If you are in need of a little Christmas this year (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), a stay on the Carolina coast could be just the thing to lift your spirits.
One wonderful Yule-tide spectacle is the Traditional Christmas at Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens in Mt. Pleasant. Boone Hall hauls out the holly and decks the halls for this festive event sure to brighten your holiday with good, old-fashioned Southern hospitality.
The mansion and grounds are beautifully decorated with a variety of ornaments and decor. Bring your camera, as the site has been named “America’s Most Photographed” plantation.
First, there are trees everywhere. At the entranceway, in the library and around the house and grounds. Then, there are the adornments. There is something unique about each ornament. You won’t find any plastic, dime-store decorations here. Ornaments on one tree, for example, are made with local sweetgrass. Another tree is trimmed with decor made of cotton and berries grown on the farm. The front entrance is decorated with arrangements of fruit. Nativity sets. Wreaths. Poinsettias.
Of course, the historic site is interesting any time of year. Take a guided tour to hear about the history, which dates back to 1681 when it was established by English Major John Boone. The live oaks that line the driveway were planted in 1743 by Boone’s son. He arranged them in two evenly spaced rows that created the spectacular entranceway.
Visitors can explore the Gullah culture with descendants presenting the history through storytelling. There is also a Black History in America exhibit with a tour of nine original slave cabins built between 1790 and 1810. Take a Plantation Tractor Tour around the 738 acres that make up the working farm.
Tours of the plantation home during the holidays are included with regular paid admission to Boone Hall Plantation. Regular adult admission is $26; seniors, military and AAA are $23; and children 6-12 is $12. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Boone Hall is closed on Christmas Day.
Let your spirits soar again this season with a Lowcountry Christmas. It’s a wonderful way to greet the holiday.