Hey, history buffs and architecture lovers, would you like to tour houses built as early as 1716 and as late as the early 1800s? We’ve got over half a dozen historic homes for you, including the birthplace of a university and sites steeped in Revolutionary War history.
DAY 1: Clemson Area
Start your day with fuel from The Village Bakery & Cafe located in the heart of downtown Pendleton. Choose from a variety of savory meals, sweet, mouth-watering pastries, cookies, or all of the above! Watch the art of baking as it occurs in the open bakery. Open 8:00am-2:0opm Wednesday-Saturday, Lunch 11:00am-2:00pm Tuesday, brunch only Sunday 10:30am-1:30pm. Closed Mondays.
You will now be ready to embark on your historic house adventure! There are 4 in this area that are worth a visit. However, visiting hours vary, be sure to check the schedule before you embark on your historic homes tour.
Location: 130 History Lane, Pendleton, SC, 29670
Hours of Operation: Sundays at 3:30 pm
Details: Managed by the Pendleton Historic Foundation, Woodburn House is a charming four-story clapboard plantation house dating back to 1830. It’s beautifully situated on twelve acres just off US 76, directly across from the Tri-County Technical College campus. It sits nine miles north of I-85 (Exit 19B). Admission is the same at both Pendleton Historic Foundation properties: walk-up tours are $10 (adults), $5 (students/children under 18), or free (ages five and under), and they accept cash or checks only. No reservations are needed unless bringing a party of five or more.
Location: 2725 Old Greenville Hwy, Central, SC, 29630
Hours of Operation: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (10 am – 1 pm)
Details: Managed by the Pendleton Historic Foundation, Ashtabula is a delightful two-story clapboard house dating back to 1825, nestled on 10 acres just three miles east of the town center. Admission is the same at both Pendleton Historic Foundation properties: walk-up tours are $10 (adults), $5 (students/children under 18), or free (ages five and under), and they accept cash or checks only. No reservations are needed unless bringing a party of five or more.
Location: 113 Hanover Circle, Clemson, SC, 29634-5615
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays – Saturdays (10 am – 4:30 pm) and Sundays (2 – 4:30 pm)
Details: Built in 1716 in Berkeley County and later relocated, the Hanover House is over 300 years old and was restored as a monument to an early French Huguenot colonial structure. In 1994, Hanover was relocated to the South Carolina Botanical Garden on Clemson University’s campus, where it overlooks an heirloom vegetable garden. The museum interprets the lifestyles of Lowcountry South Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Suggested admission donations are $5 (adults), $4 (senior citizens), and $2 (children). School and group tours of 10 or more are given by reservation only; email staff at hisprop@clemson.edu to schedule a tour.
Fort Hill / John C. Calhoun House Museum
Location: 520 Fort Hill Street, Clemson, SC, 29634
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays – Saturdays (10 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 4:30 pm) and Sundays (2 – 4:30 pm)
Details: Don’t miss the birthplace of Clemson University! Through a succession of Calhoun-Clemson women, Fort Hill came into the possession of Thomas Green Clemson. In 1888, Clemson bequeathed three-fourths of the Fort Hill plantation and $80,000 to the state of South Carolina for the establishment of a public scientific and agricultural college. Suggested admission donations are $5 (adults), $4 (senior citizens), and $2 (children). School and group tours of 10 or more are given by reservation only; email staff at hisprop@clemson.edu to schedule a tour.
While in Clemson, be sure to check out Pixie & Bill’s for dinner- Clemson’s original fine dining establishment. Enjoy a variety of prime rib, steak, and seafood in one of their cozy dining rooms, complete with fireplaces, antique furniture and original art.
After dinner, check into The Abernathy, a new premier boutique hotel that pays homage to the rich history and cherished traditions of Clemson.
DAY 2: Pickens
In Pickens, start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Pumpkintown Cafe and General Store. Family owned and operated since 1938, this is the locals’ go-to for breakfast, burgers, and country specialties.
