Charleston Plantations
 

I have been reading previous posts about which is the best plantation to visit during a trip to Charleston. I'm torn between Middleton Place & Drayton Hall can I have advice please as I only wish to visit one which has the most to see
Donna

I visited both and I liked Drayton Hall best. Nothing has been done to it, it sits empty. It was not destroyed during the Civil War, unlike most.The docent we had was fabulous. Middleton housed some antiques and memoribilia that was impressive and it is furnished and has gardens. It was also a very good tour, I just preferred Drayton Hall. I think you would enjoy either. Charleston is such a beautiful city. Have a wonderful time!!

It depends on what you are interested in. The grounds at Middleton are magnificent. We didn't even bother going into the house. Old houses and furnishings don't interest me.

If you go to Middleton, Magnolia Plantation is very close by. The grounds at Magnolia are also wonderful.

If you are going in the spring, you might have a dilemma, because the grounds at Middleton Place are gorgeous when everything is in bloom. Otherwise, I would choose Drayton Hall for all the reasons Aunt Annie lists. I've been to Drayton Hall three times and their docents are outstanding. Each one has their own unique spin on the tour they give. The tours last about one hour and are so interesting that you forget there is no furniture in the house!

They are so completely different that I'd recommend seeing both which can be done in an afternoon because they are so close together. If that's not feasible, please check out their websites to see which would be more interesting to you. Drayton is very spartan. It's a vacant home which needs a tour guide to bring its history alive. Middleton was burned down and has been beautifully restored. Outside the gardens are gorgeous and extensive. We liked both but if I had to pick one I'd choose Middleton because the tour will cover the relevant history of the time plus you can wander the gardens. Clearly there's "more" to see at Middleton.

Like AuntAnnie and Betsy, I had a wonderful tour at Drayton Hall. The guides are superb, and really bring the building, its history, and the people who lived there alive.