes is the main event, we offer several other tour features to enhance your time on tour. 

Founded in 1729, Georgetown, South Carolina, is located in the heart of the South Carolina lowcountry. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the region became home to many indigo and rice planters who once exported so much rice that Georgetown County was once the wealthiest county in the United States. Though indigo and rice are no longer major exports for the region, many of the plantations, town houses, and gardens left by the planters remain and have been preserved by Georgetown's present-day residents. The Tour of Historic Homes and Plantations is self-guided and gives tour-goers a unique opportunity to tour properties, many of which are generally closed to the public, at their own leisure.

300 Broad Street, Georgetown, SC 29440

Sign Up for Email Updates

Thanks for submitting!

Connect on Facebook

[email protected]

843-633-1502

• Our Team: The Staff
• Our Team: The Vestry
• Our Beliefs
• Preservation Trust
• Newcomer's Information
• Nursery Policy Handbook
• Nursery Volunteers
• Volunteer Opportunities
• PGW Newsletter
• Youth Group Newsletter
• Tours of Historic Plantations and Homes
• Worship Services
• Virtual Services
• The Alpha Course

Plantation Tours

76th ANNUAL PLANTATION TOURS March 31, 2023 - April 1, 2023

Sponsored by the Diocesan Church Women of Prince George Winyah Church 

Each spring, the Prince George Winyah Church Women host the Prince George Plantation and Town House Tours. Visitors have a unique opportunity to tour many of the historic plantations, town houses, and gardens. Tickets are required, and we recommend you purchase them in advance. All money raised by the Prince George Plantation Tours is allocated to community outreach and the preservation of our historic church buildings. The success of the tours has made a difference in the lives of the poor, the friendless, and the needy in our community, which continues to be our prayerful aim in this endeavor.

Please visit our Plantation Tours Website for more information and to purchase tickets

www.princegeorgeplantationtours.com

Search form

Time to tour historic plantations and homes in georgetown.

History buffs and those who appreciate artistry, culture, and elegance need look no further than the 77th Annual Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes in Georgetown. 

Founded in 1729, Georgetown boasted great wealth, thanks to the booming economy gleaned from raising rice and indigo on large plantations. Dozens of these magnificent colonial homes and gardens still stand near the banks of the area’s five rivers. 

The tour begins at Prince George Winyah Church’s parish hall, where visitors can collect maps, brochures, and bag lunches. Gorgeous artwork from the Georgetown Watercolor Society and homemade goodies are available for purchase, as are publications from the Georgetown Historical Society. At the tour's end, people are invited to Tea, held at the historic Winyah Indigo Society Hall.

“The Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes attracts people with a wide variety of interests - whether it’s learning more about the unique history of Georgetown, exploring beautiful gardens in spring bloom, or admiring the extensive work and care it takes to maintain the interiors and exteriors of these magnificent homes,” Noel Rinehart, publicity chair for the Tour, explains. “Most of the homes and plantations on this Tour are not open to the public, so this is the only time tour-goers have an opportunity to access these amazing properties.” 

77th Annual Plantation Tours Friday-Saturday, April 5-6 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. $60/day or $110 both days 300 Broad St., Georgetown (843) 633-1502  princegeorgeplantationtours.com

The Vision of The Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum

Living History

Village Voices: Explore History with Georgetown's Hobcaw Barony

About Grand Strand Magazine

• WHERE TO BUY
• ISSUE ARCHIVES
• READER SERVICES
• READER SURVEY
• NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Arts & Events

• ARTS & EVENTS FEATURES
• EVENT CALENDAR
• SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Food & Wine

• FOOD & WINE FEATURES
• QUICK BITES
• RESTAURANT REVIEWS
• DINING GUIDE

Style & Shopping

• MOST STYLISH
• STREET STYLE
• PRODUCT PIQUES

Home & Garden

• HOME & GARDEN FEATURES
• PEOPLE FEATURES
• ARTIST PROFILES
• GRAND PROFILE
• SOCIAL GRACES
• COMMUNITY FEATURES
• BEACHCOMBER
• LIFE & TIMES
• VIEW FROM HERE
• MYRTLE BEACH NON-PROFIT DIRECTORY
• ADOPT A PET IN MYRTLE BEACH
• WEDDING FEATURES
• GRAND STRAND WEDDINGS MAGAZINE
• WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS
• SUBMIT YOUR WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Cap'n Rod's Lowcountry Shell Island & Plantation Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Cap'n Rod's Lowcountry Shell Island & Plantation Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Pawleys Island
• Litchfield Beach
• Pawleys Plantation
• Listings by Name
• Long Term Rentals
• Private Pool
• Exclusive Properties
• Leisure Activities
• Lowcountry Beaches
• Tours & Attractions
• The Hammock Coast
• Our Partners

You are here

Your Guide to the 72nd Plantation Tours in Georgetown

If you’re a Southern history buff, a gardener, an admirer of architecture, or just want to help a good cause, don’t miss the 72nd Prince George Plantation and Town Home Tours in Georgetown.

