Historic Plantation Tours & Workshops at Hopsewee, SC

Located along the banks of the Santee River in Georgetown, South Carolina, Hopsewee Plantation offers a deep dive into the Lowcountry’s entwined cultural and natural heritage. This historic rice plantation, once the birthplace of a Declaration of Independence signer, now invites visitors to walk its grounds, absorb stories, and participate in immersive southern traditions. Hopsewee’s combination of preserved architecture and hands-on workshops makes it a standout destination for adventurers with an appetite for history and craft.

Visitors start with guided tours through the 18th-century historic landmark house, led by passionate docents like Yancey McLeod, whose storytelling brings to life the complex history of rice cultivation, slavery, and early American legacy. The plantation’s grounds feature moss-draped trees and the quiet flow of the Santee River, framing a landscape shaped by centuries of human and ecological interaction.

Adding unique dimensions, Hopsewee offers the Art of Indigo Dyeing workshop and sweetgrass basket classes, where participants of varying skill levels create authentic Lowcountry crafts under skilled guidance. These experiences connect guests to traditional techniques that are rarely practiced outside this region. Meanwhile, the River Oak Cottage Tea Room serves Southern comfort fare—macaroni and cheese, collard greens, pulled pork—complemented by house-made beverages, nurturing both body and spirit after a day outdoors.

Hopsewee’s cultural presentations include the Gullah heritage sessions, providing insight into the language, customs, and artistry rooted in the Afro-Caribbean community that shaped South Carolina’s coast. Group events and wine tastings by the river extend the opportunity to savor the setting socially while appreciating the site’s layered stories.

For travelers seeking something beyond a standard museum visit, Hopsewee Plantation offers a balanced blend of outdoor scenery, historical education, and participatory craftwork. It preserves and shares a crucial piece of Southern history while inviting guests to engage actively with the past and present Lowcountry environment.