The Discover Charleston package was carefully pieced together with our top concierge suggestions and guests’ favorite sights. This picture-perfect Charleston getaway showcases downtown and provides time to day trip to beautiful attractions off the peninsula. Anyone and everyone will enjoy the Discover Charleston Package – couples, families, friends. This vacation package is perfect for a first time visit to Charleston or a 10th visit to Charleston.

The Discover Charleston Package offers two people a glimpse into the city’s most beautiful and historic places. This three-day, two-night experience features:

a carriage ride through Charleston’s downtown historic district

tour inside the Nathaniel Russell House

a day to sight see at one of three Charleston landmarks – your choice! Fort Sumter, Middleton Place Gardens or Drayton Hall

First up: your carriage ride

From a comfortable, shaded seat, you’ll tromp through the enchanting streets of downtown Charleston by horse drawn carriage with an expert tour guide. You’ll hear some history, Charleston trivia and fun anecdotes.

Beauty, history and charm are abundant no matter which tour route you’re treated to. You’ll see floral-lined streets, historic homes, beautifully restored buildings, majestic church steeples, etc. Our Innkeeper Lisa Anderson thinks this is the best way to see Charleston. You’ll get an excellent overview of the city and pinpoint a few places worth returning to.

Next up: the Nathaniel Russell House

courtesy Historic Charleston Foundation

Ah, the Nathaniel Russell House… Built in 1808, this house is pushing 200 years old- but it’s just as beautiful as the day it was built. Its formal garden creates a grand entrance into the regal home.  The real treat is inside – the home’s ‘floating’ three-story spiral staircase, not to mention countless amazing decorative touches.

Standing tall at 51 Meeting Street, this South of Broad home is located near the picturesque High Battery and lush White Point Gardens. The Nathaniel Russell House is a stunning example of Charleston’s unwavering efforts to preserve and protect its history. If you enjoyed peering into Charleston’s homes and gardens on your carriage ride, this is a chance to explore firsthand.

Next Up: Decision time! Here’s a quick guide to picking the best landmark to suit your tastes.

Sightseeing Day – Option 1: Fort Sumter

What makes Fort Sumter standout? Its incredible history and significance in American history. This national park is a dream locale for history buffs. The first shots of the Civil War were fired here in 1861. The structure itself is remarkable and virtually unchanged by the elements. Take a ferry ride across the Charleston Harbor and a park ranger will lead a short tour. Be sure to budget some time to explore the fort at your leisure. Take everything in.

Sightseeing Day – Option 2: Middleton Place Gardens

Escape downtown and enter into the dreamland that is Middleton Place. Middleton Place is only a 15 minute drive from the Kings Courtyard Inn, yet feels about a thousand miles away from reality.

Plotted and built by the wealthy Middleton family, this was once a rice plantation and one of the most grand estates on the east coast. The real attraction here are the gardens, which in the 1700′s were built to be the “premier garden of the thirteen colonies.” Spending an entire day here is easy. Wander through a maze of perfectly symmetrical gardens, admire butterflies, bright, blooming flower and the most picturesque views of the Ashley River. A longer walk around the plantation reveals sheep in a lush green pasture and horses in the stable yard. You’ll see blacksmiths hammering iron and seamstresses sewing, just as they did hundreds of years ago.

Middleton Place is a great option for couples on a romantic getaway. Drive here and sprawl out in the sun under live oak trees and sleepy Spanish moss.

Outdoor adventurers should tack on extra time to rent kayaks and paddle along the river. ($40 a person for two hours – well worth this memorable experience)

Sightseeing Day – Option 3: Drayton Hall

“Next door” to Middleton Place is Drayton Hall. This plantation home is beautiful in its simplicity. Historic preservation at its finest.

The enormous house is completely unfurnished and has been for decades. This way its gorgeous exterior and interior features are better preserved.  The folks from Drayton Hall explain, “Instead of being restored to the vision of those who lived centuries after it was built, Drayton Hall is an artifact that has survived the American Revolution, the Civil War, the earthquake of 1886, hurricanes like Hugo, and maybe most surprisingly today, urban sprawl.”