The Prince George Winyah Church Women host the annual event, which is set March 29-30 this year. Money raised is used in community outreach and in the preservation of the Prince George Winyah Church historic buildings. Ticket sales began Feb. 4 and continue through March 15.

For two centuries Georgetown was one of the wealthiest areas in Colonial America and in the early years of the United States. Founded in 1729, the area grew indigo then rice, creating an elite society that left behind beautiful dwellings, gardens and public buildings, many of which are open to our visitors only during our tours.

This year’s tours feature more than two dozen sites over the two days. They include rice plantations from the 1700s, as well as 18th and 19th-century town homes. Each year, those in the know wait for the announcement of which homes will be included. This year, the list includes All Saints Church and Churchyard, Barrow House, Rosemont Plantation, Mansfield Plantation Black River House, Springfield Plantation, The Oaks Plantation and the Prince George Winyah Church. While some include tours of the home, others are for the grounds only. 

Advanced tickets are highly recommend, though organizers will sell them on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the tour if they are available. Because spring in the Lowcountry is unpredictable, check the weather and choose attire that is comfortable for walking and standing outdoors for long periods.

The Prince George Parish Hall at the corner of Highmarket and Screven Streets is the central location for tour operations, and visitors are advised to begin the tour there. Get your tour brochure, pick up pre-purchased bagged lunches and shop the Tour Bazaar and Bake Sale before heading out.  The tour brochure provides a map of tour sites open each day. A Plantation Tour Tea, included in the purchase of a tour ticket, is held in town each afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Winyah Indigo Society Hall.

The Oyster Roast & Pig Pickin’ is set at 6 p.m. on March 29 for an additional $30 per person. This event serves as an introduction to Lowcountry culture with a feast of roasted oysters and pulled pork provided by the Men’s Ministry of Prince George. A cash bar will be open. 

Stay with Tidelife Vacation Rentals during your visit for the 72nd Prince George Plantation and Town Home Tours. Nearby properties include a two-bedroom villa at Belle Isle Yacht Club on Winyah Bay and several island house retreats in Pawleys Island and DeBordieu, about 11 miles to the east of Georgetown.

Book your Georgetown vacation rental , then pack your walking shoes for this fun, once-a-year opportunity.

This site uses cookies. Opt out at any time. More details

Home › Lowcountry & Coast › Georgetown Tours

History & Boat Tours Of Georgetown, SC

! Please check all details before planning your trip. Tour availability may vary by season, and operators may withdraw or change specific activities and services without notice.

History Tours

– Walking Tour, with Strollin’ on the Sampit Walking Tours 1hr. Adults $8, children (0-15) free. Walking tour of Georgetown’s Historic District. Call 843-446-4777 or book via email. More details

– Tram Tour, with Swamp Fox Tours 1hr-1hr30. Tuesdays and Thursdays, multiple departures each day. Adults $15, children (6-12) $5, young children (0-5) free. Tram tour of Georgetown’s history, architecture and ghost stories. Call 843-527-1112 or buy tickets at 814 Front Street. More details

Ghost Tours

– Ghost Tour, with Ghosts of Georgetown 1hr-1hr30. Friday evenings. Adults $20, children (8-12) $10. Walking tour of Georgetown’s ghost and pirate history. Call 843-543-5777 for reservations. More details

Beachcombing, Lighthouse & Barrier Island Tours

– Lighthouse Shell Island Tour, with Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Tours 4hrs. Monday-Saturday, times vary. Adults $38, children (4-12) $30, young children (0-3) free. Nature-oriented boat tour with 1.5 hours on a barrier island. Call 843-477-0287 or book online. More details

– Sea Shell and Lighthouse Cruise, with Rover Tours 4hrs. Monday-Saturday, times vary. Adults $38, children (11 and under) $30. Nature and sightseeing boat tour of Winyah Bay, seeing the Georgetown Light and stopping to beachcomb on North Island. Book online or call 843-546-8822. More details

– Shelling and Dolphin Cruise, with Island Picnic Cruise 5hrs30. 40 people max. Ages 2+ only. Adults $48, children (2-11) $38. Dolphin-spotting boat cruise to a nearby barrier island (Cedar Island), with around 2.5 hours on the island to spend as you wish, with opportunities for beachcombing, wading and so on. You can bring your own picnic or purchase one when making reservations. Call 843-344-4275 or book online. More details

– Santee Shelling Tour, with Coastal Waters Adventures 4hrs. 6 people max. Available daily. $250 per party. Private boat tour of Winyah Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, with a stop on a barrier island to beachcomb. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

Plantation-Viewing Boat Tours

Unless otherwise specified, tours are conducted entirely by boat and do not enter any properties.