Hagood-Mauldin House / Irma Morris Museum of Fine Arts
Location: 104 N Lewis St, Pickens, SC, 29671
Hours of Operation: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, April – November (11 am – 4 pm, and by appointment)
Details: In 1868, when Pickens District was divided into Oconee County and Pickens County, the Hagood-Mauldin House was disassembled, with each board and beam carefully numbered and loaded onto wagons. It was then reconstructed at its present site in the “new” town of Pickens. From its earliest days, the house was a social and political center! Admission is $3 (general ticket) or $1 (student ticket). Group tours can be scheduled by calling 864-421-4771.
While in Pickens, play a round of golf at The Rock Golf Club & Resort or go for a hike at Table Rock State Park.
To close out your evening, sit down to a relaxing dinner at The Open Door, featuring fresh-from-the-farm meals, live music, and good old Southern charm.
Next, check into The Table Rock Inn, and admire the awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views from your cozy porch. Enjoy locally inspired rooms, personal touches, and southern hospitality.
DAY 3: Spartanburg Area
Start your day off at Little River Coffee Bar in downtown Spartanburg. The Coffee Bar features fresh, locally roasted coffee, handcrafted drinks, fresh-baked bread, and much more! Stop by Hub City Bookshop on your way out to shop local authors and pet Zora, the shop cat!
You will then be ready to venture into day 3 of historic homes. There are three in this area to check out.
Walnut Grove Plantation — Location: 1200 Otts Shoals Rd., Roebuck, SC, 29376. Hours of Operation: March 1 – October 31, Tuesdays – Saturdays (11 am – 5 pm), Sundays (2 – 5 pm), and by appointment. Details: This plantation is on land that was granted by King George III to Charles Moore, when the Upcountry SC area was the western frontier. The documented collection of antique furnishings and accessories portrays living conditions in Spartanburg County prior to 1830. They regularly host historical reenactments, festivals, and other events throughout the year. Admission is $10 (adults), $8 (senior citizens), $6 (children ages 5–16), and free for Active Duty Military, SCHA Members, and children ages 0–4. Discounts are available on guided tours for scheduled groups; email rebekah.cockrell@spartanburghistory.org for more details.
Location: 106 Darby Road, Spartanburg, SC, 29306
Hours of Operation: March – November, 2nd Saturdays (11 am – 4 pm)
Details: The Seay House shares the stories of the three Seay sisters who lived in the home and ran their self-sufficient farm in the late 1800s. Evidence indicates it was built before 1850 and is believed to be the oldest house inside the city limits of Spartanburg. Admission is $8 (adults), $7 (senior citizens), $5 (children ages 6–17), and free for children ages 5 and under. Groups of four or more, including school tours, can be scheduled Monday – Friday year-round at $5 per person. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance by contacting Colleen Twentyman at colleen.twentyman@spartanburghistory.org.
Location: 1200 Oak View Farms Road, Woodruff, SC, 29388
Hours of Operation: The Price House is currently under renovation and closed to the public. (Summer 2026)
Normal operating hours include Sundays year-round (2 – 5 pm), expanding April – October to include Saturdays (11 am – 5 pm). Details: Thomas Price, one of Spartanburg County’s earliest entrepreneurs, sold general merchandise, food staples, and liquor, and operated the local post office inside the store as postmaster general. He kept a tavern and inn that provided food and lodging to travelers passing by. There is also a kitchen building and a double-pen slave cabin on the 2,000-acre grounds. Admission is $4 (adults), $2.50 (children ages 6–17), and free for children ages 5 and under. Reservations for groups of 10 or more are required and available on weekdays.
There are countless dining options to choose from in Spartanburg. For lunch, we suggest checking out Wade’s Restaurant. Wade’s was honored to receive the 2024 James Beard America’s Classics Award. Wade’s has been operating for 79 years and continues to make traditional meat & three plates with quality ingredients, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and made-from-scratch bread.
For dinner, relax and unwind at The Kennedy, a modern bistro highlighting New American & Southern-inspired fare. Enjoy crafted cocktails and fresh, locally sourced small plates.