Take a guided tour of the home. Meander in and out of each room to discover ornate plaster ceilings and incredibly detailed woodwork. Discover a doorway marked by the heights of Drayton children through the generations. Archaeological digs go on beneath the house frequently. If you’re lucky, you’ll be here when a new discovery is made. And don’t miss that clear, beautiful view of the Ashley River from the rear of the house. It’s all so grand and beautiful. Being at Drayton Hall is like taking a real step back in time.

Decisions, decisions. Our 24-hour concierge team can help you choose which site to see. You can also take time to weigh your options while drinking wine and nibbling on cheese and crackers in our breezy courtyard. Whichever experience you choose, you are bound to fall in love with Charleston.

Get to planning! Summer 2013 is the perfect time to soak up every ounce of Charleston’s beauty and charm. Current Discover Charleston Package rates start at $610 for two people. Get more details here or call us at 800-845-6119.

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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. 

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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.

The Family Fun Package shares the best of Charleston: lots of FUN, history, beauty, friendly faces, views of the water and great food! And as our guest, you’ll never have to worry about breakfast. We provide something yummy each morning. You’ll also refresh each afternoon at our manager’s reception. Wine and sherry for mom and dad, pimento cheese and lemonade for the kids, and a breezy, secret courtyard to relax in. With complimentary internet access, you’ll never miss a beat, whether you’re catching up on work or sharing photos with family back home.

Here’s a glimpse at the Charleston tours and attractions you’ll experience with the Family Fun Package.

To start, you’ll choose a day to spend at either the….

South Carolina Aquarium

Set on the Charleston Harbor, the South Carolina Aquarium features creatures of all kinds. Aquarium exhibits range from local sea life, straight out of Charleston’s marshes, to exotic reptiles and mammals, and fish from the great ocean beyond. You can easily spend an entire day here, drifting from one enchanting exhibit to the next. Plan your trip during the Sea Turtle Hospital visiting hours for an even more memorable experience. The aquarium nurses sick sea turtles back to health, providing love and care to these guys before they’re ready to be released back into the Atlantic Ocean. Take a break and grab lunch at the cafe or find a spot on the sundeck to admire the view of ships passing by.

OR 

Patriot’s Point Naval + Maritime Center

History buffs, rejoice! You will just love Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. On display here are “a fleet of National Historic Landmark ships, including the USS YORKTOWN, Cold War Memorial and the only Vietnam Support Base Camp in the U.S. Patriots Point is also headquarters to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the agency’s official Medal of Honor Museum.” The Yorktown- Patriot’s Point main attraction- is celebrating its 70th birthday this year, so now more than ever, is a special time to visit. You can even take in the beauty of Charleston from the flight deck, where you’ll see a clear, beautiful view of downtown and the famous Ravenel Bridge.

Daring family members can climb up the destroyer USS Laffey and peer inside the living quarters. After all that walking around, grab lunch in the Mess Hall and get a feel for the way life was for the men who served on the ship.

You’ll enjoy a tour of Charleston from…

A Horse + Buggy Carriage Ride

Ride through the pretty streets of downtown Charleston in a shaded horse drawn carriage. Get a history fix as you meander through our beautiful streets, admire amazing architecture, Caribbean colors and secret gardens. In the summer especially, you’ll be overcome by the fragrance of jasmine and depending on your tour route, enjoy a sea breeze off the harbor of the famous Battery. An in interview, our innkeeper Lisa Anderson says a carriage ride is one of the best ways to kick off a trip to Charleston. You’ll get a preview of the peninsula’s most famous sites and decide where you’d like to revisit for a closer look.

Carriage rides start at the City Market nearby. You can spend extra time here before or after your tour to pick up Charleston goodies and souvenirs like sweetgrass baskets and benne wafers.

AND

A Ghost + Dungeon Walking Tour

Experience a different view of Charleston, the intriguing, “believe it or not” side of the city. The tour is put on by Bulldog Tours, who say you’ll “hear fun and chilling stories of Charleston ghosts, haunted houses, voodoo, and Lowcountry superstitions.” They also say it’s the only tour in Charleston that grants access to a dungeon, where both pirates and American freedom fighters were kept centuries and centuries ago.

Kings Courtyard Inn’s Family Fun Package is available year round. Prices vary depending on the season. Here more information by calling our staff at 800-845-6119 or book your stay today online.

The post Inside the Charleston “Family Fun” Package 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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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']

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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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