Posted: February 5, 2019
The Festival of Houses and Gardens, March 11-April 18, 2020
Happy 350th Birthday Charleston! In celebration, we’ve built on the Festival of Houses and Gardens classics with new and exciting events that invite you to explore Charleston’s history, diversity and culture on a deeper level. Don’t know where to start?
The house and garden tours are the heart of the Festival! This ultimate “insider” experience offers guests entrée into many of the finest homes in the Historic District. These tours will satisfy your appetite for all things Charleston, from architecture to history to spring blooms. Best of all, the warm hospitality of the homeowners who share their private houses and the volunteers who welcome guests into them exemplify the spirit of the Holy City.
The best way to start your day, or your stay, in Charleston! Guests rave about the certified guides who lead our Morning History Walks through the city’s Old and History District. Not only do the engaging guides give guests an overview of Charleston’s rich history, they share fun, poignant and stirring stories that bring history to life.
No rose-colored glasses needed as you cap a vigorous day of exploring the city with a glass of rosé (or white) and relax in the lovely garden of the Nathaniel Russell House. Explore the stunning historic house at your leisure, then sip some more as you are serenaded by the talented musicians of Palmetto Strings.
Container Gardening: Charleston’s Over-the-Top Pots
While the stars of Charleston’s sidewalks are bountiful window boxes, the city’s piazzas, or “porches” for the uninitiated, boast equally thrilling, over-the-top pots. A Charleston Single House or harbor sunset may not fit in your bag, yet the knowledge of how to create your own colorful container garden at home will be with you forever.
In addition to calling these events “concerts,” we could title them inspirational “experiences.” Happy tears have been shed during these musical happenings, when voices are raised up to make a joyful noise. The Gullah people have overcome turmoil and tragedy, and these rousing performances are a testament to their enduring spirit.
Spirits and Spirituals in the Courtyard
Because the Aiken-Rhett House and its outbuildings are maintained in a “preserved-as-found” condition, we’ve named the delicious rum-based cocktail you will enjoy there “Preservation Punch.” If it doesn’t get you on your feet, the Spiritually Yours singers definitely will with their lively performance!
We will be in Charleston March 20th. How would we find info on house tours. Do we buy tickets for this? Please let me know.
Hi Helen. thank you for your interest. Ticket information, including pricing may be found here: https://www.historiccharleston.org/blog/events/category/festival-houses-gardens/
We hope to see you later this month!
What are the dates of the 2020 House and Gardens tours? Thanks
Hi Patricia. The dates will be March 11 – April 18, 2019