via Happiness Is

“And as we do at every meal, we gave a toast around the table using one letter of the alphabet. That night, we chose:  H. ‘To Hope. To Happiness. To Humor. To being Here together in Charleston… Heaven on earth.’”

Alissa, Shannon, Melanie and Tiffany met as college students in Southern California. Time has separated these four ladies geographically, so each year they make it a point to find a common place to gather for a girlfriends’ getaway. These trips have become a cherished escape from the norm: a time to catch up and make new memories in a new city.

via Happiness Is

This year, the group chose Charleston and the Fulton Lane Inn as the site for their reunion. These West Coasters had never experienced the southeast and fell in love with Charleston’s charm, history, foodie culture and beautiful vistas. The Fulton Lane Inn proved to be the perfect hotel for their mini vacation. A great spot to experience Charleston for the first time.

Shannon, blogger from the very inspiring Happiness Is, beautifully captured their weekend getaway to Charleston in words and photos  (two posts here and here!)

Here’s what Shannon had to say -

“We couldn’t have asked for a better location. Fulton Lane Inn is located right on King Street in the heart of the city, steps away from shops, restaurants, and parks. Our first day, we got familiar with our surroundings and walked to the nearby market, ate a traditional southern lunch… (where I fell madly in love with authentic cheesy grits), and frolicked along the picturesque waterfront.”

A thorough exploration of our city’s hot food scene should be required on every Charleston vacation. These ladies did it right – and visited many of our concierge favorites like Bin 152 for wine and cheese and the funky Butcher & Bee for lunch.

The four also visited our fine dining sister restaurant, Circa 1886, where guests of the inn are treated to a special fixed price three-course dinner. The food and overall experience got the girls’ stamp of approval:

“Our dinner that night was a special one at Fulton Lane Inn‘s sister restaurant, Circa 1886. We had reservations for a 3-course meal with wine pairings. Chef Marc Collins‘ creations were out of this world. My main course was heart of palm “marrow”, with spinach, crispy fried onions, beluga lentils and grapefruit. Being a vegetarian in the south can be tricky. But I felt welcome and celebrated here. 

The restaurant is located within the original carriage house of the Wentworth Mansion, a gorgeous historical property built in 1886. Before our meal, we were offered a champagne tour. We ascended a spiral staircase to the rooftop cupula to admire the 360 degree view of Charleston. Naturally, we sang a song in 4-part harmony, the same song we sung at the top of the Eiffel Tower many moons ago.”

Thank you Shannon, Alissa, Melanie and Tiffany for sharing these fun memories. We have a feeling you’ll be visiting Charleston again!

Planning a Charleston getaway? The Fulton Lane Inn is perfect for friends traveling together. The hotel offers many (spacious) room types – views of King Street, double beds, suites, etc. Amenities like daily breakfast are complimentary, as is an afternoon wine and cheese reception -truly a perfect place to convene after a day of exploring Charleston. Stay tuned in to our special rates and packages, as we have some fantastic summer 2013 travel deals. 

The post Tale of a Girlfriends’ Getaway in Charleston appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

image via Bon Appetit

On Saturday, June 22nd, Bon Appétit will let foodies loose on the Charleston peninsula for a roving, day-long feast. Grub Crawlers will move between a handful of locales to interact with chefs, mixologists and feel the buzz that Charleston’s food scene is getting – firsthand. Bon Appétit describes a Grub Crawl as a “food-lifestyle experience you can’t get anywhere else.”

Two kick-off parties, eight restaurants, award-winning food and chilly cocktails spread throughout our picturesque, flower-lined, historic streets? Yes indeed. You won’t get this anywhere else.

The Grub Crawl is split in two sessions – a Day Crawl and a Night Crawl. In true Charleston style, each session starts with a party. Our Circa 1886 Restaurant will kick off Saturday’s Night Crawl with a party on the patio and lawn of the Wentworth Mansion. Guests will sip specialty cocktails and nosh on Southern specialties prepared by Executive Chef Marc Collins and his team.

