Venture off the beaten path to this National Historic Landmark and home of South Carolina Poet Laureate Archibald Rutledge. Hampton Plantation’s Georgian-style mansion and grounds give a glimpse into early American history, weaving a tale of slavery and wealth that carries on into the years after Emancipation. This colonial-era rice plantation is one of few that remain. Hampton Plantation Mansion, 1950 Rutledge Rd., McClellanville. Saturday-Tuesday, 1-4pm. $7.50; $3.75 senior; $3.50 ages six-15; free for child under six. (843)546-9361, www.southcarolinaparks.com