plantations to visit in charlotte nc

3427 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206 – 704-335-0325

Hours of Operation

Grounds open TUESDAY – FRIDAY, and select SATURDAYS.  10:00am-3:00pm (Grounds Admission does not include access to the historic house)

GUIDED HOUSE TOURS  (Historic house is accessible by guided tour only) Wednesday –  Friday & select Saturdays at 11:30am & 1:00 pm

G ates close promptly at 3:00pm every day. Private House tours and Garden tours are available  – please call our office to schedule, 7 04-335-0325

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WEDDINGS & CELEBRATIONS Historic Rosedale is now available for event rentals.

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HISTORIC ROSEDALE FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of Historic Rosedale Foundation is threefold: to educate, to preserve and to continue to build a more diverse and inclusive platform for interpretation. We shall: 1) Present an authentic view of five generations of the Frew, Caldwell and Davidson families, and the enslaved and free African Americans that lived and worked on the land; 2) Preserve and interpret the 1815 historic house and the surrounding buildings emphasizing the important role these white and black families held in Charlotte, NC; 3) Provide and maintain a peaceful green space with Treasure Trees, garden borders, native and heirloom plants within a highly developed urban corridor.

November 3, 2020 October 13, 2020 | Travel

Guide to North Carolina Plantations

Many people have found that old plantation homes in NC make beautiful locations for weddings and other events. Here are a few that are open to guests.

The Carolinas are full of historical plantations including North Carolina. Although North Carolina plantations are associated with important landmarks in history, some of these family homes have been renovated and are popular spots for weddings and social activities. Brides and grooms love having their pictures under large hanging oak trees and taking carriage rides to the receptions at a southern mansion. Here are some of the North Carolina plantations that are open to the public for special events.

• Magnolia Manor Plantation Bed & Breakfast in Warrenton, North Carolina

Chinqua Penn Plantation in Reidsville, North Carolina

Poplar grove plantation in wilmington, north carolina, abilena plantation in new bern, north carolina.

This antebellum mansion and farm have been around since the late 1800s and is a popular bed and breakfast and wedding location. The inn was renovated and opened for guests in 2003. People who stay the night or book a wedding have access to the inn’s catering service, Carriage House, gazebo, and other options. The Magnolia Manor farmland and grounds are perfect for outdoor weddings and garden receptions.

The Penn family built this beautiful plantation in the early 1900s and turned it into a plantation taking up nearly 1,000 acres. Today the restored southern home, gardens, and courtyard are open for wedding and events such as wine sampling and tours. Many visitors also go to the Chinqua Penn plantation for the Spring Tulip Festival.

Right off the coast in Wilmington , the Foy family established this peanut plantation in 1795 and the house around 1850. The Penn family kept the land for many years and it is now managed by the Poplar Grove Foundation. Visitors to the home can see various stages from the past including basket making, weaving, and blacksmithing. The home is open for weddings, meetings, and other activities. Tours are available which feature hayrides, exhibits, and visits with the animals at the plantation. Guests can even walk through the sixty-seven-acre nature trail.

This renovated 1927 southern mansion has been the backdrop for many weddings and is now owned by a local wedding photographer. Abilena Plantation is situated on the scenic Neuse River right on the water and is open for meetings, receptions, and weddings. Individuals who book the New Bern historical home for events have access to the riverfront patio, outdoor pool, and other outdoor facilities.

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Historic Rosedale

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photo by: Historic Rosedale Plantation

Historic Rosedale Plantation

• Address 3427 North Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28206
• Hours Tuesday–Friday 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday–Sunday 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Phone 704-335-0325

Visit Historic Rosedale Plantation

Historic Rosedale was completed in 1815 by a local merchant and tax collector. Although he had some rough times and lost the home, Rosedale stayed in the extended family until the final residents moved out in 1986. From 1986-1993, the home underwent a massive restoration in order to bring the home back to its original state, which is what you'll see today when you stop by for a tour. The home is fully decorated in period furnishings on the first floor, and the second floor includes museum-style displays of the home's history.

