fall escape to the lowcountry: Brookgreen Gardens, Hobcaw Barony and Hopsewee Plantation

Join Wing Haven for a very special three-day autumn escape to South Carolina’s historic Lowcountry. Together we’ll 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.

Our home base is The George Hotel, a boutique property along Georgetown’s charming Front Street waterfront. After settling in Sunday afternoon, join us for a welcome of cocktails and dinner by The Independent inside the hotel.

On Monday, we will explore Brookgreen Gardens with an exclusive one-hour tour with Miles Arnott, Vice President of Horticulture and Conservation, who will share insights from recent horticultural upgrades and his expertise in botany and conservation. Founded in 1931 by Anna Hyatt Huntington and Archer Huntington, Brookgreen is a National Historic Landmark with the country’s largest collection of American figurative sculpture, extensive natural habitats, and extraordinary gardens. There will be additional time to explore more on your own or join an optional curated sculpture tour. After, we will gather again to enjoy a seated luncheon at Austin’s Harvest Restaurant overlooking the gardens.

In the afternoon, we will visit the 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony, the winter retreat of Wall Street financier Bernard Baruch, with a special guided tour of Bellefield Plantation grounds and historic structures. Bellefield was the home of Belle Baruch, the trail blazing daughter of Bernard, who over her lifetime developed a deep, abiding interest in conservation and ecology. The gardens at Bellefield were created by landscape architect Umberto Innocenti, known both for his designs at Belmont Park and the Aqueduct Racetrack, among other notable sites. Our private tour will include the stables, pool, Victory Garden and exterior of the Vereen House, and our guides will share stories of Lowcountry life across centuries. A visit to the Discovery Center enriches the experience with historic photographs and exhibits. We will round out the day with a festive dinner at 631 “Frank’s on Front,” a beloved local landmark.

The following day, we will visit Hopsewee Plantation, a classic 18th century Colonial Plantation house built in 1740 with porches overlooking the North Santee River and the rice fields beyond. A nature lover’s delight, the Plantation is surrounded by 100 acres graced with ancient moss-hung live oaks, and includes a boardwalk and terraced dock leading to the Santee River. After our guided historic house tour, a stroll throughout the grounds, and a visit to the museum, we will enjoy a picnic lunch on the porch and soak in the atmosphere of this National Historic Landmark before our return to Charlotte.

Your registration fee includes round-trip motor coach transportation from Charlotte, two nights of accommodations at The George Hotel, a welcome reception and dinner by The Independent, luncheon at Harvest, private group dinner at Frank’s on Front, guided tours of Brookgreen Gardens, Hobcaw Barony’s Bellefield Plantation, and Hopsewee Plantation, entrance fees to all included gardens and cultural venues, and gratuities for guides and drivers. Single-room supplements are not included. Optional: Add-on curated sculpture tour at Brookgreen

Space is limited for this intimate Wing Haven journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel with fellow garden lovers and friends into the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Kindly respond by October 3rd.