Plantations of Charleston, Part II: Middleton Place

 Middleton Place: part II of "Plantations of Charleston" series

Our tour of Middleton Place, a 320 year old rice plantation began just shortly after our tour of Drayton Hall (if you missed that post click the link here: https://thishomeschoolerslife.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-have-perfect-day-touring.html). 

Middleton Place sits on 110 acers along the Ashley river  and is home to 65 of America's oldest landscaped gardens, historic plantation home, stables and an organic farm. Immediately upon arrival you'll feel like you've been transported to the English countryside. A large stately home (all that is left after Union troops burnt the North flanker and original home during the Civil War) surrounded by vast open green spaces, free roaming livestock wandering about, massive oaks in the distance ready to offer a reprieve on a hot sunny day are waiting to greet you and lend to the iconic atmosphere that is felt the moment you first step foot on the grounds. 

One of the things that stood out to us most  upon our arrival to Middleton Place was the natural beauty surrounding the home. The gardens at Middleton Place are vast and stunningly beautiful. We especially loved the wide array of garden paths, the variety and variation of plants used, beautiful ponds, bridges and buildings. We truly felt like we had take a quick trip to Europe and were suddenly in the English countryside. Being at Middleton Place is truly magical and will transport you back in time with the soothing atmosphere. 

If you're hoping to take a tour of gorgeous manicured gardens, imagine what life was like in the 18th century or gain a better insight to the lives of a wealthy plantation owner, Middleton Place fits the bill on all accounts. Numerous flowers appear as though they've been plucked from the English countryside or like they belong in a secret garden. It's not hard to imagine why with all the beautiful garden pathways, hidden gardens, secluded benches tucked behind or hidden under large oaks and bountiful florals every where you look. If you've never had the chance to visit England but have dreamed about the sights and smells of an English garden, Middleton Place delivers an experience that is very close in comparison. 

The European feel of the gardens provides guests a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere as well as a glimpse into life of the elite European upper class of the 17th & 18th centuries. Arthur Middleton (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) designed the gardens at Middleton Place to reflect a similar style and appearance to that of Versailles & Vaux-le-Comte' both gardens were designed by world famous designer Andre' Le Notre'. Later, Arthur's son Henry (Governor of South Carolina) brought the first Camelia plants to the United States to have planted at Middleton. 

The atmosphere surrounding Middleton Place not only comes from the lush beautifully kept gardens, but from the preservation and efforts made by the historical preservation society to share all of the stories of the lives of those who once called Middleton Place home. From the Middleton family to the enslaved people who built all of the lovely terraces one handful of earth at a time, worked tirelessly in the rice fields or bending iron to make the economic empire possible for the Middleton's. I think you will find it fascinating and heart wrenching to discover the history of Middleton and all the stories and untold stories that come from such a beautiful & historic place. Keeping those stories alive is part of the beauty felt and seen all around Middleton Place and it invites you discover & learn more about the lives & life changing stories of its former residents. Expect to be deeply impacted by the brutality of some of the stories but also to have your imagination, empathy and understanding richly effected as well.  

Now that we covered some of the history and importance of Middleton Place, let's talk about what you'll see on your tour. 

When you first arrive you will either need to purchase or show your tickets at the visitor center. Where you go next is entirely up to you. We decided that since we were touring all 3 plantations located on the Ashley River in one day, we would only tour 1 of the homes (Drayton Hall, you can learn more about this incredible plantation by clicking the link here:     ) in order to leisurely explore each plantation. So, we began our tour in the gardens closest to the parking lot. Of course it is possible to tour all 3 homes in one day but that will put a much tighter restriction on the amount of time you have at each location. For us, we love seeing homes in their original state, preserved and untouched so it made the decision to tour Drayton Hall instead of Middleton & Magnolia plantation homes a rather simple one. 

The gardens surrounding Middleton Place are lush, vibrant and enticing. Each pathway leads to a view point, focal point or a secret pathway and a private garden. Some of our favorites were the large reflection pond with benches scattered in various spots to take in the grandeur and beauty of the pond. The large ornate sculptures located down a long pathway in a semi private garden & the peaceful pathways that flank the creek between gardens opposite of the chapel, well house and south flanker (only portion of the main house that is still standing).  