Hours listed above are for the grounds at historic Rosedale. House tours are available Thursday–Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

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6 Gardens to Explore in Charlotte

Relish spring and summertime's beauty all around the Queen City.

by Emily Nobles

In Charlotte, “May Flowers” isn’t just a colloquial calendar expression; it’s a reality. With the sun out and the occasional breeze keeping the toastiest of temperatures at bay, detach from your phone and take a stroll through one of Charlotte’s many majestic gardens.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

Area: Belmont, NC

Located on 380 acres, this garden boasts spectacular blooms, sparkling fountains, and a conservatory dedicated to displays of tropical plants and orchids. Enjoy their plentiful nature trails at your own pace, or join in on a guided group tour, horticulture walk or birding walk. The garden also plays host to various public events throughout the year, including Jazz at the Garden the first Thursday of each month and holiday events.

#CharlottesGotALot

McGill Rose Garden

Neighborhood: NoDa

This hidden gem is tucked away at the very edge of Uptown and NoDa. Featuring over a thousand rose bushes in more than two hundred varieties, the rose garden is best known for the flower that gives it its name — but keep an eye out for the numerous annuals, perennials and herbs that can also be found throughout the grounds.

UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens

Neighborhood: University City

Learn about a wide array of plants by exploring the 10 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens, eight on-site greenhouse rooms and six themed collections that can be found on UNCC’s campus. The splendor includes the Carnivorous and Bog collection, which spotlights plants that prey on insects, as well as the Dinosaur Garden, where a T. rex skeleton roams and prehistoric vegetation flourishes. Be transported into a rainforest at the Tropical Plants collection, which features bright and exotic plants, including the infamous Titan Arum. The UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens is also a part of the Charlotte Trail Guide , a guide to the region's most popular trails and greenways.

The Duke Mansion

Neighborhood: Myers Park

Four and a half acres of immaculately kept grounds beckon at The Mary D.B.T. Semans Gardens, located on the grounds of The Duke Mansion. Soak up the sunshine, or bring a book and find the perfect shady spot to relax the day away.

Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary

This peaceful oasis is home to three public gardens that serve as a respite for birds and other wildlife, as well as a variety of flora and fauna. The staff puts on educational programs and events throughout the year, including garden tours, bird walks and family gardening, so plan your visit accordingly.

Historic Rosedale Plantation

Built in 1815 and located just minutes from Uptown Charlotte, a visit to Rosedale will help you take a step into the past. Learn about the historic home and grounds, which feature stunning gardens and treasure trees that only serve to enhance the magnitude of the property’s storied past.

Article originally written by Emily Nobles. Updates by Kristen Moore.

Emily Nobles is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where she majored in Communication Studies. Emily loves everything to do with Halloween and likes to spend her free time reading, hiking, and checking out whatever movie or TV show people can’t stop talking about.

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Carol M. Highsmith Archive/Library of Congress

Historic Latta Plantation

This 19th-century cotton plantation occupies a small corner of a scenic nature preserve, a dozen miles north of Uptown Charlotte. Exhibits in the visitor center tell the story of the Latta family and their 32 slaves, while guided tours lead through their small clapboard home. You’re then free to wander around neighboring structures such as the imposing carriage barn.

Drive another 200yd after you leave to reach the shoreline of Mountain Island Lake, a pretty spot for a picnic.

5225 Sample Rd. Huntersville

Get In Touch

704-875-1391

https://www.lattaplantation.org

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Historic Latta Plantation

Latta Plantation is a 55-acre historic site contained within the Latta Nature Preserve. The Latta House is a restored 1800 plantation home furnished to replicate James Latta's home circa 1810. The living history farm contains outbuildings and livestock common to the period. Latta hosts tours, school programs, and special events.

Hours & Admission

Monday-Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 12pm - 5pm Closed New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

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CulturePicks!

Connect to cultural community, parking & transit.

Traveling north on I-77: Take Exit 16B, Sunset Road West. Follow Sunset Rd. West until the second light and turn right onto Beatties Ford road. Proceed north for 4.8 miles until you reach Sample Road (directly across from Hopewell Presbyterian Church). Turn left on Sample Road. Continue on this road, through the park until you reach the back of the park. Latta Plantation is on your right.

Traveling south on I-77: Take Exit 23, Huntersville. Turn right off the exit to Gilead Road. Take the third left, McCoy Road. At the stop sign, turn right on Beatties Ford Road. Turn left onto Sample Road. Stay on Sample Road until you reach the back of Latta Plantation Park. The plantation house itself is on your right.

