Festival of Houses and Gardens

I have volunteered as a Senior Docent House Guide for this wonderful event for the past five years. We have visitors and residents from all over the Globe that come to Charleston this time of year just to get a glimpse of the insides of some of these great historic homes and beautiful gardens.

Experience the intimate charm and elegance found only beyond Charleston’s private garden gates and historic thresholds during Historic Charleston Foundation’s 63rd Annual Spring Festival of Houses & Gardens. Order your ticket online now by selecting one of the Festival Tours or Special Events listed below.

March 18 - April 17, 2010

Set amid the historic ambiance of Charleston’s Old & Historic District, this series of award-winning tours showcases Charleston’s distinctive architecture, history, gardens and culture. These tours provide a rare opportunity for guests to go inside the private houses and gardens of some of America’s most beautiful historic residences, dating to the 18th century.

Visit Charleston to see why it has been renowned for three centuries as “a city set in a garden.” The Festival is set during the peak of the city’s blooming season. Tours features 7 to 10 properties each day in one of 11 neighborhoods, dating from the American Colonial Period, through the Antebellum and Victorian Eras, to early 20th Century. Beautiful architecture and lush gardens are woven throughout the historic neighborhoods of Charleston, which has consistently been named among the 10 most courteous and friendly cities in America.

Tours and events vary daily to allow you to enjoy the diversity of this unique port city which traces its origins to 1670. For more information, select a topic below:

* Calendar of Festival Tours
* What are the neighborhoods like?
* Glorious Gardens Tours
* Daily Charleston History Guided Tours
* Plantation Oyster Roast & Picnic
* Period Musical Concerts
* Harbor of History Boat Cruises
* Wine and Vodka Tastings
* Eat & Run Luncheon Lectures
* 2010 Charleston International Antiques Show
* Where to Stay
* Where to Eat
* Where to Shop
* Consider a Home in Charleston

To be included on our mailing list, please fill out a request for a brochure. Buy a combo ticket for one house & garden tour and a CIAS one-day pass for the same day at a discounted rate of $55!

For information or assistance with purchasing tickets, contact the Historic Charleston Foundation Ticket Office at 843-722-3405 after Nov. 2. Office hours are:

Nov. 2 – March 14
Weekdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

March 15 – April 17

The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation, 108 Meeting Street
Mon. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sun. noon – 5 p.m.

(During evening tours, office is open until 6:30 p.m.)

The Festival is made possible thanks to the nearly 650 community volunteers who support Historic Charleston Foundation as docents and street marshals. If you would like to volunteer or need more information click here.