GEORGETOWN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Christmas at Hopsewee: Riverfront Happy Hour and Rice‑Plantation Storytelling with Elizabeth Huntsinger
A holiday program at Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown that pairs Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger’s rooted storytelling in the cabins and house with a riverfront Hopsewee Happy Hour and opportunities to browse the gift shop and have books signed.
Christmas at Hopsewee: Riverfront Happy Hour and Rice‑Plantation Storytelling with Elizabeth Huntsinger.
Adventure brief
Christmas at Hopsewee: Riverfront Happy Hour and Rice‑Plantation Storytelling with Elizabeth Huntsinger
On select holiday evenings at Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, author and storyteller Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger presents the traditions of a Rice Plantation Christmas, sharing stories in the historic cabins and inside the plantation house; visitors are invited to arrive early for a Hopsewee Happy Hour by the river and to browse the gift shop and have book purchases signed.
Located along the South Carolina coast, Hopsewee Plantation offers a fascinating window into the region's rich history and festive traditions. This historic site, originally a rice plantation dating back to the colonial era, provides an engaging setting for visitors to immerse themselves in South Carolina’s antebellum past. The tours, led by storyteller Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger, blend captivating narratives with authentic sights, making history come alive through vivid storytelling in the plantation’s historic cabins and main house.
What sets Hopsewee apart is its seamless combination of cultural storytelling and scenic river views. Visitors often marvel at the plantation’s lowcountry architecture and the sprawling landscape that once supported a thriving rice economy. During the holiday season, the plantation transforms into a tapestry of Christmas traditions rooted in the region’s history, giving guests a unique perspective on holiday celebrations of the past.
The experience isn’t just about stepping back in time—attendees can enjoy a Hopsewee Happy Hour by the river, sampling local flavors and relaxing in the historic ambiance. The event also offers opportunities to purchase signed books by Elizabeth Huntsinger and browse the charming gift shop filled with keepsakes and regional specialties.
Hopsewee is a stand-out destination for history enthusiasts, families, and those seeking an authentic Southern experience. Its dedication to preserving and sharing the stories of Rice Plantation Christmas traditions makes it a memorable stop along South Carolina’s coast. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply a scenic outing near the water, Hopsewee provides a rich, engaging experience that beautifully captures the essence of lowcountry heritage.
Route Schematic
Route and principal stops
A short, staged program that begins riverside, moves through the grounds and cabins, and includes the plantation house and gift shop.
Hopsewee Happy Hour (riverfront)
Arrive early for drinks and hors d'oeuvres by the river, the recommended prelude to the storytelling program.
Historic Cabins
Elizabeth Huntsinger shares Rice Plantation Christmas traditions and local stories in the plantation's historic cabins.
Hopsewee Plantation House
The program continues inside the plantation house with storytelling and concludes with a chance to visit the gift shop and arrange book signings.
The house tour requires navigating seven steps at entry and a full flight of interior stairs; guests with mobility concerns should consult the accessibility information and contact Hopsewee in advance.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
The evening moves from a relaxed riverfront Happy Hour—drinks and hors d'oeuvres—into intimate storytelling set among the plantation cabins and inside the Hopsewee house, where Huntsinger recounts Rice Plantation Christmas traditions and local legends; the event closes with time in the gift shop and the chance to have books signed.
THE STORYTELLER
Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger: local history and legend
A seasoned Historical Interpreter and author of Ghosts of Georgetown; More Ghosts of Georgetown; and Georgetown Mysteries and Legends, Huntsinger leads programs on the history and legends of Georgetown County and narrates Rice Plantation Christmas traditions in the cabins and house.
THE SETTING
Hopsewee decorated for the holidays, with a riverfront welcome
Tours are presented in the plantation house and historic cabins, and guests are encouraged to arrive early for drinks and hors d'oeuvres at Hopsewee Happy Hour by the river before the storytelling begins.
THE KEEPSAKES
Gift shop browsing and book signings
After the program visitors may browse Hopsewee’s gift shop and have author Elizabeth Huntsinger sign purchased books.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should plan ahead.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Guests should note that photography is allowed only of the house exterior, grounds and gardens; no pictures or videos of any kind are permitted inside the house or of the tour itself, and all cameras, cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off while inside. For photoshoot opportunities, contact Hopsewee at (843) 546-7891 or [email protected].
Accessible parking spots are available; call Hopsewee at (843) 546-7891 when you arrive for assistance. Walking assistance devices are welcome, though some larger devices may not fit through certain doorways; guests should call ahead or add a note when booking.
Arrive early to take part in Hopsewee Happy Hour by the river before the program begins; after the tour you may browse the gift shop and meet the author for book signings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I take photos during the tour?
You may photograph the historic house exterior, plantation grounds and gardens, but taking pictures or videos inside the house or of the tour is not permitted; all cameras, cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off while inside the house.
Are there stairs or accessibility challenges on the house tour?
Yes—the Hopsewee house tour includes seven steps to enter and a full flight of stairs to access the upstairs portion; handrails are provided and guests with accessibility concerns should call (843) 546-7891 or add a note when booking.
Is assisted parking or help available when I arrive?
Accessible parking spots are available; please call Hopsewee at (843) 546-7891 when you arrive and staff will assist you.
Can I bring a walker or other walking assistance device?
Walking assistance devices are welcome, but some larger devices may not fit through certain doorways inside the historic home; guests are advised to call (843) 546-7891 in advance or note concerns when booking.
Will the author be available to sign books?
Yes—visitors are invited to browse the gift shop after the program and to have book purchases signed by Elizabeth Robertson Huntsinger.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:10.941Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.