Tiffany

My husband and I will be visiting Charleston the first weekend in December. We've both visited numerous times but he has never been to a plantation. Which would you recommend in the area? Would it be worth it to go to one during the winter months or should we wait until we visit during a different season?

On another note, can anyone give us their favorite house museum in Charleston?

Thanks!

Denise

I really enjoyed Middleton Place in the plantation department, but I was there in the summer. There was quite a bit to see, the house, working 'farm' with associated craftspeople. Drayton Hall was interesting, but keep in mind that you're there to see the house. There are NO furnishings or embellishments. Any of the homes in Charleston would be nice to see at that time of year - I'm sure all decorated for the holidays! I really enjoyed the Nathaniel Russel House, myself. The Gibbes Museaum of Art is another nice place to visit - not huge but nice.

dan woodlief

The Nathaniel Russell House is interesting, but I preferred the whole experience of the Edmundston-Alston House. It is more furnished, and a large number of the items belonged to the owners. I haven't been to Boone's Hall Plantation but have heard others say it is not all that great. I haven't been to Magnolia either but have heard good things about it during warmer months. Of the other two, Drayton Hall is photogenic and interesting from an architectural point of view, but there are no furnishings as mentioned above, and the garden areas don't compare to Middleton. We really liked Middleton. On the whole, I would say either Middleton (has a good restaurant on the site too) or Magnolia for variety of things to see and do.

Donna

I know you are going to Charleston but there are NO good plantations there. The ones mentioned above are nothing compared to the plantations you can see in Louisiana and Mississippi. So if its "Gone with the Wind" style you are looking for get to Louisiana or Miss. Be sure to see the Calhoun Mansion in Charleston its very beautiful.

Eileen

Magnolia Plantation can be quite nice in December. There's a flowering bush that blooms there during that time of the year. I can't for the life of me think of the name, but it looks similar to a rose. The Audubon Swamp Garden is adjacent to the property and is worth seeing, too. You need at least a day to do the property justice. We have been there a few times and love going there. It's quite beautiful and lots to do. There's gardens, wooded trails, a train ride, the home, etc., etc. Their website is www.magnoliaplantation.com