Featured on the Day Crawl are many of our concierge’s top choice restaurants. You’ll kick off at Stars Restaurant on King Street then crawl to:

- The Cocktail Club, Xiao Bao Biscuit,  The Grocery, Hominy Grill

… and for the Night Crawl, you’ll kick off Circa 1886 Restaurant before exploring:

- Cypress, Gin Joint,  The Bar at Husk, Charleston Grill

Grub Crawl tickets are $140, including all food and drink along the crawl. We suggest you make a weekend out of it. Both the Fulton Lane Inn and Kings Courtyard Inn are serving a special package to give you a taste of Charleston’s hotter-than-ever culinary scene: the Grub, Crawl, Sleep Package.

With this special, you and a travel companion will experience two nights and three days in Charleston from King Street accommodations. Check in on Friday evening – a rickshaw awaits to escort you to Circa 1886 for a three course dinner. On Saturday (Grub Crawl day!) rev up your appetite with a Savor the Flavor Tour via Bulldog Tour Company. You’ll sample Southern fare like grits, BBQ, collards, pralines and benne wafers – a perfect entrée into the Night Crawl, for which you’ll have two tickets. We’ll provide breakfast each morning and wine and cheese in the afternoon.

For couples embarking on the Grub, Crawl, Sleep adventure, we suggest our historic accommodations at the Kings Courtyard Inn.

Kings Courtyard Inn – 198 King Street

800-845-6119 – get all the details here

___________

For its large, bright rooms and double beds, the Fulton Lane Inn is perfect for friends traveling together to Charleston.

Fulton Lane Inn -202 King Street

800-720-8600 – get the details here

Sound delicious? This package, built for two people, starts $795 for the entire weekend of June 21-23, 2013.

The post Bon Appétit Grub Crawl Comes to Charleston appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

Our sidewalk blue stone was laid, leaving our patio clear for paving…

We tested some paint colors on our reclaimed bead board walls…

And just this morning, our custom made windows arrived and are getting settled in nicely at their new home.

While we patiently await the real first taste of breakfast and lunch at Kitchen 208, the team is serving some samples on their blog. Last week, we were treated to the BelleGem Sandwich, an easier-to-eat version of chicken and waffles. This week, we were given a sneak peek at a classic Southern style breakfast dish. Hop over to the Kitchen 208 site to read more about this hearty, “stick your bones” breakfast: The Bluestone.

Follow more Kitchen 208 progress and menu sneak peeks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to stop by for a taste test when you visit Charleston next!

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Blue jeans, boots, beer… a few things that might not necessarily be top of mind when you think of Circa 1886 Restaurant…

Fine dining is typically our schtick, but this summer Chef Marc Collins and the crew at Circa 1886 are kicking back for a fun, super casual Westbrook Craft Beer Dinner. Expect the same creative, high quality Circa 1886 fare, but in a relaxed, blue jeans, beer drinkin’ environment. Charleston’s own Westbrook Brewing Company is a favorite around here, and we’re excited to feature a few of their newly released, summery craft brews.

The party kicks off at 6:30 with a reception out in the courtyard. Dinner will begin at 7:00. Here’s the first look at our four course menu.

First Course – Pickled Ginger n’ Crab Soufflé with Bean Sprouts, Bell Peppers, Micro Basil, Honey Soy Vinaigrette

Paired with Westbrook White Thai, which Westbrook calls “a wonderfully refreshing ale with notes of lemon candy, citrus fruit, and a slight spiciness from the ginger.”

Second Course – Duck Confit “Rueben” with Caper Remoulade, Chow Chow, Swiss Cheese, Waffle Fry

Paired with Westbrook Rye Pale Ale

Main Course – “Chicken Fried” Pork Tenderloin with Horchata Black Truffle Gravy, Roasted Garlic Infused Collard Greens

Paired with Westbrook’s brand new Gose Wheat Beer – described as “an interpretation of Gose (pronounced “Gose-uh”), a traditional German-style sour wheat beer brewed with coriander and salt. Once nearly extinct, this very refreshing style is making a comeback.”

Sweet Finish – Expect a chocolate creation from our Pastry Chef Scott Lovorn. Its special beer pairing will be announced soon.

