This place is beautiful, even though the history behind it is so dark. The Spanish moss trees all over the property are incredibly beautiful. The property is located next to the Santee River. We got to enter the slave quarters, and to think so many lived in such a tight spot is heartbreaking. Our tour guide gave us a tour inside the main house. The cellar was pretty creepy. Definitely wouldn't tour this place at night, ha! No words can explain the history there. You have to experience it for yourself. read more

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We went for the wine on the river. It was amazing. Super cool charcuterie board. They had gluten free crackers for me. The wine was also very good. The plantation is adorable. It is truly a hidden gem. The manager even drove us to town to help us get a Lyft back to our hotel. If you have not visited this gem you are missing out read more

Hopsewee Plantation - Amazing view wine and food - Historical Tours Near Me - Georgetown, South Carolina

I have been to several different plantations in several different states and was really looking forward to a great afternoon with my daughters at Hopsewee to include a booked Tea Time and house tour. I purchased the Tea Service ahead of time. Everyone was very friendly but I will say, overly cautious. I had indicated that I have a tree nut allergy on the notes when I booked our reservation and I have never had an establishment refuse me service because of my allergy , but they did. For the life of me I couldn't understand why a slight adjustment couldn't be made to remove almonds from one tiny dish. They also refused to serve one of my daughters for a lactose intolerance note. I assured them it was ok and I had a lactaid for her to take, she'd be fine. I had only included that note because SOME places will offer alternatives. Ultimately, they served us but I had to sign a waiver, never have I ever until now. Most of the tea service items were very good with the exception of the tiny lemon chess pie which was curdled and tasted of rotten eggs, awful. The tea was excellent and the scones and curd and cream were great too. The area where the dining room is, is nothing fancy at all. It was decent but I was truly disappointed as I was hoping for something more extravagant for tea service. The plantation home, while nice was also truly underwhelming. Great history, good tour guide who was very knowledgeable and a great storyteller, but the house was not anywhere near as fancy as others I have visited. I think what was the biggest let down was that this was the first time my daughters were visiting any plantation home and it was not at all what I was hoping for them to see and experience. If I had known what it looked like more ahead of time, I would have chosen another location in the area. Pictures inside the home are not allowed. read more

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This is a privately owned site which was hosting some sort of group event when I was there and thus was perhaps uncharacteristically busy. They clearly want you to buy tickets beforehand online (not easy to do at the last minute if you're in one of the surrounding areas with limited cell service). The price for a ticket was quite high, but there was an interesting experience on offer. Signage indicated something to the effect that some visitors might think the content too harsh, others might not think it harsh enough, but the important thing is to think. A noble sentiment, which I agree with. And for me, individual statements by tour guides sometimes missed the mark and were overly opinionated or fringe-y, but the experience as a whole provided a distinctive picture of the history of the region. The house is quite a splendid historic building, with a basement faintly visible through the apparently very high-quality floorboards that are still there after centuries. We got a good run through the house, and a lot of history. It is remarkable that the place has never flooded, given how much water there is everywhere around. A small museum based on archeological work in the area goes into a different vision of history, and gives one a sense of how difficult it would have been to live and work (or be forced to work) here. There is a boardwalk that goes close to the river, with numerous signs stating to watch out for snakes and alligators, continuing to hammer home the dangers of a superficially serene environ. This would be a reasonable stop for people not overly familiar with the distinctive history of the region, but as a seasoned explorer I still picked up some information and experiences to be worth the two hours or so I spent. read more

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What a beautiful location to take a break, enjoy a glass or two of wine and a delicious charcuterie spread. Local friends took us here in October while we were visiting on vacation and we really enjoyed catching up with them in this gorgeous location. We sat down by the river and it was so relaxing. Deb, our hostess, was very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. We definitely will be back for this Wine by the River experience. read more

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Although the house was n ice to go through, our guide though informative, talked about his family a lot and also talked a little too much instead of taking us through the entire house. He talked for almost an hour from the time he opened the door. Being in my late 70s and with a cane this was a little long for me, and a couple others also it seemed as they had to find places to sit on the stairs. I was so tired from standing and listening to him talk I didn't go upstairs or down to the cellar. The mosquitos were everywhere inside and out. I think visitors should have been warned about them and provided a repellant. read more

We didn't plan well so we only had time for our scheduled tea when we arrived and not a tour also. The tea was fantastic and they were so accommodating with us being pescatarian. The grounds of this plantation are beautiful but beware of the mosquitos! The tea and crumpets were delicious and the set up was really cute! Our server was so nice and friendly! read more

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The staff was amazing. The grounds were both beautiful and tranquil. A wide variety of delicious food for any pallet. Deb was our server/manager. No one could be kinder. read more

Visited here for an afternoon with friends. It was wonderful. Had tea in the tea room and really enjoyed it. The finger food was delicious. Very relaxing. read more

Food and service was amazing! We were pleasantly surprised and definitely will return!!

