Bluegreen Colorful Places

Lovely Charleston, South Carolina has a history so rich, even the smallest slice is fascinating. Yet this southern belle also surprises visitors with her distinctive regional architecture, lush secret gardens, and a culture all her own. What better way to take it all in during your next vacation than by enjoying the Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens, sponsored by The Historic Charleston Foundation. This annual event will take place March 2 - April 21, 2012, and feature a variety of homes, gardens, tastings and more.

Explore the Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens

Beginning in 1947, Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens celebrates the most beautiful city in the south during her unparalleled spring bloom. Riots of native azaleas and camellias explode with color during the series of award-winning tours that showcase all aspects of “the city set in a garden.” One ticket price affords the opportunity to spend time in some of Charleston’s most beautiful gardens and habitats, dating to the 18th century.

Classic Victorian, Antebellum and Colonial-period homes will thrill architecture and decorative arts buffs during the Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens, particularly when brought to life by the city’s most professional tour guides. Several homes within eleven different neighborhoods are included within each afternoon and evening Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens tour; visit a different magical neighborhood each day of your vacation.

Glorious Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens Tours, featuring 8-10 picture-postcard gardens for the same $45 ticket price, are conducted each Thursday of the Festival, and include a wine and lemonade reception at the Nathaniel Russell House, 51 Meeting Street, from 4-5 p.m.

Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens Walking Tours

Morning historic walking tours of Charleston Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens provide a wonderful backdrop for the home and garden tours.   Led by more of the city’s most entertaining history experts, these relaxing two-hour tours depart at 9:30 a.m., Mondays through Saturdays, from the festival ticket office at 108 Meeting Street. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, and $10 for children 6-12. No private sites are included on this tour. Of all the things to do in Charleston during your vacation, it ranks among the highest. Reservations are required. You may order online or by calling 843-722-3405.

The Historic Charleston foundation has pulled out all the stops, and is also including wine tastings and vodka/rum tastings for those so inclined. Host sites for these events include the popular Caviar & Bananas gourmet market and deli; The Captain James Misroon House; and Circa 1886 Restaurant at the Wentworth Mansion. Tickets are $35; reservations are required and selling out quick, so visit their site and order your tasting tickets as soon as you can.