Middleton Place

4300 Ashley River Road, 14 mi. from town, (843) 556-6020 or (800) 782-3608. Daily 9am–5pm. $25, 7-15 $5.

Dating back to 1741, the immense Middleton Place rice plantation is a National Historic Landmark District that holds an inn, restaurant, and house museum, plus a stable yard that presents demonstrations of 18th-century life. It fronts the Ashley River and additionally is home to America's oldest landscaped gardens and South Carolina’s constitution tree. One member of the family was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is interesting to know that the Britisher's ball scene for the movie “The Patriot” was shot here in 1999.

costumed guide at Middleton Place plantation in Charleston, South Carolina

●The Gardens at Middleton Place

Though the 65 acres of English-style terraced gardens here are magnificent throughout the year, the gardens are planned so that bloom occurs year-round: centuries-old camellias in winter; azaleas in spring, and magnolias, crepe myrtles, and roses in summer. The massive 1,000-year-old live oak tree known as the Middleton Oak, or Great Oak, has a trunk measuring more than 10 feet in diameter.

The Gardens at Middleton Place plantation in Charleston, South Carolina

Wood Nymph statue in The Gardens at Middleton Place plantation
in Charleston, South Carolina

Middleton Oak in The Gardens at Middleton Place plantation
in Charleston, South Carolina

●House Museum

Built in 1755 as three buildings, the Middleton Place House is now the only remaining structure. It has remained under family stewardship for more than 320 years and contains original family belongings that include furniture, silver, porcelain, rare books, and family portraits.

exterior of House Museum at Middleton Place plantation
in Charleston, South Carolina

scenic expanse at Middleton Place plantation in Charleston, South Carolina

●Plantation Stableyards

The newly rejuvenated 18th- and 19th-century stableyards are brought to life by costumed interpreters who also demonstrate barnyard skills. Craft artisans include a weaver, blacksmith, potter, and cooper/carpenter. Heritage breeds raised here include Cashmere goats, guinea hogs, river water buffalo, brown Swiss and Jersey cows, and Dominique and Rhode Island red chickens.