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Historic Latta Plantation

• (704) 875-2312

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visit lakenorman

The house tour was very interesting; the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the plantation. Getting to walk through the parlor and bed chambers of the house and explore the grounds was a great experience! It made me feel what life was like in the 1800s. Something unique and fun was seeing the plantation animals. There were sheep just grazing on grass right next to you. There were turkeys, chickens, pigs, a cow, a horse and mule near the barn and fields. Highly recommend visiting for some local history!

Brady Hatcher

Great park! Love to take the dogs and walk here. Great place to launch kayaks and canoes. 52 acres so plenty of trails to discover. Highly recommend taking a walk/hike here. Paths lead through the woods, so first in the morning may get some spider webs, but not really a big deal.

Suzanne Strength

This 52 acre park has some truly beautiful scenery and lots of great history! The house on the grounds is preserved from the 1800's to give you a feel for how it would have been to live during that time. Also on the grounds is an Equestrian Center and Raptor Center. The Raptor Center is really amazing, featuring many birds of prey who were wounded and are receiving care. When I was there, there was a bald eagle who was sitting on her eggs waiting for her babies to hatched! The Plantation also offers other events throughout the year. I've seen Fairy Gardens, Ghost tours and re-enactments at varying times. A great place for anyone. The preserve has many trails for hiking of varying degrees of difficulty, but most are wooded, so it is cool. There is also a picnic area right by the beach and sheltered area near the parking lot. This place is a favorite for everyone and worth a visit.

Mandy Wyatt

Latta is about 45 min from us but well worth the drive. Everything about it is remarkable. Our most favorite thing is they have a ramp to drop kayaks in. We love to travel to waters and the ramp makes it that much easier to get in and out. We've done photos here. Picnics. Etc. Its truly s lovely park. Enjoyed by our entire family. Us. Kids and dogs.

Love hiking at Latta! There are lots of walking trails with nice views of the lake. You can arrange to go on kayak or SUP tours. You can also rent canoes or visit the plantation or raptor center for an extra fee. There are lots of picnic tables and a few shelters. The only drawback is that people tend to litter despite there being trashcans available even at trailheads and viewpoints.

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11 Top Historical Sites by Charlotte, North Carolina

November 24, 2022 By //  by  Robin Greene

Known as the Queen City, Charlotte is a city with a rich, storied past. For an afternoon with plenty of adventure, check out the top historical sites to put on your North Carolina sights list.

With nearly 900,000 residents, Charlotte is the largest city and with that comes plenty of historic tourist attractions. Here’s a look at some of the best places for reliving the local history, in no particular order:

Freedom Park

Built on a former plantation dating back to the early 1800s, Freedom Park is one of the area’s most popular sites. The park opened at the end of WWII as a memorial to veterans.

Spanning almost 100 acres , the park now features a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, bike trails, park concerts, performances, and so much more. It’s also home to the Charlotte Museum of History and Nature Museum featuring many interactive exhibits. With so much to do, Freedom Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.

James K Polk Memorial & Museum

The site is open to the public and is a great look into the life of Polk and his family. Located in the Pineville area of Charlotte, the James K. Polk Historic Site sits on 21 acres from the original homesite. Serving as the 11th president of the United States, Polk is one of the area’s most famous residents.

The site is a representation of what life was like on the Polk farm during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Main Cabin has been reconstructed to represent its early 1790s structure, and a representation of the Kitchen Cabin stands nearby.

A museum with artifacts from President Polk’s life includes a look at his rise to fame through politics and a glimpse into the Mexican-American War.

Hezekiah Alexander Homesite

This four-story, 5,000-square-foot Rock House was built in 1774 by General Hezekiah Alexander who helped draft North Carolina’s first Constitution. Standing now as the oldest house in Charlotte, the home remained in the Alexander family until 1892 when it was donated to the city as a historical site.

Today, this small plantation-style Rock House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the homesite, you’ll explore all levels of the historic home. It features period-style furniture and artifacts showing that people have been on the land for thousands of years.

Throughout the sites’ grounds, lush gardens, and expansive lawns, you get a glimpse into what daily life was like during that time period. With five structures to explore and expansive gardens, you will definitely see what 18th Century life was like.

Reed Gold Mine

Reed Gold Mine is just a short drive from Charlotte and is where America’s first gold rush began. The discovery of a 17-pound gold nugget in 1799 set off a wave of gold fever that lasted for decades.