Join us at 6:30 on Friday, June 14, 2013. The dinner is $50.00 per person, plus 20% gratuity and 10.5% tax. Reservations are required. Give us a call (843) 853-7828 to reserve a seat. See what else Circa 1886 has going on this summer. 

The post Westbrook Beer and Blue Jeans Dinner at Circa 1886 appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

Today the Kitchen 208 team debuted an item from their whimsical menu. Meet the BelleGem Sandwich, a very special version of Chicken and Waffles, served with hand cut french fries and pickled bread n’ butter okra.

Hop over to the Kitchen 208 Blog for details about this delicious, decadent, bacon-waffle-bread sandwich. Follow our progress and menu sneak peeks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The post First Taste of the Kitchen 208 Menu appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

As promised, new spring cocktails have made their debut behind the bar at Circa 1886 in downtown Charleston. Here is our latest, greatest handcrafted drink menu.

Battery Breeze

Effen Cucumber Vodka, Muddled Cucumber, Lemon, Elder Flower Nectar, Soda Water

Liquid Sunshine

Beefeater Gin, St. Germain, Elder Flower Nectar, Orange

Lemon, Lime, Soda Water

Wildflower Cosmopolitan

Absolut Hibiskus Vodka, Triple Sec, Lime, Cranberry, Wild Hibiscus Flower

Island Time

10 Cane Rum, Coconut, Orange, Cinnamon

Pink Panther

Jose Cuervo Tequila, Agave Nectar, Muddled Orange, Pink Grapefruit Juice, Salted Rim

Southern Manners

Belvedere Lemon Tea Vodka, Lemonade, Ice Tea, Sugar Rim

Circa 1886 Old Fashioned

Makers Mark Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Bitters

Muddled Cherry and Orange

See what else is happening at Circa 1886 this spring and join us for dinner!

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When it comes to planning a Mother’s Day in Charleston, two of our star concierges Susu and Catherine suggest keeping it simple. Because really, Charleston itself is a city any mother could love. Add in some shopping, food and other fun ‘Charlestonly’ activities and there’s no going wrong.

Susu has been a concierge on King Street for over five years, expertly navigating Moms, daughters and families around town. Catherine and her sisters are in the midst of planning a celebratory weekend for their own mother, so we picked her brain for some recommendations. She said, “Basically, girls will always want to splurge, get pampered, and eat good food!” Here are a few of Catherine’s suggestions, sure to make any mother proud (and happy) on her special day.

Catherine + Susu say…

Take Mom shopping.

The Fulton Lane Inn is in the center of Charleston’s shopping district. King Street is the perfect place to shop ’til you drop. Catherine says the women’s boutique Willy Jay’s is a must, as there is “a little something for everyone.”  Willy Jays is just one of many clothing stores on King Street – there’s also some great local boutiques like Bob Ellis Shoes and Bits of Lace for swimsuits, comfy robes and pajamas, and Worthwhile, Susu’s favorite. Worthwhile is dedicated to creating “a shopping experience that is one of sensory and aesthetic delight.” Susu loves this tried and true shop – for its beautiful relaxed linens, especially.

For fun little surcees like jewelery, lotion, cards and ‘etcetera’, visit our next door neighbors Lily, and Dixie Dunbar. If Mom likes art, bring her to experience the super-cool Atlelier Gallery and peek into Julia Santen Gallery for fun, splashy vintage prints.

For a marathon mother-daughter shopping trip, Catherine suggests visiting the outlets at Tanger in North Charleston. You’ll find the outlets for J. Crew, Lucky Brand Jeans, Nike, Nine West – there’s even a few great restaurants in the area.

Relax. Plan a spa day.

Does Mom likes facials and massages? We can help you set up an appointment at the cozy, rustic Spa at the Wentworth Mansion, our sister property in a darling little residential neighborhood. For manicures and pedicures, there’s no shortage of cute nail salons downtown. Try East Bay Nails for cushy chairs and great service, or walk a few blocks down King Street and visit the big and bright Aqua Day Spa and Nails.

Take a cooking class.

