Middleton Place Tour With Lunch and Transportation

Exploring the grandeur of 18th-century plantation life, the Middleton Place Tour offers a captivating experience. Guests embark on a journey through beautifully preserved gardens, seeing the history of the Middleton family. Complementing the scenic surroundings, a delectable Southern-style lunch adds to the immersive experience. With roundtrip transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an enriching visit. However, some visitors express a desire for more time to fully explore the estate’s enchanting grounds. What makes this tour a must-see for those intrigued by the Lowcountry’s past?

Key Points

• Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and 65-acre estate featuring gardens, historic buildings, and a museum in Charleston, South Carolina.
• The Middleton Place tour includes a buffet-style Southern lunch at the on-site restaurant, roundtrip transportation from Charleston, and a guided tour of the grounds and historic house.
• The tour offers an immersive experience in the history and grandeur of the 18th-century plantation, with knowledgeable guides and positive reviews from guests.
• The transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from the Charleston Visitors Center and informative commentary during the approximately 30-minute drive to the plantation.
• While generally well-received, some guests have noted feeling rushed and experiencing confusion with directions, but praised the drivers’ promptness and commentary.

About Middleton Place

Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most significant colonial-era plantations in the United States.

This 65-acre estate features magnificent gardens, historic buildings, and a museum that chronicles the plantation’s history.

Visitors can explore the terraced gardens, walk through the former slave quarters, and tour the Middleton family home, which dates back to the 18th century.

The property also houses an acclaimed restaurant serving traditional Southern cuisine.

Middleton Place offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and provides a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of a bygone era.

Tour Highlights

As visitors embark on the Middleton Place Tour, they’re immersed in the rich history and grandeur of this 18th-century plantation.

The tour includes a delicious buffet-style Southern lunch at the on-site restaurant, as well as roundtrip transportation from Charleston in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Guests explore the beautifully preserved grounds, including the famous gardens, and receive an informative guided tour of the historic house.

Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the overall exceptional experience, though some suggest allowing more time to fully appreciate the property.

Dining Experience

A highlight of the Middleton Place Tour is the included buffet-style Southern lunch served at the on-site restaurant.

Guests rave about the delectable regional cuisine, which features classic dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole.

The meal is served in a beautiful setting, with panoramic views of the serene gardens and Ashley River.

Lunch is a great opportunity to experience authentic Lowcountry flavors and recharge before continuing the tour.

The inclusive pricing and convenience of having lunch provided make this a popular and appreciated aspect of the Middleton Place experience.

Transportation Details

The tour package includes roundtrip private transportation from Charleston to Middleton Place in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Guests meet at the Bus Shed Terminal at the Charleston Visitors Center, with pickup at 10:30 am. The drive to the plantation takes approximately 30 minutes.

Drivers provide informative commentary along the way, with reviewers highlighting the promptness and expertise of drivers like Nick and Matt.

The tour ends back at the meeting point, allowing travelers to continue exploring Charleston on their own.

The transportation service isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed, with infants required to sit on laps.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Guests meet at the Bus Shed Terminal at the Charleston Visitors Center, located at 375 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA.

The tour starts at 10:30 am, with roundtrip transportation provided in an air-conditioned vehicle. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Service animals are permitted, though infants must sit on laps.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers. Guests have the option to reserve now and pay later for this tour.

Guest Experiences

Guests have largely praised the tour, frequently highlighting the exceptional beauty of the Middleton Place property and the knowledgeability of the guides.

Many reviews emphasized the stunning gardens and insightful house tours.

However, some guests felt rushed and suggested allowing more time to explore the plantation at their own pace.

A few travelers also noted some confusion regarding directions.

Multiple reviews commended the drivers, particularly Nick and Matt, for their promptness and informative commentary throughout the transportation portion of the experience.

Accessibility and Policies

While the Middleton Place tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it does allow stroller access and the presence of service animals.

Some key things to know about accessibility and policies:

• Children must be seated on laps during transportation, as the tour isn’t suitable for infants.

• The tour starts promptly at 10:30 am, with the return to the original meeting point at the end of the experience.

• Guests can take advantage of the flexible "reserve now, pay later" option, but cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid any fees.

Additional Tour Options

Along With the core Middleton Place tour, the experience company offers several optional add-ons to enhance visitors’ exploration of the historic plantation. Guests can choose from a selection of themed tours, each providing a unique perspective on the estate. These include a garden tour, highlighting the property’s renowned landscaping, and a boat tour along the Ashley River, offering scenic views. For a more immersive experience, visitors can opt for a guided package with included lunch and transportation. This allows for a seamless, stress-free day of discovery at Middleton Place.

Option	Description	Price
Garden Tour	Explore the renowned landscaping and botanical collections	$25 per person
River Boat Tour	Cruise along the Ashley River for picturesque views	$30 per person
Guided Package	Includes lunch, transportation, and admission	From $142 per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Visitors With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for visitors with mobility issues, as it is noted to not be wheelchair accessible. However, strollers are allowed and service animals are permitted.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour and Lunch?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. The restaurant’s dress code is casual, so guests can enjoy the meal in their tour attire.

Are Children’s Menus Available at the Restaurant?

The tour information does not specify if children’s menus are available at the Middleton Place restaurant. However, as a popular family attraction, it’s likely they accommodate younger guests with appropriate meal options.

Can Guests Request Dietary Accommodations for the Lunch?

Yes, guests can request dietary accommodations for the lunch. The buffet-style Southern food served at the Middleton Place restaurant can be customized to accommodate various dietary needs and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Historic House?

Photography is generally allowed inside the historic house, but visitors should check with the tour guides on any specific restrictions. Certain areas or exhibits may have limited photo access to preserve the property’s historical integrity.

Recap

The Middleton Place Tour offers a captivating journey through 18th-century plantation life. Guests enjoy roundtrip transportation, an indulgent Southern lunch, and knowledgeable guides amidst the stunning gardens and riverside scenery. While some desire more exploration time, the experience is widely praised as memorable and enriching. With its well-preserved historical elements and picturesque setting, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the Lowcountry’s past.