The Latta Plantation is not what many picture as the sprawling, large southern plantation house. Instead it is a working farm/homestead. It is small enough to easily explore in an hour or two. Do time it for a tour of the inside of the house, although the out buildings are interesting as well.
The whole plantation was a very good area but we were there on a Sunday and the plantation was supposed to be open but it was not. We walked down to the small fishing pier through the picnic area. There were a grazillion little inch worms hanging from the trees who got on us and all over the car in the parking lot. There were many nice hiking trails and canoe rentals but the worms kept our hiking to a minimum and the canoe rentals were not open yet for the season. There is a raptor exhibit that we decided not to pay to enter because of the little inch worms but was probably a very nice place to visit under the right circumstances. I would like to go back when the inch worm are "not in season".
My 9 year old attends one of the Summer Camps that Latta Plantation offers and he loves it. All little boys like to play pretend so what's better than a camp where you can pretend to be a soldier from the Revolutionary or Civil war. The staff that is in charge of the camps are awesome and you feel transported back in time. We've also gone to some of the adult reenactments which are so realistic, especially with the canons and guns firing. You can visit the Plantation house, detached kitchen (which smells so yummy during reenactments and during the holidays, with an actual cook cooking meals of days gone by); you can visit the outbuildings and see the animals. It's a nice way to spend an afternoon. Latta also has horseback riding; a raptor and Nature center. We have not had the opportunity to try those amenities yet.
My sister wanted to see a plantation while we were in Charlotte and had limited time. We Googled and found the Latta Plantation. Not your typical plantation, but loaded with lots of history and charm. For a nominal fee, they provide a guided tour of the house and the history that went along with it which was so interesting. The furnishes are original or typical of the time period based on letters they found. Afterwards you can roam the grounds and see all the animals that thrived during the time the Latta family lived there.A must to see when in Charlotte!
Having visited many historic places throughout the US, I expected more for the money. Simple re-enactments and storytellers would have added so much to this place. It's nice that they are attempting to keep history alive and well. Hopefully new management will work on improving it.
My husband and I live in Charlotte and we enjoy hiking. We recently purchased a book entitled "Best Hikes Near Charlotte" by Jennifer Pharr Davis. Latta Plantation is listed as one of the places to hike so we decided to check it out. The place is easy to get to and parking is free. There are four trails in 2 different parts of the the park. First we went on the Treasure Tree Trail. Next, we went on the Beechwood trail which is right next to the Treasure Tree Trail. The other two trails (Audubon and Cattail) are on the other side of the park near the lake. We completed them as well. Overall, the trails are easy to get through. The elevation is minimum and all together they are about 4 miles. We went early on a Saturday morning and there really was not anyone else there besides us until about 10:AM. Some of the trails are not well marked. For example, when walking through the Audubon trail, you frequently get to a stop where you could go two different direction and there is no sign to tell you which way. Even so, the trails are so short you will get through the loop eventually if you keep walking. Be careful when walking because some parts of the trail are shared with a horse riding trail. It was cool to see horses but you want to make sure you do not step on anything. We did not pack a lunch but the area had many well-kept picnic and grilling places. I am not sure if you have to reserve them.Next time we go, we are going to visit the Nature Preserve and Carolina Raptor Center. We also noticed that they offer kayak tours and horseback riding. Overall, we had a great time.
We just happened upon this Historic Plantation. As luck would have it, there was a Folk Life Festival on when we were here. Great music, great food, and wonderful artisans selling their wares. The grounds and buildings are worth visiting. Lots of history here.
We have been there several times, for festivals or just to walk through. Have taken visitors from other states ages 3 to 80. Always have had a good time. An opportunity to walk through history. I would encourage every one to watch the short but well done film before walking the plantation. Some of the people that work there or are on hand for festivals are very knowledgable.
Interesting historical place, we very much enjoyed the tour and have stopped back several times for the delicious local honey. I really enjoy the small local faires they do during the year and wish they would have more or even a craft fair.
The plantation is in the middle of a nature reserve that offers many recreational activities among the thick woods. The plantation its self is small (a handful of buildings) that can quickly be toured but the real richness of the site is the knowledgeable staff who are very helpful and forthcoming in sharing the unique stories and facts of the site. I'd recommend to try to combine a visit with an event at the site or an outdoor activity to make the most of the visit.