I can't wait to share this trip with lovers of history, southern culture, food, architecture, crafts and archaeology.  A tour of Hopsewee is as comprehensive as it is unique.  This is one of the oldest historic preservations open to the public in the United States.  It has been preserved since its construction between 1735 and 1740.  Only five families have owned the plantation and it has remained essentially the same for almost three centuries!  Hopsewee remains open to the public due to the desire of the current owners, who live in the house, to share its rich legacy.  

A 2 1/2 hour drive brings us to an enjoyable afternoon of tours, lunch in the Tea House and a Gullah Geechee presentation offering  narrative about the experiences of the enslaved West Africans as shared by a local folklorist and cultural preservationist.  The knowledge, ingenuity and labor of the Gullah Geechee people contributed not only to the wealth and success of rice and indigo plantations but also to the wealth of colonial South Carolina and the nation.    On the way back, we stop at the Hammock Shops which is a collection of twenty one shops located in a low country village of bungalows.  

Some walking on unstable surfaces is required for this trip.  

Full refunds are possible if the trip can be resold to another passenger.  

Reading "The Indigo Girl" by Natasha Boyd will enhance your trip experience.  This historical fiction tells the story about Hopsewee and South Carolina's largest export, Indigo.  The dye was produced by the real life character of this book as a teenage girl, Eliza Lucas Pinkney in the early 1700's.  

The day includes a delicious lunch where you get to choose from 1. Shrimp & Grits with House Salad 2. Blue Cheese Spinach Quiche with House Salad 3. Chicken Salad Platter with Potato Salad, Pasta Salad and Bean Salad. 4. Lowcountry Sampler of Pulled Port, Pirleau, Collard Greens, Mac & Cheese and Sweet Potato Casserole.  

All meals served with Pimento Cheese Biscuits, Chef's Choice Dessert, Choice of Iced Tea, Minted Lemonade or Soft Drink