It was an amazing tour visit of the Hopsewee plantation and tea house Our facilitator Mr Yancey has an impeccable memory as he shared the full history of all the owners of the house. read more

Just amazing property and history. HouseTour guide Elizabeth gracious and Knowledgeable. The house had been well preserved. W had lunch in the tea room but did not choose from the tea menu but many guests were so it's popular. Our waitress Bev was very nice but many menu items were sold out. Crab cakes were thin s mall and dry. Disappointing. I had a specialty mimosa and it was very good. We tried the hummingbird cake but it to was just ok. I would suggest tea and one of the other desserts. read more

A charming tea room with an amazing menu. My husband had the mint lemonade. He stated it was too sweet. We had the Southern sample dish. Ample servings of Pirleau, macaroni and cheese, collard greens and pulled pork. We also had a cup of the GinGin soup. We were not impressed with the soup since we feel it was too bland. Service staff was grand. Historical tour was one of the best we have experienced. We learned so much! The docent's compassionate explanation of slavery was outstanding. Yancy McLeod is the historian. The museum was well worth the additional fee. read more

Interesting tour of the old house with a great guide. There is a second house with artifacts and glassed in scenes from the working plantation in there. Not all that interesting to me and that guide was probably over qualified for what was there. She knew a lot but got side tracked on trivial things. You had to ask the right questions to get more serious questions answered. A beautiful yard on the river and a very good lunch in the tea room with a beer! Service was excellent. Like most things in the south this not meant for people with handicaps. Lots of stairs and no elevator. read more

I found this place online strictly because they had a tea room that I wanted to visit. Although the weather was down pouring that day, we still decided to go see it on our way from Myrtle Beach to Charleston. The River Oak tea room is a quaint little cabin/cottage with a little gift shop, fire place room and then finally the back room is your tea table area. They do prefer reservations but they did take us as walk-ins since they weren't busy (it's the off season and they only had 2 tables occupied). We ordered the Full Southern Tea for $20/PP (Plus tax) and it was a great amount of food for a tea. For tea, I opted for the Hopsewee House Blend, a tea they have specially made for their tea room. The sandwiches were a deconstructed cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, salmon mousse, mozzarella/pesto/tomato cracker, curried chicken on shortbread, and a blue cheese spinach quiche. The quiche was the only one I wasn't fond of: the rest were great! They also had a cookbook for sale that had the recipes for everything served in the tea room as well as boxes of the House blend tea for purchase. There is also a tour of the house on the premises for $20. There's a video and a guided tour through the house (which is currently occupied by residents). A nice afternoon trip if you are staying in Myrtle Beach or Charleston (or passing between the two like we were). read more

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We came here several times as kids and it had been maybe 15 years since the last time I came. While I was worried about all the changes that had occured since then, I was peasantly surprised to see that all the good things about the plantation remained the same, and they simply added a few new things to the list! We got tea way back when but not this time because we mainly wanted to see the grounds and buildings. If anything, they have improved the grounds and outbuildings over the years. The slave cabins are really neat to see and some of the only original slave cabins that can be found in the lowcountry (many have been rebuilt). They spray the grounds so although, as other reviewers have stated, the mosquitos can be bad, they are relatively sparse. They do a fantastic job upkeeping the property and just walking around is a lovely way to spend an hour or two. The gift shop also has some really neat souvenirs. One of the best things about this place are the workers and owners. The owners regularly walk around and engage with visitors and they are so nice. Always willing to give tips and suggestions to vistors, full of local and historical knowledge, and all around fulfill the southern hospitality stereotype. read more

Quiet lunch with wonderful food and service. Not rushed one bit. Reminded me of a lunch in Europe. Very reasonable prices too read more

Fabulous lunch. Two of us had the 3 course tea; two of us had lunch from the (quite extensive) menu. Everything was very tasty and beautifully presented. Our waitress was attentive, congenial and VERY knowledgeable about the extensive tea list. Lovely setting. We will definitely be going back & taking friends. read more

