Springtime in Charleston, South Carolina
Sunday, March 22, 2026 - Monday, March 30, 2026 

Join us for an exciting 9-day trip as we explore Charleston, South Carolina, with visits to Fayetteville, North Carolina and Richmond, Virginia on the journey home. This is the perfect trip for those who are done with winter and are ready to head south to see spring flowers bursting forth – without enduring the heat and humidity often experienced on summer garden trips. Come along with us to enjoy unique southern landscapes and architecture and, of course, lots of southern hospitality. To further tempt you, we will be stopping in Gloucester, Virginia to shop at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs and to attend the 40^th Annual Daffodil Festival.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Sunday:

Depart from West Chester, PA to travel to our hotel in Rocky Mount, NC, the Courtyard by Marriott.

Monday:

Travel to Charleston, SC with a stop at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner, SC. Explore the swamp that winds through bald cypress and tupelo trees, visit the Swamparium, and stop by the Butterfly House.

Our hotel in Charleston, the Indigo Inn, is located in the historical area of Charleston. Enjoy their wine and cheese reception each evening and their nightly milk and cookies nightcap service!

Tuesday:

Visit the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, founded in 1676 and operated by the Drayton family as a rice plantation in the 1700’s. Today it is described as “the Lowcountry’s ultimate garden experience.” One of the highlights of the garden is a magnificent collection of camelias and azaleas, which began in the 1840’s with plants brought from greenhouses in PA and NY.

Our visit to Magnolia Plantation will include a private tour and a buffet luncheon.

When we get back to Charleston, we will take a boat cruise around the Charleston Harbor. Formed by the confluence of the Cooper River and Ashley River, it is where the Civil War began, with militia at Fort Johnson firing the war’s first shot onto Union-occupied Fort Sumter.

Wednesday:

Visit another Drayton family plantation, Drayton Hall. Built in 1738, it is the oldest unrestored plantation house in America which is still open to the public. The house is surrounded by a picturesque landscape situated along the Ashley River.

After returning to the hotel, the afternoon will be free time to explore Charleston on your own.

Thursday:

A day focused on architecture and history.

Visit the Nathaniel Russell House, a National Historic Landmark, with the most amazing three-story, cantilevered, flying staircase you are ever apt to see.

Visit the Aiken-Rhett House, home of Governor and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the mid-1800’s. With a kitchen, laundry and slave quarters virtually untouched since the 1850s – with original paint, floors and fixtures – you’ll get a glimpse of urban life in antebellum Charleston.

Visit the Charleston Museum, founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum.” Its many permanent and special exhibits provide a comprehensive and fascinating look at the natural and cultural history of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Friday:

We leave Charleston and begin our way back to Pennsylvania, but we still have three nights on the road.

Visit the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, NC – “a vibrant blend of curated gardens, natural landscapes, and immersive spaces, reflecting the beauty of North Carolina.” Explore their large collection of camellias and daylilies, a Heritage Garden with historic agricultural structures, and the Cypress Pond teeming with wildlife.

Friday night we will stay at the Embassy Suites in Fayetteville.

Saturday:

We head to Richmond, Virginia and spend two nights in Richmond at the Embassy Suites (happy hours included!).

On Saturday we will visit Agecroft Hall & Gardens in Richmond. A truly unique museum, Agecroft Hall began its life in the 1400’s in Lancashire, England. Standing unoccupied and deteriorating in the early 1900’s, it was purchased at auction in 1925 by a Richmond businessman. Agecroft Hall was then dismantled, shipped to Virginia and rebuilt. A carefully planned landscape was installed in partnership with landscape architect Charles Gillette, including terraces and a sunken garden, inspired by designs at Hampton Court Palace.

Sunday:

Visit Brent & Becky’s Bulbs (shopping!) and attend the 40th Annual Daffodil Festival in Gloucester, Virginia.

Monday:

Sit back and relax as we drive home.

The cost of this trip is $2440.00 double occupancy; $3500.00 single occupancy.

Cost of the trip covers

•     Round trip transportation via motor coach
•     8 nights hotel accommodations
•    Meals: all breakfasts; lunches except 2 days; Friday night dinner
  
•    Boat cruise around the Charleston Harbor
•    Admission and tours to Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place and Drayton Hall, Cypress Gardens, Historical Houses of Charleston and the Charleston Museum
•    Bus driver’s tip.

Registration will open on Wednesday, October 15th after 8:00 pm.