Boone Hall Plantation

My Sister, Daughter, and I recently took a day trip to Boone Hall Plantation, in Mount Pleasant, SC.  Upon entering the grounds, we merged right which took us around a circle driveway which led us through the Avenue of the Oaks, which was quite impressive.  The mile long gravel drive way was lined on each side by hundred year old large oak trees, which had spanish moss hanging through.  This was a very beautiful sight.

The driveway led up the the main house.  Along the road leading to the main quarters were rows of former slave cabins.  Our first stop on our visit was to hop on the tram.  Our tour guide drove us around the plantation and told us the stories of the previous and current owners, and how the plantation came to be.  I found it interesting that the plantation is currently privately owned, and the land is a working farm.  There is a market set-up where you can buy fresh produce grown right on the plantation.  They also host weddings, concerts, and seasonal festivals, like the strawberry festival. 

After our tram tour, we explored the former slave quarters.  Each cabin was set-up with artifacts, and displays depicting life as a slave on a Southern Plantation.  Each cabin had a different theme and narrated exhibits, or videos.  After we toured the cabins, we walked through the butterfly gardens which were in front of the main house.  Even though it was late November, there were still roses and other flowers growing.  I believe the gardens would be a beautiful sight late Spring.

Next on our tour was the main house.  The house is privately owned so we weren't allowed to take pictures of the inside of the house and they only take you on a tour of a few rooms on the bottom floor.  We were taken through the library/music room, which was used for entertaining or family evenings.  The room was filled with old furniture, and a large piano.  The room also had built in book shelves, which housed hundreds of old books.  We then toured the dining area and den.  We exited out the den which led to an outside sitting area, and a large open green space behind the house, which was where the previous owners had people over for polo matches.

After touring the main house, we went for ice cream at the butterfly cafe before heading home.

If you are interested in learning more about Boone Hall Plantation, or thinking about planning a visit.  Their website is:  http://boonehallplantation.com/  Enjoy!