My wife and I are planning to stop in Charleston on our return from Florida Spring Training on the weekend of 4/1-4/2. Because of the bridge run on Sat we have decided to stay out of the downtown area that day and go to the Summerville flower festival, see at least one plantation, such as Drayton, and go on the Hunley tour. On Sunday we would like to come downtown, go to Ft Sumter in the morning and then tour the historic district the rest of the day. Here%26#39;s the question: with our limited time, is it worth our while to purchase the rather pricey Festival of Houses tickets ($45) so we can enter private homes (Legare St is available on 4/2) or will our time and money be better spent in visiting houses that are regularly open for tours, such as the Aiken-Rhett House? I%26#39;m concerned about possibility of long lines to get into the Festival houses, limiting our ability to see as much of the historic district as we%26#39;d like.
Festival of Houses and Gardens Question
While I have never attented the Festival of Houses and Gardens, I have heard that it is not really a great value for the money. The Aiken-Rhett House is one of my favorite houses in Charleston so I%26#39;d personally pick that option. If you%26#39;re looking for a glitzy and glamorous house, the Aiken-Rhett is probably not the house for you. Again it is one of my favorites because it is an excellent example of preservation/conservation rather than restoration. I%26#39;m more of a preservation kind of person than restoration which is why this house (and Drayton Hall) is a personal favorite. The cassette self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes...more if you talk with the docents that are available.
If you%26#39;re looking more for the restored homes, the Edmondston-Alston House on South Battery is a beautiful example. Approximately 90% of the house is exactly as it would have been in the homes heyday. The home is still Alston family...as a matter of fact, the home owner lives in the top floor of the home. The guided tour of this house takes about 30-45 minutes.
If you%26#39;re taking the early Ft. Sumter tour at 9:30 from the aquarium, you%26#39;d be back around 11:30 in time to have lunch and then explore the downtown area before visiting one or two houses. Most of the historic homes open around 1 or 2 on Sundays.
Hope that helps...enjoy your visit.
Festival of Houses and Gardens Question
We did the festival of houses and yes it is pricey BUT I have to say there was something quite special in seeing the inside of real lived in houses rather than the tourist ones ( although they are good too - just different) If the budget is tight then dont but if not too tight then do it as i think you,ll enjoy,
I was glad to see that it is worthwhile buying the tickets to Houses and Gardens. We have bought tickets for Mar. 22 and 23. I didn%26#39;t realize there were so many other things to do . We have booked rooms at Inn at Middleton Place so we%26#39;ll be able to see the grounds there. Any suggestion for other things to do during our stay would be appreciated. I am so looking forward to this trip.We arrive Mar. 21 and will leave on Mar. 24. thankyou
Greetings! I think the Houses and Gardens Tour would be worth your while if you have the time to enjoy and appreciate it. It can be pricey, but it also isn%26#39;t everyday living or touring. Its a specialty. And these homes show the real culture that the Historical District is built on. I would tour with one of the companies that give you a 90min tour and a boat ride to Ft Sumter-then do the House and Garden tour in the afternoon/evening. Maybe after touring the city, the Homes will feel more familiar. Please enjoy your visit.
I think that the Festival of House %26amp; Gardens is definately worth the money. My mom and I did the Fall Candlelight Tour of Houses %26amp; Gardens. Most of the tours were at night so there were only 2 or 3 gardens. But just being able to go inside private homes is really something neat! So I say yes to doing the tours.
I am glad you decided to get tickets for the Historic Chs tours. For years I have been volunteering as a docent and will be serving in that capacity while you are here. To make the best of your tour time start at a house or garden in the middle of the schedule instead of first or last listed. You will find all of the docents to be helpful with any visitor related questions. Be sure to have lunch at the Middleton Gardens restaurant. It is a delightful southern experience. I have stayed at the inn and it is neat to be able to walk over to the gardens and be on the Ashley River. March is a tricky time to be here when it comes to the weather. Can be anything between hot and cold so pack accordingly and bring an umbrella and poncho.
Thankyou so much for the tips! Hopefully we%26#39;ll have great weather.Can%26#39;t wait to get there!
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