Along with the welcome onset of spring comes an annual event in Georgetown that highlights history, artistry, culture, and elegance—the Tour of Plantations. Celebrating its 79th year, the Tour is set for Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28. 

Founded in 1729, Georgetown boasted enormous wealth, thanks to the booming economy that arose from raising rice and indigo on large plantations. Dozens of these grandiose colonial mansions and gardens remain near the banks of the area’s five rivers. 

Sponsored by the Women of Prince George Winyah Church, the Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes fundraiser enables visitors “to go inside most of these elegant dwellings and take a step back in time,” explains Noel Rinehart, publicity chairperson for the Tour. “Even the elegant furnishings often have a tale to tell, whether brought over the Atlantic on a colonial crossing or bundled to the piedmont for refuge during the Civil War.”

The event kicks off at the Winyah Church Parish Hall, where guests pick up maps and bag lunches. Artwork from the Georgetown Watercolor Society and homemade treats are also available for purchase, she notes.

“All monies raised by the Plantation Tours are allocated to local mission work and to the preservation of our historic church buildings. Our success over the years has truly made a difference in the lives of the poor and the needy in our community, which is our prayerful aim in this endeavor,” she says.

Tickets are available by mail, in advance. Single-day tickets are $70 each and two-day tickets are $130. Advance ticket sales are from February 2-March 6. 

A limited number of tickets are available at the door. The list of sites on the tour, and advance ticket may be found at www.princegeorgeplantationtours.com.

Forms and requests for tickets may be mailed to Plantation Tours Tickets, P.O. Box 1307, Georgetown, South Carolina, 29442.

79th Annual Plantation Tours
Prince George Winyah Church
300 Broad St., Georgetown
March 27-28, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $70/day
843-633-1502
www.princegeorgeplantationtours.com