At Middleton there are countless opportunities to soak up the rich culture, intrinsic natural beauty and abundant history even without doing the home tour. Each day there are historical talks, staff in period clothing doing presentations, exhibits, and displays to observe and help you gain a better understanding of life at Middleton place in the 18th century. All of which make for an incredible immersive experience no matter how many of the tours you have time to add to your day (home tour, guided tour, beyond the fields: enslavement at Middleton Place or meet the historic livestock breeds). Each of the tours mentioned are meant to deepen and enrich your time at Middleton, I hope you truly enjoy your time exploring this amazing place of history. 

To begin touring the grounds I suggest first downloading the app that provides you with an extensive map of the grounds as well as historical insights and references for the areas you are viewing. I believe there is also audio available from the app to listen about the area while you walk the grounds.

If you choose to tour the gardens first, I suggest beginning nearest the parking area as we did and working your way towards the Ashley River. The pathways and gardens near the parking area feature lovely focal points, with some ending at the reflecting pond and others with beautiful sculptures or a small pavilion & the river as the backdrop. 

Also near the Ashley River you'll have the opportunity to view inside the mill and get a closer glimpse of the labor intensive job for those who worked there. 

*As a side note: Tours can also be arranged for educational purposes for your school group, homeschool group & also as private tours. There is so much to see, explore and a deeply rooted history of both black and white American history, stories of the enslaved and the family who called Middleton Place home for multiple generations. If you happen to be a homeschooling family like we are I would highly recommend looking into/planning one of their homeschool tours. I believe it will be a very enriching and enlightening experience for everyone. What better way to make history more tangible than to bring it to life while walking the grounds that many generations of enslaved lived and worked. Middleton Place has done due diligence in their research, preservation and interpretation of the past and provides an impeccably close glimpse into the past for all generations to gain a better perspective and insights to history. 

After touring through the numerous gardens the choice is yours whether you tour the beautiful home, take a stroll through the stable yard, stop for a little bite at the Garden Market, the café or souvenir's from the shop. If you're feeling a bit hungry there is an assortment of delicious sandwich's and snacks available to appease your appetite. The Garden Market is a great place to purchase a refillable Middleton Place water bottle that doubles as a great souvenir, all for only $5!!

*What you'll need to bring for a perfect day at Middleton: 

~Sunhat & Sunglasses 

~Small portable umbrella

~Sun protection/sunscreen

~Comfortable walking shoes

~Small refillable water bottle & snacks

~May want bug spray (especially when near the water)

~Keep an eye out for natural predators located on the grounds (snakes, alligators and other various animals). Photo→  of a gator sunning itself near the waters edge close to the chapel. 

~Light layers (to easily add or remove dependent on weather changes)

~Camera with extra batteries, sd card(s) & charging cords or portable charging doc for your phone

~Cash or Credit Card to pay for tickets, souvenir's & food/beverages at the shops or restaurant on site

~Tote or bag to store all your items, that's comfortable to carry around for several hours

*Plan to allot at least 3 hours of time or more to allow for ample time to leisurely explore. Plan a bit more time if you plan to add any of the tour options mentioned above or if you plan to eat a more substantial meal at the on sight restaurant. Lunch is open daily from 11am-3pm and dinner is available with prior reservations 6-9pm, Tuesday- Sunday at the restaurant. 

We arrived at Middleton about 11:30am and stayed until 2pm. We left shortly after eating one of the delicious chicken salad sandwiches from the Garden Market. Then we packed up and drove the short 4 mile drive to Magnolia Plantation, our last plantation for the day (to read more about Magnolia Plantation, check back often, post coming soon!)

What to expect during your visit to Middleton Place: 

~Numerous elaborate garden paths & trails to secret gardens

~Free roaming livestock

~Natural predators: Keep an eye out for gators (especially near bodies of water) & snakes. 

~Relaxing & peaceful setting

~Plenty of space to explore away from any crowds & enjoy your tour at a leisurely pace 

~Beautiful pristine, well kept gardens and nature trails

~Live history talks & rotating historical presentations

~Opportunity to step back in time and imagine life in the 18th & 19th century when Carolina Gold was high in demand and Middleton Plantation was thriving.

~A closer look into the dark and tumultuous pasts of the enslaved who resided at Middleton Place

~An enriching and educational experience 

I hope you discovered many insights and tips that will make your visit to Middleton Place all that you dream it to be and that you enjoyed taking this tour with me of one of our National Historic homes. 

Until next time, happy travels friends! 

~K

* To learn more about Drayton Hall, the first plantation we toured click the link here: https://thishomeschoolerslife.blogspot.com/2021/07/how-to-have-perfect-day-touring.html

*Join me on all of our adventures at my Instagram handle:  https://www.instagram.com/thishomeschoolerslife/