Hopsewee Plantation - a poster for the event - Historical Tours Near Me - Georgetown, South Carolina

The plantation is such a hidden treasure. Great food and amazing photo opportunities with the old buildings, river and live oak backdrops. read more

Hopsewee Plantation - Dock of the North Santee River - Historical Tours Near Me - Georgetown, South Carolina

This is on the tea house-AWFUL! Food was microwaved, service was fair, environment was cheap and cheesy. The staff was not friendly. Made eye contact with the manager, three times, I smiled every time and she couldn't smile once! I would NEVER come back or recommend. Save your money. I haven't taken the tour yet, but this place is a rip off and tacky at beyond belief! Low value-poor quality, poor taste. read more

Hopsewee Plantation - The tacky decor! - Historical Tours Near Me - Georgetown, South Carolina

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Thank you so much ladies of Hopsewee you are wonderful. I love this place you have so much to offer looking forward to taking the sweet grass basket class read more

We had a really good time today touring the home and the grounds and seeing the live demonstrations. The perfect kick off to our 2022/23 homeschool year. The tour guide through the home was top notch- he was SO knowledgeable and interacted with the kids to keep them engaged in the history. One recommendation for visitors - bring that bug spray! The South Carolina mosquitoes are vicious! read more

Hopsewee Plantation - Side of the house - Historical Tours Near Me - Georgetown, South Carolina

Afternoon tea at Hopsewee Plantation is an absolute must if you are in Georgetown, Myrtle Beach, or even Charleston. The three course, three tea meal was delicious. The savory course was a multitude of different bite-sized delicacies. The scone was scrumptious, plus the addition of clotted cream and lemon curd, made it a perfect bridge between the savory and sweet treats. The dessert course was a combination of mini pies that made my sweet tooth quite content. Molly was our wonderful server. She was very knowledgeable about the teas, the different parts of each course, and could not have been more helpful. She was kind and professional. A winning combination. We cannot wait for our next visit! read more

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Our first time to South Carolina and we chose Hopsewee plantation to visit based on a recommendation from a local. It was absolutely a wonderful and historic visit. There was re-enactments that showed us everyday life of the militia. We had tea and food and it was so delicious. It's a scratch kitchen so there is no waste! The hopsewee tea was fabulous. Yancey was our tour guide for the house and that man is a wealth of knowledge. It was an honor to listen to him speak and to be so passionate about the history he told. We couldn't have asked for a better tour guide!! Deb who was at the tea room was so helpful and even gave us some of her homemade jelly made from a beauty berry that was sooo good. We heard about Elizabeth who gives ghost tours and we are sorry that we missed her but we did purchase her two books and already have read one of them which had such great haunting stories of the surrounding areas. I know we overstayed our welcome but they were so welcoming and kind that it did not bother them one bit. if you have a chance to stop in, you will most definitely be in for a treat! read more

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Tea and food was very enjoyable. Reason for the 3 stars is: a) They tell you to park near the "second slave cabin". It is 2022, that can very easily be called a cabin b) we were not told how the tea service works. We did not know each guest can order their own tea or how we were allowed as many teas as we wanted. My group was under the impression that we were limited on our options; would of been nice to know that wasn't the case. read more

To be honest I wasn't impressed with the food. Small portions and pricey. It seems that everything is microwaved. Instead of period tables and chairs, you sit at white catering hall chairs. Nothing is authentic even though the restaurant sits on the property of a former plantation. Not worth the money, but the service was great. read more

Wonderful tour of historic plantation. Tour guide had lots of information to share. Next door to an adorable tea room, and gift shop. There were a variety of delicious teas, and finger foods. Other delicious lunch items were available; as well. It was a fabulous experience! read more

We had a fabulous time at Hopsewee Plantation! The grounds and buildings were terrific and the guides were some of the best we've ever had! Thanks Bambi and Vennie, you were both very informative and easy to interact with! We enjoyed the house tour and the museum more because of you both! We had the tea service at the café to celebrate my daughter's birthdays, and it was wonderful! Thank you to all the wait staff for their terrific service! Thank you all for the accommodation of a mobility challenged person! We highly recommend this as a place to visit! read more

The tour of the mansion was very interesting and our docent was extremely knowledgeable and welcome to questions. The Gullah Geechee presentation, on the other hand, was very disappointing. The docent was confusing, talking more about her own opinions on life in general rather than telling us Gullah history. read more

