Can I customize the tea menu for dietary restrictions?

Yes, the staff at River Oak Cottage Tea Room can accommodate common dietary restrictions if notified in advance.

Is the tea room wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the outdoor tea room area is wheelchair accessible, but please contact the plantation ahead to confirm specific accommodations.

How long does the tea experience last?

The full three-course tea service typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is parking available onsite?

Yes, Hopsewee Plantation provides free onsite parking for guests attending the tea room.

Are children allowed to attend the tea experience?

Children are welcome, though the tea menu and atmosphere are best suited for older kids and adults.

Do I need to bring cash or can I pay with credit card?

Credit cards are accepted for booking and on-site purchases; cash is not required.

Southern Tea Experience at River Oak Cottage, Georgetown | Food Tour | Attraction

Discover the charm of Southern hospitality at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room, located on the historic grounds of Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina. This private outdoor experience offers a relaxing and elegant tea service featuring a three-course menu filled with authentic Lowcountry dishes, handcrafted to delight every palate. Sip on the exclusive Hopsewee Blend House Tea while soaking in the tranquil plantation gardens and gentle coastal breeze. The tea room’s outdoor setting provides a serene backdrop, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful afternoon away from the bustle of everyday life. With its rich local flavors and warm, welcoming atmosphere, this experience provides a perfect way to engage with Southern culture and cuisine in a small-group setting. Whether you are a tea enthusiast or a traveler eager to taste regional specialties, the River Oak Cottage Tea Room guarantees a memorable moment rooted in history and relaxation.

About Hopsewee Plantation

Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina, is a mid-18th century colonial rice plantation and historic house museum open to visitors.
The site preserves the original house, heirlooms, and outbuildings, and interprets the lives of families and the enslaved people who lived and worked on the estate.
Hopsewee offers guided Historic Landmark House Tours, self-guided museum visits focused on enslaved history, and the Hopsewee Inclusive Experience highlighting the birthplace of a South Carolina signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Visitors can relax at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room for Southern-inspired lunches and a Hopsewee Blend House Tea, participate in hands-on programs such as the Art of Indigo Dyeing Workshop, or attend seasonal Wine by the River events by the North Santee.
Group Event options include touring, tearoom dining, and the supplemental Gullah Presentation led by local Cultural Historians. Special accommodations for accessibility and dietary needs are available for group visits.
On the grounds, guests can walk shaded paths, view the river, explore original enslaved dwellings, and browse a gift shop that features local authors during events.
Hopsewee also hosts seasonal programs like Hopsewee Hallows, which pairs historic storytelling with riverfront reception. Interpretation emphasizes factual history and cultural context, and staff and guides work with scholars and community historians to present responsible programming.
The site provides both timed guided tours and untimed, self-paced museum admission for flexible visiting. Seasonal author appearances and signed books are offered in the gift shop during special events and public programs throughout the calendar year annually.