Now and then I like to highlight a location that I have visited and can attest to from my own experience. For Mother’s Day 2018, we (my husband and I) traveled to Charleston, SC to surprise my mother. The following were among the highlights of our trip:
Wentworth Mansion
We stayed at the Wentworth Mansion this year. This historic hotel is likened to Downton Abbey by a guest review highlighted on their site. Daniel G. Waynes designed the ornate Second Empire building that was home to Francis and Marie Rodgers in the mid-19thcentury. From 1920-1940 Scottish Rite Masons were the custodian of the mansion, which received extensive refurbishing in the 1990s under new ownership. The original staircase, inlaid floors and Tiffany glass have all been preserved. It is located within easy walking or driving distance of many of Charleston’s most popular attractions. I asked the staff to help me with the surprise. They were customer-service oriented and helped me with everything from beginning to end.
The Surprise!
My aunt knew we were staying at Wentworth Mansion and planning the surprise for my mother. My mother thought my aunt was touring the hotel because the Pend Upon team was planning a client’s Charleston vacation. When my mother and aunt arrived, the manager gave them a tour of the hotel. The final stop on the tour was our room. When he showed my mother the bathroom, my husband and I came out of the closet. My mother could not believe it. She screamed and then began crying.
The Spectator
This Art Deco hotel is also located in the historic district of Charleston near the French Quarter. As Travel + Leisure describes it, “The Spectator channels 1920s glam with accents like hand-painted wallpaper, a gilded elevator, and mirrored ceilings.” They named this hotel as 1st in the US and 2ndin world in 2016, which was the year we stayed there also (Thanksgiving 2016). Their famous lobby chandelier boasting of 1800 hand-strung crystals is remarkable itself, as is the “speakeasy-style bar adorned in vintage artistry.” It is near the City Market and has a great staff. They are well known for their customer service, which is founded in traditional southern hospitality. I even had a butler!
City Market, Restaurants, & Tours
The Charleston Historic District’s City Market, established in 1807, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. This is the venue for sweetgrass baskets (now decorative, but originally used to winnow rice from plantations), and numerous other certified authentic local artisan souvenirs.
There are numerous great restaurants to choose from—TripAdvisor counts Halls Chophouse, 167 Raw, FIG, and Breizh Pan Crepes among their top selections (price categories range).
I recommend the historical tours—there are several free walking tours available. Ghost & haunted tours are also offered.Thinking of visiting Charleston? I along with the hotel concierge can help with these events. From Atlanta, GA, Charleston is a great road trip destination. (See the June 2018 post, “Did Someone Say “Road Trip”?”)
