Playing golf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a pleasurable experience, especially if your chosen course is the incredible Long Bay Club. However, the ‘Seaside Golf Capital of the World’ has more to offer than just the excitement of the greens. They say to truly appreciate your present, you need to understand the past. This rings true as we explore the historic plantations near Long Bay Club.
The Rich History of Southern Plantations
South Carolina’s history is deeply rooted in its plantations. Once the economic backbone of the state, these plantations, established mainly for agriculture, played a significant role during the Antebellum Period. They offer us a glimpse into past Southern life – its grandeur, bitter history, and subsequent transformation.
Hobcaw Barony
Just an hour’s drive from the Long Bay Club is the Hobcaw Barony. Spanning 16,000 acres, this plantation was once the winter residence of Bernard Baruch, a financier, and statesman in the early 20th century. Being a lover of nature, Baruch preserved the historical site, including 37 former slave dwellings.
Today the estate operates as a research reserve, offering guided tours to engage visitors in the rich natural and cultural history. From Baruch’s mansion to the Discovery Center, there’s a wealth of knowledge to soak in as you explore the landscape.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens is more than just a flower park. This extraordinary place, situated south of Myrtle Beach and established in 1931, brings together art, history, and a zoo featuring native animals in their natural habitats. Spread over 9,000 acres, it’s built on four former rice plantations.
The grounds include numerous sculptures and fountains set amid the meticulously maintained gardens. The Lowcountry History and Wildlife Preserve has trails running through the sites of the plantations, through rice fields, and past slave cabins.
Hopsewee Plantation
This National Historic Landmark is lesser-known but worth a visit. Built in 1740, Hopsewee Plantation was a major rice plantation, home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Lynch Jr.
Visitors can tour the well-preserved plantation house, with rooms that mirror the lifestyle of its previous residents. The site also offers a critical education about slavery, with tours of two original slave cabins and exhibitions detailing the lives and contributions of the African people who lived and worked there.
Middleton Place
About two hours’ drive from Myrtle Beach, Middleton Place offers a sweeping display of southern history. This plantation has America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens that have been meticulously cared for since 1741 and are a must-see for their sheer beauty and historical significance.
The House Museum, built in 1755 as a gentlemen’s guest quarters, highlights family portraits, furniture, and silverware, revealing the lifestyle of a wealthy family of the era. The Plantation Stableyards provide an immersive experience, demonstrating traditional crafts like blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery.
To Play and To Learn
Myrtle Beach’s wealth consists of more than its stunning golf courses like Long Bay Club. The area’s rich history waits to be explored in the nearby historic plantations. These cultural tours provide a profound balance to your sporting vacation and a deeper understanding of the complex history this beautiful state is built upon.
Each of them tells a different story: the grandeur of the old South, the discomforting realities of slavery, the changes brought by the Civil War, and the transformation into the modern era. The variety of experiences makes each visit not just an historical exploration, but also an emotional journey that makes South Carolina an even more powerful location to visit, live, and play golf.
Wow. I’m actually planning my trip to Myrtle Beach next month. Definitely, gonna check out Middleton Place. Those gardens sound like the perfect place to relax post-golf!
Interesting read! Must admit I failed to appreciate the depth of history when I was there last. Focused too much on my swing, I guess… 🏌️♂️😅
I’ve played the Long Bay Club countless times, but little did I know about the rich history surrounding it. Has anyone visited these plantations already? Any specific tour you’d recommend?
Just returned from Myrtle Beach and gotten back to my dreary office… Great read, makes me wish I was back hitting birdies, and touring those historical landmarks! A good mix of sport & culture enriches the trip indeed.
Historic tours sound like a good excuse to rest my swing a bit. Will check ’em out.
Never really looked past the greens. This could be a game changer for my vacation plans.
Love the combination of history and sport. Makes the trip to Myrtle Beach more than just a game. Great post!
I’ve been to Brookgreen Gardens before, it’s a beautiful place. Can’t wait to uncover more of South Carolina’s historic past next time.
Anyone know if the plantation tours are kid-friendly? Planning a family trip soon.
Just played at the Long Bay Club last week, I’ll have to check these plantations out next time I’m in town.
Awesome write-up! Nice to see golf blogs diversify their content. History is always exciting!
Brookgreen Gardens sound enchanting! A perfect getaway after a day on the course.
Great post! The rich history sounds fascinating, will definitely make the trip more meaningful.
Very informative! Any recommendations for restaurants in the area too?
Never took a history lesson on a golfing holiday before. Might be a refreshing change.
Interesting read, haven’t tried branching out from the golf course, maybe its time. Thanks for sharing!
Didn’t know much about Myrtle Beach’s history. Makes the games more enjoyable for sure.
The plantations sound fascinating. Definitely adding them to my itinerary next time I’m in South Carolina.
Not a golfer but stumbled upon this blog while researching my trip to Myrtle Beach. Didn’t realize there was this much history in the area. Fascinating!
I love how golf can bring us closer to nature and history. Thanks for sharing.
Might need more than a day to explore all these places! Thanks for the information.
A great reminder of how history is all around us, even on our golf holidays.
Do these places have any accessible facilities for the elderly or disabled? Planning a trip with grandparents.
Love the historic side of golf culture. So much character in these old places.
Played Hopsewee Plantation last year, amazing course plus the history lesson is a bonus.