Visitors can go underground to tour the mine shaft tunnels . While there, try panning for gold, and explore the museum to learn about gold mining history. Open to the public, the many walking trails, picnic areas, and informational sites around the expansive grounds will have visitors touring what life was like in the 1800s.

Independence Square

This square is where the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was signed in 1775, making it one of the most important Revolutionary War sites. It’s the site of the first public library in North Carolina and also served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

Today, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to explore, as well as a playground and fountain for kids. Independence Square is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Liberty Bell replica and the Harriet Tubman statue.

Levine Museum of the New South

This museum is dedicated to telling the story of the New South, which encompasses the post-Civil War period up to present day. Through exhibits, artifacts, and first-person accounts, the facility brings this period of history to life.

The Levine Museum of the New South does an excellent job of showcasing Charlotte’s role during this period of American history through interactive exhibitions and programs. The museum also addresses the topic of race relations in the South.

North Carolina Transportation Museum

If you’re in Charlotte for more than a day, this is a terrific day trip for anyone interested in trains and local history. You can take a tour, learn about transportation in North Carolina, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hop aboard one of the vintage trains for a unique rail excursion.

Trains generally operate on weekends and holidays from April through October but be sure to check the schedule in advance. And if you happen to be exploring Charlotte during the November and December Holidays, the museum has many special holiday events, tours, and train rides. Hint: The Polar Express excursion is an all time favorite! .

The Mint Museum

The Mint Museum is a great place to learn about the history of money and how it is made. The first mint facility was built in Philadelphia but relocated in 1837 to Charlotte where the gold eagles were minted on April 3, 1838.

The museum is home to permanent exhibits on the history of money, medals, and numismatics. It also houses an impressive collection of pottery and art from around the world, as well as exhibitions on topics like fashion and design. The museum is open to the public and is a must-visit spot for those that love art, history, or both.

Historic Fourth Ward

If you’re looking for a taste of Charlotte history, look no further than the Historic Fourth Ward. This charming neighborhood is full of historical homes and buildings  dating back to the city’s founding in 1768.

As the city grew and developed in the nineteenth century, wealthy merchants and professionals built stately homes along North Tryon and South Church Streets. For districting purposes, this area eventually became known as the “Fourth Ward” in 1852.

Today, Fourth Ward is on the National Register of Historic Places and is vibrant with a mix of shops, restaurants, office buildings, and, of course, historic homes. This historic neighborhood is home to several museums and within walking distance to Uptown Charlotte.

Billy Graham Library & Homesite

The Billy Graham Library is housed in a 40,000-square-foot building that was once part of the original dairy farm owned by Reverend Billy Graham’s parents. The farmhouse has been restored to look as it did when the Graham family lived there in the 1920s and 1930s.

You can view memorabilia from Billy Graham’s 50+ years in ministry, watch videos of some of his most famous crusades, and learn more about his incredible life story. The main gallery of the library contains exhibits on different aspects of Reverend Billy Graham’s life and work.

If visiting Charlotte during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, this is one stop you don’t want to miss. Horse-drawn carriage rides, storytelling, Christmas caroling, and an impressive light display are certain to put you in the Christmas mood.

Rosedale Plantation (aka Frew’s Folly)

When you walk through the front door of Rosedale Plantation, you’re transported back to antebellum history. What began as a cotton plantation is now an urban oasis brimming with tales from the generations of those who lived and worked at the plantation.

The elaborate lifestyle of the plantation owner, Archibald Frew, a Charlotte postmaster and tax collector, is found on every floor of the restored 1815 homesite. A visit to the recreated blacksmith shop shows the importance of early plantation ironworks. The Rosedale grounds feature the Big Tree museum and countless native plants. And you may even spot a peacock or two!

Special events at Rosedale and guided tours of this 1815 Federal Style house are available through ticket purchases. For a paranormal experience, take part in the haunted history tour for tales of past residents who have chosen to remain behind.

As you can see, there’s much more to Charlotte, North Carolina than meets the eye. From plantations to libraries to museums and more, there are countless sites to explore in this vibrant city. So if you’re looking for some Charlotte adventures, be sure to add these historical places to your itinerary.

