Charleston: Middleton Place Excursion & Low Country Cuisine

Charleston’s Middleton Place Excursion offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and captivating Low Country cuisine. This 4.5-hour guided tour promises an enriching experience, blending visits to America’s oldest landscaped gardens with insightful narratives on the lives of enslaved people. Theres some good a delectable Low Country lunch, all while exploring the Lowcountry’s cultural heritage. With remarkable reviews and a hassle-free itinerary, this excursion presents a compelling case for those seeking to uncover Charleston’s captivating past and savor its renowned flavors.

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Key Points

A 4.5-hour excursion to explore America’s oldest landscaped gardens, the Middleton House Museum, and learn about the lives of enslaved people at Eliza’s House.
Includes a traditional Low Country cuisine lunch prepared by an award-winning chef, featuring options like crab soup, shrimp, pulled pork, and fried chicken.
Priced at $115 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an option to reserve now and pay later.
Transportation via comfortable, air-conditioned van with hotel pickup and drop-off included for a hassle-free experience.
Highly rated by previous guests, with an overall 4.8/5 review score highlighting exceptional value, engaging guides, and an immersive historical and cultural journey.

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Overview and Pricing

The Middleton Place Excursion offers visitors an immersive experience in Charleston’s rich history and Low Country cuisine. Priced from $115 per person, this 4.5-hour tour is likely to sell out quickly.

Guests can conveniently meet at the Charleston Visitors Center and be transported by air-conditioned van. The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Visitors will explore the oldest landscaped gardens in America, the historic Middleton House Museum, and enjoy a delicious Low Country lunch prepared by an award-winning chef.

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Location and Transport

The meeting point for the Middleton Place Excursion is at the local partner’s bus depot behind the Charleston Visitors Center, located at 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403.

From there, guests will be transported aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned van.

The excursion includes hotel pickup or drop-off, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.

The excursion includes hotel pickup or drop-off, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.

The transportation provided allows visitors to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the historical and cultural journey that awaits them at Middleton Place.

Experience Highlights

Visitors to the Middleton Place Excursion can explore America’s oldest landscaped gardens and the House Museum filled with family possessions. They’ll recognize the lives and legacy of enslaved people at Eliza’s House, a former slave cabin. The highlight of the tour is the delicious low country lunch prepared by an award-winning chef. Guests can choose from crab soup, garden salad, shrimp, pulled pork, or fried chicken, with assorted side dishes and pecan pie dessert.

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Lunch Details

Guests can enjoy a traditional Low Country cuisine for lunch during the Middleton Place Excursion. The meal options include crab soup or garden salad, followed by a choice of shrimp, pulled pork, or fried chicken.

Assorted side dishes and pecan pie dessert are also provided. This hearty and flavorful lunch, prepared by an award-winning chef, complements the historical experience of touring Middleton Place.

The combination of exploring the property’s gardens and house museum along with savoring authentic Low Country fare offers visitors a well-rounded culture in Charleston’s rich heritage.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the reviews, guests have overwhelmingly positive experiences with the Middleton Place Excursion.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 25 reviews, the tour offers exceptional value for money and is highly praised for its engaging guide and delicious low country cuisine.

The tour offers exceptional value for money and is highly praised for its engaging guide and delicious low country cuisine.

Reviewers highlight the enlightening history, magnificent gardens, and the opportunity to learn about the lives and legacy of enslaved people.

One guest remarked, "Food was amazing. Learned a lot about the plantation," while another noted, "Enlightening history, magnificent gardens, delicious food. Worth the price."

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Visiting Middleton Place

Middleton Place stands as a testament to American history, with its roots tracing back to two Founding Fathers – Henry Middleton and Arthur Middleton.

Visitors can explore America’s oldest landscaped gardens, strolling through the meticulously curated grounds. The on-site House Museum showcases the family’s possessions, offering a glimpse into their lives.

At Eliza’s House, guests learn about the lives and legacy of the enslaved people who once lived on the plantation. This excursion provides an immersive experience, blending the grandeur of the past with the sobering realities that shaped this nation’s history.

Exploring the Landscaped Gardens

What makes Middleton Place’s landscaped gardens so captivating? Spanning over 65 acres, the gardens boast an impressive array of natural beauty. Explore the terraced landscapes, ornamental lakes, and ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Discover the symmetry and grandeur of the designed garden rooms, each with its own distinct charm.

| Garden Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Azalea Hill | Vibrant bursts of color during spring bloom season |

| Butterfly Lakes | Serene ponds teeming with native wildlife |

| Pond Overlook | Panoramic vistas of the tranquil waterways |

The gardens have been meticulously maintained since the 18th century, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to enjoy the natural splendor of the Low Country.

Recognizing the Lives of Enslaved People

Though Middleton Place was home to two Founding Fathers, the tour also recognizes the lives and legacy of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation.

Visitors can explore Eliza’s House, which interprets the lives of enslaved families on the estate. They’ll learn about the harsh realities of slavery and the contributions of enslaved individuals to the plantation’s operation and success.

The tour provides a balanced perspective, honoring the complex history of Middleton Place and giving voice to those whose stories have often been overlooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Excursion?

There is no specific dress code mentioned. Comfortable, casual attire is recommended for the outdoor walking tour and experience. Guests should dress suitably for the weather and planned activities.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages?

No, you can’t bring your own food and beverages. The experience includes a traditional low country lunch prepared by an award-winning chef. Outside food and drinks are not permitted during the excursion.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed on the Premises?

Photography and videography are generally allowed on the premises, but visitors should check with the staff for any specific restrictions. Some areas may have limited access or require permission for professional-grade photography.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations Available?

The tour offers wheelchair accessibility and accommodates guests with mobility needs. Golf carts are available to transport visitors around the grounds. Visitors are advised to inquire about any special requirements when booking the tour.

What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?

In case of inclement weather, the excursion may be rescheduled or modified. Guests are advised to check with the tour operator for any updates or changes to the itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Middleton Place Excursion in Charleston offers an immersive experience exploring America’s oldest landscaped gardens and learning about the lives of enslaved people. With comfortable transportation, a delectable Low Country lunch, and knowledgeable guides, this 4.5-hour tour provides an enriching and memorable adventure, earning an impressive 4.8/5 rating from customers. It’s an excellent way to connect with Charleston’s captivating history and natural beauty.