If Mom loves to cook, bring her to Charleston Cooks! Maverick Kitchen on East Bay Street. The folks here offer cooking classes daily, so both you and Mom can learn some Charleston culinary secrets. Charleston Cooks! Store has some of the most fun kitchen utensils we’ve ever seen. Be sure to stock Mom up with cooking paraphernalia and souvenirs to bring home for a fun memory.

Treat Mom to brunch.

Mimosas, sunshine, shrimp and grits. A Sunday morning brunch in Charleston is something Mom will cherish forever.  A few of Catherine and Susu’s favorite brunch spots are in walking distance of the inn.

Their concierge recommendations include Poogan’s Porch, where you’ll feel like you’re being served a meal inside a historic Charleston home (because, you are!) Arrive early and claim a seat on the porch of this ‘Charleston single’ home-turned-restaurant. They also recommend Fleet Landing, a seafood restaurant on the Charleston Harbor. You might even see a few dolphins splashing beside their waterside tables.

Walk in the opposite direction down Broad Street – you’ll discover classic brunch items and a hidden courtyard at Blind Tiger. Venture further down King Street, past Marion Square,  and discover 39 Rue de Jean. This French restaurant has an amazing breezy patio. Sit outside and you’ll swear you’re in a Parisian cafe. Mom can sip on champagne and feast on croque madame with a side of frites. But Susu’s very favorite? Go for a beautiful day on the beach at Sullivan’s Island, then treat Mom to a burger and beer on the porch at Poe’s. Mother’s Day perfection.

Treat Mom to a Charleston getaway. Our Mother’s Day Weekend rates start at $275/night from May 10 – 12, 2013. Check our availability or call 1-800-720-2688 for more information.

The post Make Mother’s Day Special in Charleston appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

Meet Brooks and Jason (left to right) – the two main men behind the bar at Circa 1886. Brooks and Jason are known for mixing up delicious handcrafted cocktails (and for the occasional modeling gig, as referenced above.)

Inspired by the season, the guys change up their specialty cocktail offering every few months. Before Circa 1886 enters into full springtime mode, we recommend you pull up a chair on the patio and sip these drinks before they are replaced with more summery beverages.

We’ll start with what Eater Charleston recently named one of Charleston’s hottest cocktails — Snap Jack Cider. Voted most popular by our guests, this drink is crisp, refreshing and potent with  “Snap” Ginger Spirit, Apple Cider, Grated Cinnamon and Ginger Root.

Next: Tanqueray Gin, Honey, Lemon Juice — it’s the Bee’s Knees,  and it’s sweet and simple. Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners, and so rarely used in cocktails- especially cold ones. Brooks offered a tip for making honey-sweetened cocktails at home. Get your ingredients together and shake the cocktail without ice. Add in the ice afterwards – otherwise, the honey will congeal to the ice cubes.

Worthy of being served under a cabana thousands of miles away from Charleston, the Pink Panther was inspired by Jason’s recent trip to the island of St. John. This cocktail comprises Jose Cuervo Tequila, Agave Nectar, Muddled Orange, Pink Grapefruit Juice and a Salted Rim.

Another Jason creation, the Roman Holiday is similar to a Negroni. It’s a little bitter, but very refreshing, made with the Italian liqueur Tuaca, Aperol, Muddled Orange and a Splash of Soda.

A kickback to pre-Prohibition drinkin’, our Root Old Fashioned features alcoholic “root tea” from the Philadelphia-based distillery, Art in the Age. Mixed with this “Root” root beer liqueur is Simple Syrup, Angostura Bitters and Lemon Twist. If you have 1 minute and 45 seconds, watch this video about the history of “Root” — it’s worth your while.

With sunny skies and warm temperature on the horizon, visit Circa 1886 for an afternoon drink or pre-dinner specialty cocktail. If you prefer something a bit more simple, you’ll enjoy our “5 for 5 at 5:00″ happy hour special. Pay Brooks and Jason a visit from 5-7:00, Monday-Saturday and enjoy $5 glasses of select wines, martinis and cocktails.

Here’s the latest and greatest information about what’s happening at Circa 1886. [specialty cocktails not included in the '5 for 5 at 5']

The post Sip On These Handcrafted Cocktails appeared first on Charming Inns News & Blog.

