15 Jan 79th annual Tour of Historic Plantations & Homes set for March 27, 28 Step back in time and experience what life was like during the colonial period in Georgetown County during the 79th annual Tour of Historic Plantations & Homes. This spring, in the middle of the year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Prince George Winyah Church in Georgetown will welcome people to explore beautiful plantations, historic homes and scenic church properties during a two-day event along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®. The 79th annual Tours of Historic Plantations & Homes, organized by the Women of Prince George Winyah Church of Georgetown, will be held from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026, and Saturday, March 28, 2026. The annual event is made even more special in 2026 as the nation’s celebrites America’s 250th birthday, as well. In addition to the tours, the event includes an art show and a “Sweets and Treats” bake sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days in the Family Life Center of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, at 317 Broad Street, event headquarters this year. Arcadia Plantation house is included in the 79th annual Tour of Historic Plantations & Homes. (Photo courtesy of Women of Prince George Winyah Church) Mary Boyd, a member of the event committee, said that due to renovations of the Prince George Winyah Parish Hall taking place this spring, St. Mary’s will be home base for the 2026 event. “We are so grateful that St. Mary’s has opened her doors to us for that weekend,” Boyd said. “Ticket pickup and purchase, lunch pickup, the Art Show, and ‘Sweets and Treats’ bake sale will all be found there. Signage will direct visitors to St. Mary’s.” South Carolina’s Hammock Coast®, which is Georgetown County’s official and trademarked tourism moniker, will be highlighting America’s 250th birthday throughout 2026. Georgetown County 250, the county’s local initiative under the statewide SC 250 Commission and the national America250 umbrella, is organizing events, building partnerships and calling on residents from every corner of the county — and every walk of life — to be part of this once-in-a-generation commemoration. Boyd, who is also a member of the GC 250 Committee, said that the 2026 Tour of Historic Plantations & Homes is doing its part to promote the nation’s birthday. The brochure for the event shares information about Georgetown participating in the Revolutionary War and the 250th anniversary celebration and includes a symbol on sites that were standing during that time. Boyd said she and other organizers are excited about the 2026 Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes. “This is our 79th year for the Prince George Plantation Tours, begun in 1947,” she said. “We have grown from a handful of plantations back then to more than 20 sites for 2026.” She explained that many of them are open houses but several only allow people on the grounds. The plantations on the tour are premier examples of Colonial and 19th-century architecture, as well as good examples of the culture of the day, Boyd said. Due to renovations taking place at Prince George Winyah Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located just across the street, will be home base for the 79th annual Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes. (Photo courtesy of St. Mary’s Catholic Church) She said this event is a great opportunity to share the history of this area. “It is the privilege of the Women of Prince George Church to be able to share the story of an area that was the wealthiest county in the entire United States in the 1850s for the growing of rice,” Boyd said. “The vast wealth accumulated here was through the expertise of the enslaved Africans who bought their knowledge of the indigo and rice industries. Because of the affluence, Georgetown was a center of knowledge and culture among the aristocratic society.” Tickets for the Tours of Historic Plantations & Homes, which are $70 per person for one day and $130 per person for both days, will be on sale the day of the event. All money raised by the Tour is allocated to community outreach and the preservation of the historic Price George Winyah Church buildings. “The success of the Tour has made a difference in the lives of the poor, the friendless, and the needy in our community, which continues to be our prayerful aim in this endeavor,” Boyd said. Prince George Winyah Church is a historic Anglican church in Georgetown. It boasts one of the oldest continuous congregations in South Carolina, and the church building is one of the oldest churches in continuous service in South Carolina. In 2021, it celebrated its 300th anniversary. Founded in 1729, Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina, after Charleston and Beaufort. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the region became home to many rice planters, who once exported so much rice that Georgetown County was once the wealthiest county in the United States. Though rice is no longer a major export for the region, many of the plantations, town houses, and gardens left by the planters remain and have been preserved by Georgetown’s present-day residents. “The tour sites remind us of the rich cultural heritage of this area,” she said. “They represent what we have lost and gained economically and socially. The beauty of the terrain of Georgetown is unmatched and imparts a spirit of peace and tranquility just outside the bustling city.” Beth Stedman, president and CEO of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, said she knows that this event, which commemorates the rich history of this area, will add to the ongoing 250th celebrations. “The beautiful plantations and homes on this tour will give participants an opportunity to experience what life was like for people living during Colonial times and beyond,” Stedman said. “For those who haven’t been on the tour before, this is the perfect year to start, and for those who have been coming year after year, this one will be extra special.” Here’s a snapshot of all the events over the two days: Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes March 27-28 | Single-Day Ticket $70 | Two-Day Ticket $130 The two-day self-guided Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes is the flagship event. For two days each spring, homeowners open their homes and properties to tour ticket holders, providing a unique opportunity to tour historic properties which are otherwise private. Tour sites change each year depending on availability, but the tour generally features a variety of historic homes, plantations, and gardens from the 1700s forward. The 2026 tour is scheduled for Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are required, and organizers strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance during the annual presale to maximize your time on tour. Tour sites will be announced on the tour website closer to the event, Boyd said. “We thank the many homeowners who have graciously allowed our visitors to see their vintage homes and gardens,” she said. “We have many sites that have been our mainstays through the years, as well as some new-comers.” A joggling board overlooks a scenic view at Chicora Wood Plantation near Georgetown. (Photo courtesy of Women of Prince George Winyah Church) Oyster Roast & Pig Pickin’ March 27 | Time TBA | Georgetown Historic District Immerse yourself in Lowcountry culture by adding a delicious Lowcountry feast to the tour package. The Men’s Ministry at Prince George will be serving roasted oysters and pulled pork for guests. The event is scheduled for Friday, March 27, time and location to be announced. Tickets for this event must be purchased in advance and in conjunction with a tour ticket. This event usually sells out, so organizers recommend ordering tickets early in the presale. A cash bar will be available. Art and Food Sale March 27-28 | Open to the Public Make sure you stop by the St. Mary’s Fellowship Hall, located at 317 Broad Street, to browse the selection of local art and delicious food items prepared and donated by local artisans for sale. Proceeds support outreach missions and the preservation of our church buildings. This event is open to the public from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. each day of the tour, and no tickets are required. Picnic Lunches March 27-28 | $7 per day, per person When purchasing your tickets during the ticket presale, guests have the option of purchasing bagged lunches made by the Prince George Winyah Church Women. Bagged lunches are $7 each and must be purchased in advance during the presale. Each bagged lunch includes a sandwich (Friday: Turkey Salad; Saturday: Pimiento Cheese), chips, apple, dessert, and a prayer. Pre-purchased bagged lunches will be available for pick-up the day of the tour in St. Mary’s Fellowship Hall. Sunday Worship at Prince George Winyah March 29 | 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., or 11:15 a.m. After the tours conclude, attend Prince George Winyah Church for Sunday worship in the Anglican tradition. It offers three Sunday services: 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11:15 a.m. For more information about each service, visit the church website. Organizers ask people to allow a full day for the tour. They recommend wearing attire and shoes suitable for standing for long periods and for walking in natural Lowcountry terrain. Out of respect for the homeowners, do not wear shoes with heels, as the heels can damage floors and rugs. Buses are not permitted. While the tour will proceed rain or shine, individual tour sites may close if the road quality is affected. In the event of inclement weather, please check in at the St. Mary’s Church Fellowship Hall. For more information about the Tour of Historic Plantations and Homes, click here. By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® 0 Hammock-All, Georgetown
