- Wildflowers on 40 Acre Rock
- Hanging Rock
- Kilburnie / the Craig Farm
- French cuisine
Dates
April 2 – 4, 2025
Highlights
- Two nights at Kilburnie, the Inn at Craig Farm; sumptuous homemade breakfasts
- Delicious dining, including one chef-catered dinner with wine at Kilburnie
- Local exploration with native experts: Liberty Hill; Hanging Rock; 40 Acre Rock
- Lancaster’s state-of-the-art Native American Studies Center (museum)
- Beautiful backroads driving routes
Trip Description
Welcome back to Lancaster County, SC, and one of Explore Up Close’s favorite “organic exploration experiences.” This 3-day trip is built around community-spirited, preservation-minded “citizen-history buffs” . . . who apparently thrive in the local soil. Add in one French chef who can bring his culinary act on the road. The trip is timed to coincide with one of natural South Carolina’s great spectacles: the wildflower bloom on 40 Acre Rock, a one-of-a-kind place in the state. Gentle walks will abound (but are not required). Enjoy one inspiring dinner event at Kilburnie / the Craig Farm; and the other dinner overlooking Lake Wateree. Besides wildflowers, we’ll uncover stories about the Revolutionary War, the state’s early canal system, and the region’s rich Native American culture.
Featured Experiences
Inn at Craig Farm
Now in its 12th year of operations, the Inn is a luxurious, beautifully maintained Bed and Breakfast Inn with the aura of a small private boutique hotel. This 182-year old antebellum “Grand Dame” was moved in 1999 to 400-acre historic Craig Farm and completely restored to her former Greek revival grandeur. Recommended by Southern Living Magazine, Kilburnie attracts connoisseurs of sophisticated and relaxed comfort. Kilburnie is known for its friendly European-laced hospitality and its gourmet breakfasts. There are nature trails to explore, gardens with seating benches, and three large piazzas with rocking chairs for quiet solitude or socializing. The Dutch-American innkeeper, Johannes Tromp, is the former General Manager of Windows on the World restaurant, which before 9/11 was one of New York City’s premier establishments.
What's Included
Comfortable van transportation
Accommodation for 2 nights
Breakfast, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
All touring per the itinerary
Guide and concierge service throughout the trip
Trip Price
$2,045 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $245)
What's Not Included
Price does not include alcohol, other meals, or optional trip insurance.
..well-planned, from interesting and fun excursions planned each day, to comfortable lodging and transportation. Our trip leaders, Chumley and Khal, were impressive with their knowledge of each area we explored and gracious in their planning of every aspect of our trips.
Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Though trip insurance is optional, we strongly encourage travelers to purchase trip insurance in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.
Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.
This trip departs from Greenville / Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina. If you live elsewhere, please contact us to discuss travel arrangements, and we will look forward to assisting you!
