Pamela R.United States
Mary is delightful! We strolled the grounds of the plantation listening to Mary's educated and yet touching recital of one of the most beautiful plantations we have had the privilege of visiting. Thank you so much Mary!
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Private tour in Charleston Mary C
Charleston's Plantation Culture and History
4.8
(11) reviews
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Mary C.
5.0
Guide rating
189
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
Since I am a 5th-generation Charlestonian, I may be a bit biased, but I think you're going to fall in love with this place! I have many years of experience bringing the sights and sounds of Charleston to visitors and newcomers. My tours have been featured in Fodor's Travel Guide and Diversion Magazine. I am also the author of five popular guide books about the area's culture, architecture and history. In addition to being a licensed tour guide, I am a guest speaker at special programs, a freelance writer for local magazines, and a former docent at local historic sites. Before pursuing my current avocation as a tour professional, I was a classroom teacher, and I hold a Master's Degree in Education (from the College of Charleston, of course). Let me introduce you to the city where I've lived my entire life and that has been home to my family for over 170 years. I am licensed by the city of Charleston as a registered tour guide and as a member of Charleston's Palmetto Guild, a designation of local tour guides who have been recognized by the city as committed to historical accuracy, continuing education and providing an engaging experience for visitors. I am also a freelance writer for travel books and local publications.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Mary C.
Take a step back in time
Overview of your Charleston tour
Enjoy the beauty and history of the Lowcountry as you are transformed to a place that time has forgotten. In the 18th century, Charleston's wealth was legendary. Most of that wealth was in the hands of the rice planters. We'll visit Middleton Place, the most stately of all the local rice plantations and the ancestral home of one of our nation's founders. Not only will you gaze upon and stroll through the lovely gardens modeled after the finest in Europe, but you'll learn about the production of Carolina Gold and this extensive and sophisticated process brought to the Lowcountry by Africans in the early 1700s.
Recent Reviews
Thomas S.United States
We enjoyed this tour and learned much about plantation life and culture. Our tour guide Mary, was outstanding. She was knowledgeable and insightful. We learned many things that would have been missed had we not taken the tour with Mary. We recommend the tour and especially Mary.
Kimberly G.United States
This was our 2nd tour with the charming and super knowledgeable Mary! She made the time periods on the Plantation truly come alive for us and we left with deeper understanding of daily plantation life and the far reaching effects on many generations to come. We'll unhesitatingly recommend Mary as your guide to all things Charleston! And have herrecommenddivine lunch spots as well����
Debra S.United States
Mary was timely, efficient, and a wealth of knowledge. We all learned so much about Charleston and thoroughly enjoyed our day with her.
Chris M.United States
Mary C. is the consummate guide for Charleston and the plantations. Our party was extremely pleased with this tour and the extra effort she made to make it happen. We have never been disappointed with Tours By Locals. As a native of Charleston, she brought an extra dimension to the tour and made the facts come to life.
Joan P.Canada
We did a 4 hour city tour and the next day a plantation tour with Mary. Mary was excellent. My husband and I were with another couple and Mary was attentive, sensitive and responsive to all of our varied interests. She was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Charleston. Not only was Mary a wonderful guide, but she is a really lovely person. It felt as if we were touring with a friend. After our final tour ended, two members of our party commented that she was the best guide they had ever had.
Your Charleston tour itinerary
I will meet you at Middleton Place, a place like no other. We'll spend 2 hours exploring the plantation, as I guide you through the magnificent landscaped gardens as well as the path following the beautiful Ashley River and picturesque flooded rice fields. We'll explore the history and culture of the planters as well as that of the enslaved people who introduced the crop to the Lowcountry. Afterward, you may wish to enjoy a nice lunch or dinner at the Middleton Place Restaurant or a sandwich or snack at the Middleton Garden Shop. Please send me a message if you would like to customize this tour.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Customers will provide their own transportation to and from the plantation. If necessary, I can arrange for a private car and driver for you at an additional cost. Ride share services are also available.
What's included
Other
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission to the plantation is not included in tour price.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: This tour will begin at Middleton Place (4300 Ashley River Road).
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
35382
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Traveller reviews
4.8
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Charleston best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in plantation culture. It's ideal for travellers who want to explore the beauty and history of Charleston's Lowcountry and connect with a local guide for deeper insights.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Charleston be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Charleston by Mary C.
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.