Upcoming November Events at Charleston’s Historic Plantations

  • Whiskey in America-Archeology Lecture and Tasting ◊ November 7, 2026

Visit the Drayton Hall location on the peninsula to learn about alcohol consumption in South Carolina and explore how Charleston’s economy and its deep ties to the Caribbean defined what ended up in the glass and what didn’t. Through historic records and archaeological findings, uncover how the upheaval of the American Revolution slowly shifted drinking culture, and how whiskey finally made its way south.

Accompanying the lecture, enjoy a guided tasting of four historically-inspired spirits.

  • A Cup of History: The Way of Tea ◊ November 14, 2026

Tea lovers and history enthusiasts alike are invited to experience A Cup of History at Drayton Hall, a one-of-a-kind event that explores the intersection of fine Chinese teas and the fight for American independence.

At the heart of this experience is a curated tea service featuring premium Chinese teas, carefully selected to reflect the types imported to the American colonies before the Revolution. Savor prized teas produced in China using centuries-old traditional methods and experience Cha Dao, The Way of Tea, while learning how tea—once a luxury of empire—became a catalyst for protest and political upheaval.

Guests will enjoy a tour of Drayton Hall with curator Amber Satterthwaite followed by a presentation and guided tea tasting led by tea expert Richard Kligler of For All the Tea in Charleston.

  • Wreath Building Workshop ◊ November 29, 2026

Get into the festive spirit with one of the most creative holiday events in Charleston, SC! Visit Drayton Hall for a hands-on Holiday Wreath Building Workshop with Friday Flowers, held the beautiful Education Pavilion.

During this 2-hour wreath-making class, guests will receive expert instruction in wreath construction and floral design. You’ll leave with a handcrafted holiday wreath perfect for your front door or holiday décor—all supplies included. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or trying wreath-making for the first time, this workshop offers a fun and relaxing way to welcome the Charleston holiday season.

Click here for additional information on these and other events at Drayton Hall.

  • Airing of the Quilts ◊ November 7, 2026

Join the West Ashley Quilting and Sewing Group & Island Quilters Guild for a colorful day at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. Stroll through the scenic Cathedral Glade and experience the Airing of the Quilts.

This cherished, generations-old tradition brings handmade quilts out into the fresh air and sunshine to freshen up after a long summer in storage. You’ll discover a stunning array of styles, including patchwork, appliqué, English paper piecing, scrappy, traditional, and modern designs.

  • Blueprint: Cyanotype Printing ◊ November 14 & 15, 2026

Transform pure sunlight and iron into stunning Prussian blue art—no experience required. Uncover the intersection where art meets science in Blueprint, an immersive three-session workshop (one online and two hands-on) that takes you step-by-step from an image on your screen to a handcrafted fine art print.

First invented in 1842, cyanotype is a fascinating fusion of chemistry and creativity. Using simple iron salts and natural sunlight, you will harness chemical transformation to turn everyday light and shadow into rich, iconic Prussian blue imagery. Anna Atkins used this exact process to create the world’s first photographically illustrated book—and today, you can master it with no darkroom, no enlarger, and no prior experience in photography or printmaking required.

Click here for additional information on these and other events at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens.

  • Horse Care Demonstration ◊ November 6 & 13, 2026

Vist Middleton Place an up-close look at the draft horses that call Middleton Place home. During this interactive demonstration, guests will learn about the horses’ daily grooming routine and the care that keeps them healthy and comfortable. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the horses, ask questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for their care.

  • Scarf with Indigo and Veggie Print ◊ November 22, 2026

Indigo has long been used in Southeast Asia for Batik and shibori, a manual method of creating resist-dyed fabrics. Guests will learn similar techniques and principles using fall vegetables to make unique designs on their own scarf. The use of fall vegetables connects the harvest season to this ancient technique and the artistry of indigo. Join Dr. Nancy Simpson, Middleton Place textile craft interpreter and experienced indigo educator who will teach guests about the varied aspects of indigo, including indigo as a plant, processing in the colonial way to obtain dye “cake” and its history in the Lowcountry. Guests will have the opportunity to take home their creation.

Click here for these and other events at Middleton Place.

–Tidelines Editors