Historic Charleston Foundation’s 75 Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens

Historic Charleston Foundation’s 75^th Festival of Houses and Gardens is now underway until April 9!  Since 1947, the Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens has been the Foundation’s largest fundraiser and educational tool through an intimate glimpse into some of the most beautiful homes and gardens in Charleston, SC. The vital support the Foundation receives from Festival patrons, donors and partners enables the organization to fulfill its mission – to champion the historic authenticity, cultural character, and livability of the Charleston region through advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement.

In addition to a jam-packed event calendar, Shop Historic Charleston at 108 Meeting Street will have additional local pop-up vendors, book signings, yoga and more. For a full schedule of events at Shop 108, visit this link. https://bit.ly/ShopCalFestival

Highlights at Shop Historic Charleston, 108 Meeting Street

• Book Signings: Local authors including Paul Attaway, Lahnice Hollister and George WB Scott (plus more) will be on hand to discuss their work, and sign a copy of their book, available for purchase.
• Pop-Up Vendors: Local vendors include RD Naturals Elderberry, Lowcountry Dog Treats, Chi Designs Indigo and more! Support our local makers and artisans with a variety of Pop-Ups to enjoy.
• Food Vendors: The Muffin Drop, O’Latte Coffee and Sweet Sensations will be on hand throughout the Festival with treats and tastings! Other tastings include Sullivan’s Board Company and Charleston Tea Garden.
• Yoga: Enjoy yoga on the lawn each Sunday with Ashley Lauren Wellness’ signature technique! Relax and restore your body before a day of festivities! * Registration required for each class, register here: https://bit.ly/festivalyogaHCF

Tickets for the Festival will continue to be sold throughout. They are available for purchase online at HistoricCharleston.org/festival and by phone at 843.722.3405. The in-person ticket office is now open at Shop Historic Charleston, 108 Meeting Street, 9 am through 6 pm daily.

Festival of Houses and Gardens:

Festival attendees will receive a virtual key to the city as they enjoy a rare opportunity to go inside some of the most jaw-dropping historic homes, as well as distinctive gardens on the peninsula. Festival guests enjoy over 3 weeks of tours, lectures and special events – all highlighting Charleston’s rich history and culture. Events include:

• House and Garden Tours: Hallmarks of the annual event, each walking tour is self-paced and allows guests to explore Charleston from a rare vantage point. Each neighborhood tour is identified by a central street and includes a selection of private houses and lovely gardens within walking distance of each other. Docents are stationed at each site to welcome guests and share the stories of those who built the city. Garden Splendor Tours focus on exclusively private gardens in the historic district while the Architectural Splendor Tours focus on homes with particularly remarkable workmanship and design.
• Morning History Walks: Expert guides lead two-hour morning walking tours of Charleston’s early neighborhoods, providing background for the Festival’s House and Garden tours.
• Food for Thought Luncheons: Participants enjoy a casual lunch and an education talk with topics ranging from the story behind local owner, Carrie Morie of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits to the Archaeology of Charleston with Historical Archaeologist, Martha Zierden.
• Live Like a Local Events: Enjoy some of the best that Charleston has to offer with local events designed to capture the spirit of the Lowcountry. Events include Wine by the Water at the Captain James Missroon House and the Gullah Spirituals Celebration.
• Virtual Lectures: To accommodate supporters near and far, the Foundation is delighted to offer virtual lectures on a variety of topics such as Charleston’s history, architecture, gardens and culture.

For tickets and information, please visit HistoricCharleston.org/festival or call 843.722.3405.

About Historic Charleston Foundation

Established in 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the history, architecture and culture of Charleston. In its 75^th year, the Foundation is known for its preservation and advocacy programs including protective covenants and easements; education and outreach; and it is the first organization in the country to establish a revolving fund to acquire and preserve historic buildings, a model now replicated in historic communities across the nation. Preservation coupled with education and outreach is at the heart of the HCF mission. HCF fulfills its educational mission through the interpretation of its collections and two Museum Houses: the Nathaniel Russell House, c. 1808 and the Aiken-Rhett House, c. 1820.