– Plantation River Tour, with Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Tours 3hrs. Monday-Saturday. Adults $38, children (4-12) $30, young children (0-3) free. Sightseeing river cruise of the Georgetown area’s plantation mansions and former rice fields. Call 843-477-0287 or book online. More details

– Hobcaw House Historic Boat Tour, with Rover Tours 3hrs. Adults $38, children (11 and under) $30. History and sightseeing boat tour of Winyah Bay, including a 1-hour tour of the 1930 Hobcaw House. Book online or call 843-546-8822. More details

– Sightseeing/Shelling Trip, with Georgetown Coastal Adventures 2hrs+. 6 people max. $250 for 2 hours, $50 per additional hour. Private sightseeing boat charter out of Georgetown. Call 843-546-3543 or contact via email. More details

– Pee Dee Plantations Tour, with Coastal Waters Adventures 2hrs30-3hrs. 6 people max. Available daily. $175 per party. Private boat tour of Samworth WMA, Sandy Island and the Waccamaw River, passing several local plantation houses. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

– Pee Dee Plantations & Sandy Island Tour, with Coastal Waters Adventures 3hrs30-4hrs. 6 people max. Available daily. $200 per party. Private sightseeing and nature boat tour of local plantation houses and rivers, visiting Samworth WMA, Sandy Island and the Waccamaw River, with a stop on Sandy Island. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

Sunset Tours

– Sunset Eco Cruise, with Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Tours 1hr-1hr30. Seasonal summer tour. Adults $33, children (4-12) $30, young children (0-3) free. Sunset nature-watching boat cruise of Winyah Bay, with cheese and wine. Call 843-477-0287 or book online. More details

– Evening/Sunset Cruise, with Coastal Waters Adventures 2hrs. 6 people max. Available daily. $150 per party. Private sunset boat cruise of Winyah Bay and the Sampit River. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

Nature & Sightseeing Tours And Charters

– Harbor Cruise Tour, with Coastal Waters Adventures 2hrs. 6 people max. Available daily. $150 per party. Private sightseeing and nature-watching boat tour of Georgetown harbor and the Sampit River. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

– North Island & North Inlet Tour, with Coastal Waters Adventures 4hrs. 5 people max. Available daily. $200 per party. Private boat tour of Winyah Bay, North Inlet and North Island, with optional stops on Debidue Island or North Island. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

– Santee Delta & Wambaw Creek, with Coastal Waters Adventures 4hrs. 6 people max. Available daily. $250 per party. Private nature-oriented boat tour of the Santee River and Santee Coastal Reserve. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

– Custom Boat Charter, with Coastal Waters Adventures 4hrs-8hrs. 6 people max. 4hrs, $300; 6hrs, $350; 8hrs, $400. Customizable private boat charters out of Georgetown, with several suggested itineraries exploring local scenery and ecosystems. Call 843-240-0184 or book online. More details

– Custom Boat Charter, with Bruno Fishing Charters 6 people max. Custom private boat charters out of Georgetown, visiting the harbor, Winyah Bay or the South Carolina coast down to Charleston. Call 843-333-2300 or contact online for information and reservations. More details

© Melanie K Jones 2024

494 Hopsewee Rd., Georgetown, SC 29440 | Phone: (843) 546-7891

Call to book • Book online • Email us • Get directions

Join us TUESDAY, Jan. 16 AS WE REOPEN FOR the 2024 Season!

Photo by Alan Sherlock

Experience Southern History at Hopsewee Plantation

Built circa 1740, some 40 years before the American Revolutionary War, Hopsewee Plantation was one of the South’s major rice plantations and the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Now privately owned, this National Historic Landmark—midway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry—reopens to the public for the 2024 season Tuesday, Jan. 16 until mid-December. We close for weddings and special events , so please check our calendar when booking for availability.

book online

CAll to book

Take two popular tours together and save with our new package deal!