We had a fantastic time yesterday with our tours. Staff was amazing and went above and beyond transferring knowledge and answering all questions. This was by far our favorite plantation tour over those closer to Charleston area. read more

We visited Hopsewee and had lunch at the Tea Room. The Room was a great setting on the plantation with great view of home and river. The service was with home down southern hospitality. We started with Hopsewee tea. I had shrimp and grits and gin gin soup my wife had blue cheese quiche and tomato soup. Both meals were great presentation and delicious. Then we had dessert hummingbird cake and honey almond creme brûlée both grand We would highly recommend stopping for lunch before or after a tour. We came in February a slower season high season we would recommend reservations. read more

This review is on the Tea Room only. We made a reservation and got seated right away however almost 30minutes later we never got waited in. We were acknowledged once but still no one took our order. I understand they were short handed but seriously waiting 30min is ridiculous. We got up and left. read more

The food is absolutely delicious and the wait staff are wonderful. Giving only 1 star because the cashier is incredibly rude. Her attitude ruined our visit. read more

My husband and I came for the attic to cellar tour, followed by a tea service, and we couldn't have had a better time. The food and tea were incredible, the staff were so friendly and knowledgable, and the tour was fascinating. It was the PERFECT day from beginning to end. Also, highly recommend the sweetgrass basket weaving class, which we've taken in the past! So many fun and special things to do at Hopsewee! read more

Perfect Day Trip! This plantation is a must see for expert Myrtle Beach vacationers! The tour is one hour and just informative enough to keep all ages interested. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, taking time for the elderly and really providing great group interactions. The plantation/property owners are on grounds, and the wife is the head chef at the tea room. Speaking if the tea room, Eat here! Amazing! I've had many tea room experiences (my grandmother loves them) this was hands down my favorite. Dress appropriately the Mosquitos are going to be there, but again the very thoughtful staff has spray set about the grounds. Don't miss the joggling board or the Hopsewee jelly. Buy tickets online, and spring for the upgrade of guaranteed seating, they give you back the full cost toward your tea room purchase! Do not miss! Worth the drive! read more

Hopsewee Plantation - Hopsewee Plantation - Historical Tours Near Me - Georgetown, South Carolina

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This is truly a beautiful place of history in Georgetown, South Carolina. If you are visiting our state and happen to want to see Georgetown, I would highly consider adding this to your agenda. You'll not be sorry. "Hopsewee Plantation was built between 1735 and 1740 on the banks of the North Santee River and is the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., a SC signer of the Declaration of Independence. Tour the Plantation House from Attic to Cellar. Open Tuesday - Saturday. Hopsewee is not only a historical landmark we also offer lunch service and a Beautiful Southern tea in the River Oak Cottage and we are available for your special events. Contact Raejean to plan your wedding, business meeting or party. Also be sure to ask about our sweet grass basket classes." Purchase tickets online at http://www.zerve.com/Hopsewee read more

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What a cute little place! We really enjoyed our visit to the tea house for lunch and house tour. The restaurant was like someone made us a homemade meal. I highly recommend the shrimp and grits and chocolate cake! read more

What a great tour, I do think that an hour isn't long enough. There is history here from manu points in time. Sure it was a plantion back before the Civil War, but there is WWII history on display here as well. The house was build in a special location and and by skilled craftsmen. If you are in the trades, don't miss the basement. Do plan on lunch, dessert or both while here. The food served in the Tea Room is an excellent bonus to this history trip. read more

Great physical facilities and grounds. Staff in restaurant and gift shop must have been short handed. Hard to get their attention and they seemed put out to have to deal with us (exception was the person bussing tables). Gullah presenter was good, plantation house docent spent 40 per cent of the tour time talking about himself and his sons read more

I would have given this five stars, but for our tour guide. She presented the most outrageously false information as "little known facts." For example, she claimed Francis Marion won the battles of Camden, King's Mountain and Cowpens. That's not true. He wasn't in command at any of those battles and wasn't even at Camden . Also she claimed he accepted the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, but they staged the ceremony again two days later so Cornwallis could surrender to Washington(!). This is utter nonsense, completely untrue. To cap it all off she told us these "facts" have been suppressed by the "North" as "punishment for the Civil War.". Seriously?! Losing the war wasn't punishment enough? Other than the guide, the visit was great. The plantation house is extremely interesting. We had a good time in spite of the guide, but fake news is bad enough; we don't need fake history too read more