In 2003, the Bigelow family bought the historic Charleston Tea Plantation to preserve the heritage of tea in North America. Now just four years later, the plantation is thriving and producing tea. What’s more, with all the tender, loving care that the Bigelow family has poured into the facility, the plantation is now also well on its way to becoming a major destination for tourists and tea lovers!  

Tourist-friendly improvements include a new on-site factory with a special layout that allows visitors to walk along a glass partition and watch tea being processed. A trolley and a bus have been added to take tourists back to the fields where they can view spectacular scenery and watch tea being picked and cared for. And, at the conclusion of the visit, guests can unwind on a rocking chair on the porch of the Gift Shoppe and sample iced American Classic Tea fresh from the fields.   

“Over time,” says Mr. Bigelow, “we hope this will become a major destination for tea drinkers everywhere.” 

Want to learn more about the Charleston Tea Plantation and its operation? Keep watching for our next featured post which presents a number of fascinating plantation facts.

Withering Bed – fresh cut tea leaves

Front of Charleston Tea Plantation Facility with banner for First Flush Festival 2008