For the past five years, it has been my pleasure to serve as a Senior Docent for this annual event. Starting on March 18th, Charleston opens up some of its most elegant homes and beautiful gardens for your viewing. The money raised from this event is the primary source of revenue allowing the Historic Charleston Foundation to continue in its efforts to preserve and protect our wonderful Southern Heritage and Historic Architectural Integrity. During this great Festival, people for all over the World have a once a year opportunity to peek behind those gates and receive a guided tour through some of Charleston’s greatest homes. It is a wonderful experience and one that I hope you will take the time to enjoy.

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.

March 18 - April 17, 2010

Set amid the historic ambiance of the city’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 feature seven to ten 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

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 HCF Ticket Office at 843-722-3405. 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