Brand new hopsewee house tour and gullah geechee presentation package deal 1 hour 45 minutes; tues–sat at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm &  2:15 pm.

Historic House Tour Explore the home from room to room, including the two original slave cabins that still stand on the grounds. Learn about the rich history of Hopsewee, its previous families as well as its current owners, the Beatties, and the enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation.

Gullah Geechee Presentation Join us as we expand the narrative about the experience of the enslaved West Africans on this historic plantation to include their contributions to the wealth and influence of colonial South Carolina through their knowledge, ingenuity, and labor that helped build our nation.

Buy tickets online or call (843) 546-7891 . Please contact us for groups of 10 or more.

Hopsewee Historic Landmark House Tour 50 minutes; Tues.–Sat., 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, & 3 pm

Explore the home from room to room, including the two original slave cabins that still stand on the grounds. Learn about the rich history of Hopsewee, its previous families as well as its current owners, the Beatties, and the enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation. During your visit, make sure to enjoy the mossy oaks and river vista. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or tea at our River Oak Cottage , ranked as one of the state's top tea rooms. Buy tickets online or call (843) 546-7891 . Please contact us for groups of 10 or more.

NEW ! Hopsewee Historical Museum Self-guided; Tues.–Sat., 10 am-4 pm

Learn about the enslaved individuals who lived here as we present some of Hopsewee’s missing history through archaeological investigation and research. What we have learned is presented here so that all may have a better understanding of what life was like for those who were forcefully brought here, who were born here, who lived, loved, labored and died here and even, perhaps, sometimes laughed here. Click to learn more or make a reservation .

BOOK ONLINE

Gullah Geechee presentation 30 minutes; Tues.–Sat., 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, & 2:15 pm Takes place in our Slave Cabin Dwelling

Join historians Vennie Deas Moore as we expand the narrative about the experience of the enslaved West Africans on this historic plantation to include their contributions to the wealth and influence of colonial South Carolina and how their knowledge, ingenuity, and labor help to build this nation.

Folklorist and cultural preservationist Deas Moore is the 2020 winner of South Carolina’s 2020 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award recognizing the work of those in the state keeping traditional arts alive. Her presentation focuses on the experience of the West African enslaved rice growers in the plantation’s fields.

Sweetgrass Basketweaving CLASS

3 hours; Thursdays at 1:00 pm

Sweetgrass baskets are a Lowcountry tradition dating back to the 1700s, when they were brought to the United States by West African slaves. Handmade of tightly coiled strands of bundled grass, these strong yet supple baskets played an important role on southern rice plantations and today are treasured for their artistry and cultural significance.

Discover more about sweetgrass baskets and learn this unique craft in a hands-on class with instructor Vera Manigault . An eighth-generation weaver and Gullah descendant, Manigault is from Mount Pleasant, SC, one of the main areas where baskets are still made, and has been featured in national magazines and on television shows. Read more about her in an article about this important art form .

Hopsewee Ghost Tours

50 minutes; Wednesdays at 5:00 pm

Go back in time and experience Haunted Tales at Hopsewee Plantation, presenting stories of author and storyteller Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger . She’s given hundreds of programs on the history and ghostly legends of Georgetown County as a Historical Interpreter for over 25 years. She has several books to date as author of Ghosts of Georgetown , More Ghosts of Georgetown , and Georgetown Mysteries and Legends , which you can buy in our gift shop or in our online shop .

Arrive a little earlier for Wine by the River Wednesdays ! Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you browse the Hopsewee gift shop and get your book purchases signed by the authors.

Art of Indigo Dyeing Workshop 2.5 hours; Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 am

Experience the magic of creating with all-natural indigo! Learn more about this important part of Lowcountry culture and history, right here at the Hopsewee, built by indigo baron and Winyah Indigo Society’s first president Thomas Lynch, Sr.

Rice was the second major crop at Hopsewee. Indigo was the first cash crop for the plantation, the dye from which was used to color the uniforms of English soldiers. All-natural indigo dyeing basics are covered as you create a bandanna, a tea towel and a tote to take home.

Eat and Drink

English tradition meets southern charm at the  River Oak Cottage Tea Room , with a full menu of Lowcountry favorites, sweet and savory treats and a variety of teas. Reservations recommended.

Plan an Event

With beautiful and bucolic wooded grounds along the peaceful North Santee River, historic Hopsewee provides the picture-perfect backdrop for private parties or your special bridal occasion .

#1 of 51 Things to Do i n Georgetown, SC

According to TripAdvisor Travelers as of November 2023

Photography credits