Historic Holiday Tours

The holidays along the Grand Strand are a beautiful time of year. Although many historical homes have tours and events all year long, the spirited season is extra special. All of these local properties are dressed up in festive décor and are ready to bring you a very merry time.

Kaminski House Museum

After two years of closed doors, the Holiday Magic at the Kaminski House Museum is once again taking place in historic downtown Georgetown. Tour hours are 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, and will extend through Saturday, December 23rd. A fabulous group of home design specialists was put together to help decorate. On top of touring the house decked out in glitz and glamour, the Friends of the Kaminski House are also hosting a Holiday Market, concerts, a wreath auction, rides on the Holiday Trolley, and their annual “Light Up the Lawn” event.

This year, the Holiday Market will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 9am to 6pm on the lawn overlooking the Sampit River. This is the day when the Museum will present the wreath auction (4:30 – 5:30pm) and have a special performance by Festive Brass of Myrtle Beach (5 – 6pm). At 5:30, all the guests will gather for a champagne toast as they flip that switch and “light up the lawn.” Featuring handcrafted ornaments and jewelry from local artisans and delicious holiday pies, cookies, and treats, the market is a wonderful opportunity to pick up a few unique gifts.

The Holiday Magic activities continue with candlelight tours on December 8th and 15th beginning at 5:30pm. Family Night will be held on Saturday, December 17th (4 – 7pm), and will feature rides aboard the Holiday Trolley to see the beautiful holiday decorations along Front Street and in the historic homes in Georgetown. For more information, call the Museum office at 843-546-7706 or visit www.kaminskimuseum.org.

Hobcaw Barony

Just before the Georgetown bridge is the beautiful 16,000-acre property known as Hobcaw Barony. To celebrate the holidays the old-fashioned way, the Belle W. Baruch Foundation is hosting a Lowcountry Oyster Roast on December 10th from Noon til 3pm at the Bellfield Stable, where the staff horticulturist and volunteers have decorated the stable with holiday elegance. Enjoy tours and interpretations of Bellefield Plantation including Southern customs and symbolism of Christmas greenery, plantation preparations of the 19th century, and the Baruch family’s hunting parties of the 20th century.

Before the feast, join the Hobcaw Barony staff for some family fun that morning (9:30 – 11am) with a hike through a longleaf pine stand. Although pine trees are often used as holiday décor, most people are not aware of the many varieties of pine trees native to the South Carolina coast. Along the hike, learn about the longleaf pine life cycle, prescribed fire, and the endangered Cockaded Woodpeckers that inhabit the stand. Children will also get to create pine tree inspired crafts to take home.

The Hobcaw House will be decorated by the Georgetown Garden Club on December 15th through the week after Christmas for their holiday tours. All events require reservations so please visit the website for more information and to acquire tickets: www.hobcawbarony.org

Hopsewee Plantation

A National Historic Landmark with beautiful, wooded grounds along the peaceful North Santee River, Hopsewee Plantation also lies in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) local chapter has decorated the home of Hopsewee for their holiday tours that will take place through December 17th. The tours are their usual time frame Tuesday through Saturday, every hour, 10am – 3pm.

Learn about the rich history of Hopsewee, its previous families as well as its current owners, the Beatties, and those who lived and worked on the grounds. You will also have the opportunity to learn about the Gullah Geechee people and the special significance of their creolized culture and language. During your visit, make sure to appreciate the mossy oaks and river vista. Afterward, enjoy lunch or tea at River Oak Cottage, ranked as one of the state’s top tea rooms.

Go back in time and experience Hopsewee Candlelight Tours on Wednesday afternoons (5pm). As a Historical Interpreter for over 25 years, Author Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger will be presenting stories of historical holiday traditions as well as ghostly legends of Georgetown County. Come a little earlier for Wine by the River Happy Hour to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres as you browse the gift shop and get your book purchases signed by the author. To reserve tickets for these festive events, please visit: www.hopsewee.com.