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Tour North Carolina’s Historic Homes

Visit National Register of Historic Places sites including America’s largest home, North Carolina’s first permanent capitol and other inspiring homes.

North Carolina has a host of homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit America’s largest home, an English-style estate, the mansion where our governor lives, a plantation that was active for 80 years, the “palace” that served as the state’s first permanent capitol and other inspiring homes.

1 Tryon Palace

Completed in 1770 for Royal Governor William Tryon and his family, Tryon Palace served as the first permanent capitol of North Carolina. Described as the grandest public building in all of the colonies, it became a controversial issue when “back country” residents listed its cost as one of the grievances in the 1764 rebellion of the “Regulators." You can join Tryon Palace’s long history of distinguished visitors – such as President George Washington – as you walk around a number of historical buildings and 14 acres of period gardens, watch living history programs, and enjoy craft and domestic skill demonstrations. You can also take time to see other historic buildings and visit the North Carolina History Center on the Trent River.

2 Executive Mansion

Praised by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt for having the most beautiful interior of any governor’s residence in America, North Carolina’s Executive Mansion is also known for being built by people who were serving time in prison. Colonel William J. Hicks, warden of the state penitentiary at the time, supervised the eight-year construction project using prison labor and native products such as clay, sandstone and timber. Prisoners’ names can still be found etched in the brick and sandstone.

3 Blandwood Mansion

Completed in 1795, Blandwood Mansion was home to Governor John Motley Morehead. In the mid-1840s, architect Alexander Jackson Davis' addition to the home transformed it into an Italianate-style beauty that’s considered the oldest standing example of Tuscan Villa architecture in the country. Blandwood was named a National Historic Landmark in 1988, and today you can tour the mansion and gardens year-round with a trained docent.

4 Reynolda House

Tobacco tycoon R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine, envisioned their agriculturally advanced Reynolds Farm as a self-sufficient community that served as a teaching facility for local farmers. It became a 1,067-acre estate encompassing a grand house with a four-story main section and residential pipe organ, villages, churches, formal gardens, a post office, smoke house, power plant, greenhouse, dairy and golf course. Today, officially named Reynolda House Museum of American Art , it is a showplace for portraits and landscapes (past artists include Georgia O’Keeffe and Stuart Davis), as well as fashion and decorative arts.

5 Smith-McDowell House Museum

Known as Asheville’s first mansion, The Smith-McDowell House was built by wealthy businessman James McConnell Smith in 1840 and later landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers. It also served as home to mayors, a Civil War major and friends of the Vanderbilts'. In addition to touring the three-level English-style mansion and its gardens, you can see exhibits and take part in a variety of educational programs throughout the year.

The six-year construction of Biltmore , home of 19th-century industrialist George Washington Vanderbilt, was completed in 1895. Its gardens were created by Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York’s Central Park. Today you can explore Vanderbilt’s opulent 250-room French Renaissance chateau, ornately decorated with priceless antiques, conversation pieces such as Napoleon’s chess set, and artworks by Renoir and other masters, as well as its manicured gardens. Visiting this “Largest Home in America” can include seeing The Biltmore Legacy exhibition, going to the Outdoor Adventure Center, or enjoying activities and entertainment at Antler Hill Village & Winery.

7 Allison-Deaver House

The Allison-Deaver House , known as the oldest standing frame house in western North Carolina, was never altered with modern conveniences like electric wiring, indoor plumbing, heating, insulation or closets. Now it’s a house-restoration museum open to summertime visitors, with working fireplaces and original paneling, surviving early paint finishes, hardware, intact original molding and trim, and a barn collection of early farm tools.

Ends: 6/15/2024

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Sweepstakes, 10 unforgettable places of history and culture, battlefields to battleship: a military history trip, 10 places to explore african american history.

A Visit To This Gripping Historic Plantation In North Carolina Is A Somber Step Back In Time

Robin Jarvis

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Historic North Carolina plantations are found throughout the Tar Heel State, but none is quite as remarkable as Historic Stagville. A visit here is not only an insightful look into life in the 1800s, but also a staggering step into the life and times of one of the largest working plantations in North Carolina.

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For a somber step back in time and to see a well-preserved piece of North Carolina history, head to Stagville State Historic Site. It’s located just outside of Durham at 5828 Old Oxford Highway, Durham, NC 27712 . Admission is free. The hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, see the official website !

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