Anyone interested in a private tour of some of the most elegant Charleston homes should get in touch with the ladies behind Charleston Tea Party Private Tours. Laura Wichmann Hipp and June McKnight are native Charlestonians with a deep love of their city and an expansive knowledge of the city’s rich history. There are two tour options. The first tour begins weekdays at 9 a.m. Go by car or van to see the private homes and gardens of Laura and June’s friends. The tour finishes at Laura’s historic Charleston real estate for a delicious catered tea.
Visit Classic Charleston Homes and Gardens
More active tour goers will enjoy the second tour choice. Go on foot to Charleston homes with gardens designed by Dr. Eugene Gaillard Johnson. The tour also stops at the home of Dubose Heyward, who wrote the novel Porgy. This was adapted by George Gershwin into the first American opera, Porgy and Bess. The house is a fine example of a Charleston Single House. The tour begins from 194 Tradd, then circles back for an ‘elevensies’ tea. Enjoy tea from Laura’s silver tea service. Take a stroll around the garden to see her flower bed, citrus grove, fruiting trees, and raised vegetable bed. Groups of four to 12 can be accommodated on the walking tour.
Get more details about each tour at Charleston Tour. To reserve your spot on the next tour, call (843) 577-5896.
