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

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.

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, and snacks and beverages throughout the trip; two nights of accommodations at The George Hotel; a welcome reception and dinner by The Independent; luncheon at Harvest; a private group dinner at Frank’s on Front; picnic porch lunch 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 and the optional Brookgreen Garden sculpture tour are not included.

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

11:45 am Guest Welcome and Light Breakfast Refreshments,
Park Road Shopping Center 

12:00 pm Bus departs to Georgetown, SC

4:00 pm Arrive The George Hotel

Free Time

5:30 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