Charleston, meet Kitchen 208, your [soon-to-be] favorite breakfast and lunch spot on King Street, outdoor patio seating and all. As its name suggests, the restaurant will call 208 King Street home, nestled between Charming Inns’ corporate office and our 45-room Fulton Lane Inn.

The crew behind Kitchen 208 are familiar faces on Charleston’s hospitality scene and members of the Charming Inns family. Developing Kitchen 208′s fun, whimsical menu are Executive Chef Marc Collins and his long-time Sous Chef Matt Pleasants of Circa 1886. When Kitchen 208 opens its doors, Pleasants will take the helm as Chef and Manager.

Providing leadership and further concept development are Mark Severs (General Manager + Sommelier at Circa 1886), Rick Widman and Linn Lesesne (Owners of Circa 1886 + Charming Inns.) Known for renovating and restoring some of Charleston’s most iconic buildings, Joe Schmidt’s (of Evans and Schmidt Architects) plans are breathing new life into Kitchen 208′s 100-year-old building. We can’t wait to show you around.

As we inch closer to debuting the menu and opening our doors, we’ll keep you posted with our progress. Stay plugged in here or follow along with Kitchen 208 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Today we’re sending some Kitchen 208 love to our pals at Gil Shuler Graphic Design (our logo, image and ‘swag’ masterminds) – AND – to our main man Woody and his team at Blue Ion, who have been rocking out on a website design to debut very, very soon.

Enjoy the first look at our logo and get excited for all that ‘great fare and fresh air’ coming your way. Have questions? Give us a shout at info@charminginns.com.

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Spending Easter 2013 in Charleston? Get ready for divine weekend in the Holy City. The skies will be clear and the temperatures warm. The stage is set for a picture-perfect, family friendly weekend. Here’s a few tips for Easter Weekend (and spring break kick-off!) in Charleston.

Egg hunts, church and Easter baskets-

Charleston is called the Holy City for good reason. Our virtually flat skyline is punctuated by beautiful steeples. Charleston building code states that no structure can exceed the height of St. Matthews’ steeple on King Street. The city was founded on religious freedom, so churches of nearly every denomination can be found on the 1.5 mile wide peninsula. Planning to attend a Good Friday or Easter Sunday service?  Want to peek inside to see amazing history and architecture? Here’s a directory of Charleston’s churches. [Or you can also refer to our traveling pineapple friend Penelope's guide a few of Charleston's places of worship.]

Easter traditionalists may take their pick of many Saturday and Sunday Easter Egg hunts. We’re excited about Hampton Park’s Easter EGGstravaganza – Charleston’s largest outdoor Easter egg hunt. Even the Easter Bunny himself will make an appearance to honor those last minute Easter basket requests.

Stock up on last minute basket fillers with a shopping trip down King Street. For cards and surcees, visit our neighbors at Lily and Old Road Mercantile. Hop further down the street to find great clothes, boutiques and gift shops. Round the block to the City Market for Charleston-centric goodies ranging from benne wafers, sweetgrass baskets and t-shirts.

Eating + Sight Seeing Essentials

Don your best wide-brimmed hat, suit up in seersucker, and relish in Easter brunch, Charleston style. Try making your reservations in advance – we expect tables to fill quickly. OpenTable has a fabulous guide to Easter brunch in Charleston alongside menus, reservation details and reviews from actual diners. Our guests’ favorite restaurants (ie 82 Queen, Carolina’s, and Magnolia’s) made the list and come highly recommended.

A trip to Charleston in the spring would be incomplete without marveling at blooming trees and gardens. Try to spy the elusive Peppermint Patty Peach Tree (pictured above in Washington Square Park) and keep your eyes peeled for Camellias of all colors and sizes. Venture away from downtown where a sea of azaleas await at Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place. Pink, lavender, white, ruby red – this is one of Charleston’s best azalea seasons in recent years.

Remember- to fuel up for these fabulous activities with our complimentary breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese reception — two of our many refreshing amenities at the Fulton Lane Inn. Check our availability or take a look at our specials and packages to plan a future visit.

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