Yemassee, South Carolina prepares to take part in an unforgettable social experiment - the women will abandon the town for a week, leaving the men and children to fend for themselves. While the excitement is palpable, a freak storm, a surprise marriage proposal and the looming presence of a beauty pageant at week's end soon make the men and women realize they are in for more than they bargained for.

The men are shocked to discover that they are expected to host a formal Southern tea party for 60 socialites from nearby towns. But a young Marine has an even bigger challenge--a birthday party for his girlfriend's daughter and a group of wild teenagers. And at the women s camp, one mother of two is overwhelmed by the experience and considers an early departure.

While the men work to renovate the town s history train station, they are surprised to get help from members of the nearby Oyotunji African Village, a mysterious group that is rumored to take part in voodoo and animal sacrifice. When the villagers learn that the town s young fire chief is engaged to be married they invite the men to their village for a ceremony to prepare him, leading to a night none of them will ever forget.

The men have been working all week to prepare their daughters for the Miss Sweet Carolina Pageant, and the big night is finally at hand. It's an evening filled with stage fright, cat fights and wardrobe malfunctions, leading to an awards ceremony that no one could have predicted. And at the women camp, a domineering mother finally confronts her son's fiance, who makes a mistake that could cause her mother-in-law to withhold her blessing.

As the women prepare to return, what will remain of the town they left behind? Will Tiger Mom Tammy give her blessing to her engaged son? Has Marine Matt "passed the test" in caring for his girlfriend s three children? Will the businesses left in the hands of teenagers still be standing? All questions are answered when the women return to Yemassee and find their town changed forever.