Georgetown Waterfront
Join Wing Haven for a very special visit to South Carolina’s historic Lowcountry. Experience the region’s rich blend of horticulture, history, and hospitality—staying in the heart of Georgetown, exploring world-class gardens and plantations, and enjoying fine Southern cuisine.
Price Per Person: $1,600 Members/ $1,725 Non-Members (optional $259 single occupancy charge)
Wing Haven will maintain a waitlist in the event the trip sells out.
The George
Our home base is The George Hotel, a boutique property along Georgetown’s charming Front Street waterfront. After settling in Tuesday afternoon, join us for a welcome of cocktails and dinner by The Independent inside the hotel.
Private Garden
Private Georgetown Gardens
Arriving in Georgetown, we will take a leisurely walk to lunch at the Front Street home of Jean Rothrock, landscape designer and owner of Waccamaw Landscaping & Construction and our guide for the afternoon. After lunch, Jean will lead us on a tour of her 125-year old home and throughout her garden before we walk to two other gardens in this historic neighborhood.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens
Founded in 1931 by Anna Hyatt Huntington and Archer Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens is a National Historic Landmark renowned for its unparalleled blend of art, history, and landscape. Home to the nation’s largest collection of American figurative sculpture, expansive natural habitats, and exquisitely designed gardens, it offers beauty at every turn.
At Brookgreen Gardens, Vice President of Horticulture Miles Arnott will lead a private tour offering his insight and expertise in botany and conservation. Specimens that should be approaching peak bloom include Southern Indica varieties: 'Formosa', 'George Lindley Taber', and 'Mrs. G.G. Gerbing'; beautiful pink Japanese azalea 'Koromo Shikibu'; and South Carolina natives including Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) and Flame azalea (Rhododendron austrinum).
After our private tour, delight in the azaleas, dogwoods, early spring blooms, and the Live Oak Allée as you continue to explore more of the 9,000+ acres on your own, or join an optional sculpture tour.
Then, we’ll meet together for a seated luncheon at Austin’s Harvest Restaurant, where garden views provide the perfect backdrop to reflect on the morning’s discoveries.
Hobcaw Barony and Bellefield Plantation
Bellefield Plantation at Hobcaw Barony
In the afternoon, our journey continues to the vast 16,000-acre landscape of Hobcaw Barony, once the winter retreat of financier and statesman Bernard Baruch. Here, we will enjoy a special guided tour of Bellefield Plantation, exploring its historic grounds and architectural features.
Bellefield was home to Baruch’s remarkable daughter, Belle Baruch, an accomplished equestrian, world traveler, and early champion of conservation whose passion for ecology shaped much of Hobcaw’s legacy. The surrounding gardens were designed by noted landscape architect Umberto Innocenti, whose work includes the iconic layouts at Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack. His design at Bellefield blends refined structure with the wild beauty of the area.
That evening, we will enjoy a private, festive dinner at 631 “Frank’s on Front,” a beloved local landmark.
Hopsewee Plantation
The following day brings us to Hopsewee Plantation, an elegant 18th-century Colonial home built in 1740 and set high above the North Santee River. With wide porches that frame sweeping views of former rice fields, Hopsewee offers a rare glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of the Lowcountry.
Historic Hopsewee
A haven for nature lovers, the plantation unfolds across 100 acres shaded by ancient, moss-draped live oaks. A winding boardwalk and terraced dock lead down to the river’s edge, creating a serene landscape that invites exploration.
Our visit includes a guided tour of the historic house and a stop in the onsite museum, where artifacts and stories deepen the understanding of Hopsewee’s past. We will then gather on the porch for a picnic lunch, taking in the gentle river breezes and the evocative atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark.
On the way home, we make a stop at the True Blue Nursery in Pawley's Island for garden shopping!
Your registration fee includes round-trip motor coach transportation from Charlotte, light breakfast refreshments on Tuesday, and snacks and beverages throughout the trip; two nights of accommodations at The George Hotel; a guided tour of private Georgetown gardens; a welcome reception and dinner by The Independent; luncheon at Harvest; a private group dinner at Frank’s on Front; two picnic lunches at historic Georgetown home and at Hopsewee; guided tours of Brookgreen Gardens, Hobcaw Barony’s Bellefield Plantation, and Hopsewee Plantation; entrance fees to all gardens and venues; and gratuities for guides and drivers. Single-room supplements not included. Enjoy breakfast on your own Wednesday and Thursday. Brookgreen Garden sculpture tour available after purchase.
Space is limited for this intimate Wing Haven journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel with fellow garden lovers and friends.
TRIP ITINERARY
Tuesday March 24
8:00 am Guest Welcome and Light Breakfast Refreshments,
Park Road Shopping Center
8:30 pm Bus departs to Georgetown, SC
12:30 pm Arrive The George Hotel, unload and walk to the Rothrock
home and garden for picnic lunch
1:30 pm Guided tour of the historic Rothrock home and surrounding
gardens
2:40 pm McCall Garden
3:05 pm Henry Garden
Free Time
6:00 pm Welcome Cocktails and Dinner, The Independent
Wednesday March 25
Enjoy breakfast on your own
9:00 am Depart for Brookgreen Gardens
9:30 am Brookgreen Gardens Exploration
10:00 am Guided Tour with VP of Horticulture and Conservation
Miles Arnott
11:00 am Additional Brookgreen Exploration OR optional paid
Sculpture Garden Tour
12:00 pm Seated Luncheon, Harvest at Brookgreen Gardens
1:20 pm Depart for Hobcaw Barony
1:40 pm Hobcaw Barony Discovery Center
2:00 pm Hobcaw Barony Guided Bellefield Plantation Tour
4:00 pm Depart for The George
Free Time
7:00 pm Cocktails and Dinner, Frank’s on Front Street, Georgetown
Thursday March 26
Enjoy breakfast on your own
9:00 am Bus departs for Hopsewee Plantation
9:30 am Hopsewee Plantation House Tour and Exploration of Grounds
11:30 am Porch Picnic Box Lunch at Hopsewee
12:30 pm Depart for garden shopping in nearby Pawley's Island
1:00 pm True Blue Nursery Shopping
2:30 pm Depart for Charlotte
6:30 pm Arrive back in Charlotte