Experience Southern History
at Hopsewee Plantation
Built circa 1740, some 40 years before the American Revolutionary War, Hopsewee Plantation was one of the South's major rice plantations and the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Now privately owned, this National Historic Landmark—midway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry—is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday for the 2023 season until Dec. 13.
Dining is available from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. We close for weddings and special events, so please be sure to check our calendar when booking.
Learn more about what we're planning for the 250th anniversary of Revolutionary War.
Hopsewee Historical
Landmark House Tour
50 minutes; Tues.–Sat.
10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, & 3pm
Explore the home from room to room, including the two original slave cabins that still stand on the grounds. Learn about the rich history of Hopsewee, its previous families as well as its current owners, the Beatties, and the enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation. During your visit, make sure to enjoy the mossy oaks and river vista. Afterwards, enjoy lunch or tea at River Oak Cottage, ranked as one of the state's top tea rooms.
Gullah Geechee Presentation
Tues.-Sat. 11:15 am, 12:15 pm, 1:15 pm, 2:15 pm
Learn about the enslaved African experience on this historic plantation as we expand the narrative to include their contributions to the wealth and influence of colonial South Carolina and how their knowledge, ingenuity, and labor helped build this nation.
You'll learn from Gullah historians Glander Pressley (left) and Vennie-Deas Moore about the Gullah Geechee people and the special significance of their creolized culture and language. Pressley grew up in the Gullah Community speaking the language and has a desire to share the history of her ancestors who came from the plantations in the Georgetown area.
Folklorist and cultural preservationist Deas-Moore is the 2020 winner of South Carolina's 2020 Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award recognizing the work of those in the state working to keep traditional arts alive.
Sweetgrass Basketweaving Workshops
Thursdays 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Sweetgrass baskets are a Lowcountry tradition brought by West African slaves. Handmade of tightly coiled grass, the baskets played an key role on plantations and today are prized for their artistry and cultural significance. Discover more about sweetgrass baskets and learn this unique craft in a hands-on class with instructor Vera Manigault. An eighth-generation weaver and Gullah descendant, Manigault is from Mount Pleasant, SC, one of the main areas where baskets are still made, and has been featured in national magazines and on television shows. Read more about her in an article about this important art form.
Hopsewee Ghost Tours
Wednesdays at 5:00 pm
Go back in time and experience Haunted Tales at Hopsewee Plantation, presenting stories of Author and storyteller Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger. She’s given hundreds of programs on the history and ghostly legends of Georgetown County, as a Historical Interpreter for over 25 years. She has three books to date as author of Ghosts of Georgetown, More Ghosts of Georgetown, and Georgetown Mysteries and Legends, which you can buy in our gift shop or in our online shop. Arrive a little earlier for Wine by the River Wednesdays! Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you browse the Hopsewee gift shop and get your book purchases signed by the authors.
New! Art of Indigo Dyeing Workshop
11:00 am.-1:30 pm: Tue 5/30, Thur 6/1, Sat 6/3,
Thur 6/8, Thur 6/15, Sat 6/17, Thur 6/22, Sat 6/24,
& Thur, 6/29
Experience the magic of creating with all-natural indigo! Learn more about this important part of Lowcountry culture and history, right here at the Hopsewee, built by indigo baron and Winyah Indigo Society’s first president Thomas Lynch, Sr.
Used for the distinctive blue of the Revolutionary War British uniform, indigo was a major cash crop for South Carolina. All-natural indigo dyeing basics are covered as you create a bandanna, tea towel and a tote to take home. Picnic lunches are also available.
book your wedding
With beautiful woods along the peaceful North Santee River, historic Hopsewee is a picture-perfect backdrop for your bridal occasion.
Eat and Drink
English tradition meets southern charm at the River Oak Cottage Tea Room, a versatile venue featuring a full menu, sweet and savory treats and a wide selection of teas.