CHARLESTON HISTORIC HOUSE/GARDEN TOUR
16-21 October, 2008
The Holy City - Charleston is home to many churches of all denominations and comes by it's nickname because of that. Unique Journeys invites you to travel with us to see this lovely southern city, its historic homes and gardens on a five-night sojourn.
Our lodging for this trip is 15 Church Street, the Phillip-Yates-Snowden house. This is the home of Dr. and Mrs. Jack Simmons. They have turned their gracious home into a wonderful bed and breakfast. We will be occupying rooms in the main house and also the carriage house. Because of this restriction, this trip will be limited to 10 participants.
On arrival, we will board our motorcoach for the short drive to 15 Church Street. After you get settled in your room, we will have lunch and some free time before our first evening tour. This is The Meeting Street Tour. The description of this tour says:
Many of the architecturally significant homes along this street date from the 18th and 19th centuries. This residential section of Meeting Street stretches south from the historic Four Corners of Law to White Point Gardens and the Ashley River.
The tour is from 7-10pm and is self guided. There are docents at each property to give out information. We will walk at our own pace as we enjoy the architecture and our surroundings.
Our next day will be spent outside of Charleston at two of the most significant properties in the area. We will see Magnolia Plantation, home to the oldest public gardens in the country. They have been welcoming visitors since 1872. We will tour the house and then you will be able to visit the swamp garden. We will enjoy lunch at the Peacock Cafe before we leave for our next stop.
Drayton Hall is a National Trust Historic Site. Entering Drayton Hall is like being transported to the past. The house has been preserved - not restored. It has been in the hands of the National Trust since 1974 and they are systematically ensuring that this property will be preserved for future generations. Here we will have a private Connoisseur Tour focusing on the main house.
At the end of the tour we head back to Charleston so you can freshen up and have dinner before our evening tour. Tonight thetour focuses on Upper Tradd Street.
Located in the area known as the Charlestowne neighborhood, Tradd Street was named after the first child of European descent born in Charleston. This tour affords insight into a collection of houses reflecting the evolution of Charleston architecture from the Federal period to the early 20th century.
Our Saturday agenda will feature Alphonso Brown and his wonderful tour focusing on the culture and contributions of Black Charlestonians. Hopefully we will be able to visit with Philip Simmons. Mr. Simmons is in his nineties, and although he does not ply his trade as a blacksmith anymore, he has passed his knowledge to his nephew. Examples of his art are everywhere in Charleston and even exhibited at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
When we finish our tour, you will have the afternoon free to explore he city as you wish. Some suggestions are Ft. Sumter, where the Civil War started, the wonderful market, the aquarium, the various naval vessels in the harbor or the many churches and cemeteries in the city.
Sunday means brunch and we are going to sample typical low country cuisine this morning.
Today we board our motorcoach for a trip to Brookgreen Gardens. It is around an hours journey. Once there we will have a private tour and lunch. You will then have time to explore any areas you are interested in before we make our way back to Charleston.
Tonight we will gather for our farewell dinner before our flight the next day back to St. Louis.