“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17
Hello dear readers ! Last Thursday my Renaissance Man and I drove to Charleston, SC for a four day getaway! It had been at least twenty years since we were last there. Charleston is consistently named the best city in the U.S. by several travel magazines. It has topped the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards for nine straight years as the best small city in the U.S. If we needed a reason for a return visit, these awards would have been enough. But it was my birthday and we thought it would be a great place to enjoy food, history, and culture!
We love smaller boutique hotels and I always research before we make reservations. I immediately was drawn to the Wentworth Mansion, a 21-room tribute to Charleston’s gilded age. The mansion is located in the heart of the historic district.
The 1886 expansive and ornate home was designed in the Second Empire style for a wealthy cotton merchant, his wife, and their thirteen children. Original Tiffany stained glass is seen as you enter the grand hall and over doorways on the main floor.
The grand hall serves as the reception area where you are greeted with fine Southern hospitality and attentive staff dedicated to making your stay a wonderful experience. As we pulled onto their private parking lot (a rarity in Charleston), we were immediately greeted by friendly staff.
Hand carved marble fireplaces are seen throughout the mansion. Morning coffee and pastries are served here, as well as tea and lemonade in the afternoons. A complimentary made-to-order full Southern breakfast is served daily in Circa 1886, the popular on site restaurant!
Afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres are served in this lovely sunroom!
There were three appetizers served each day. We had to be careful not to eat too much, we didn’t want to spoil dinner!
A lovely and cozy library was next to the sunroom!
Our beautifully appointed room was on the third floor. Evening turndown included house-made chocolates! I ate mine and the hubby’s each night.
This spot was where we rested our tired feet upon returning each afternoon from walking the lovely city!
A beautiful bathroom with large walk-in shower and oversized whirlpool tub!
Rainbow Row is one of the most photographed spots in Charleston!
These thirteen brightly colored houses are located on East Bay Street, just along the Battery!
One of my must-sees while in Charleston was the home of Carolyne Roehm! Of course it was fully enclosed, but I managed to get a shot of the front of the 19th century Greek Revival Chisholm home. The topiaries in the blue and white urns are perfection! The style icon and tastemaker will have a new book coming in 2020 about this gorgeous home. I am sure I will be adding it to my growing collection of her books!
A pleasant day to stroll the famous Charleston Battery! Can you believe that the largest home on the Battery is 20,000 square feet?
Most of these houses were built to be only summer homes. Many of the wealthy residents of Charleston had large plantation homes in the country.
Most of the homes are now lived in all year.
I love a pretty door! Would you paint a door peach?
The Fall Flower Show was being held at Grace Church Cathedral just a few blocks from our hotel.
I would have enjoyed attending some of the classes, but there just wasn’t enough time. We did stop to take a photo of the flowers surrounding the entrance to the church!
Have you been to Charleston, and if so, what is your favorite memory? Thank you for coming along on our fun getaway to Charleston. I might have another installment next week spotlighting some gardens. Wishing you all a lovely autumn weekend.
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Gorgeous shots of Charleston and your birthday getaway Pam! Charleston is a favorite destination for us but we’ve never stayed at the Wentworth Mansion, thank you for the peek inside. I especially love seeing the exterior of Carolyne Roehm’s home with the topiaries. Looking forward to seeing your garden shots! Happy Thursday ♥
Thank you Mary! I would love to see inside Carolyne Roehm’s home and gardens. I have seen it online, but to see in person would be a dream!
Pam, what a lovely trip. It has been too many years since I have been to Charleston, but it is truly a lovely spot in our country. So much history and beauty. Carolyne Roehm’s home is gorgeous and I, too, will be looking forward to her new book.
So happy you had a wonderful birthday and trip to match. Happy day to you, sweet friend.
Dear Pam ,
My husband and I had visited Charleston
3x … those beautiful memories are priceless ( he passed away in May – we were married for 44 1/2 years ). Your pictures and comments took me to Charleston once again . Magical . Thank you for the
virtual trip !
May you and Butch enjoy every married moment together .
Christine, I am so very sorry about the passing of your beloved husband. Your memories are a healing balm, I am sure. Thank you for the reminder of how quickly life is fleeting and to enjoy each and every moment together. You will be in my prayers for comfort and peace.
You are so sweet. Thank you for your prayers and support .
❤️
I forgot to wish you a “happy birthday” !
Charleston is on my bucket list. While peach is not my fav door color, the brass lion head door knocker caught my eye. I collect and resell those door knockers. I was delighted to see them all over doors in Europe.
I love it when you hit the road, Pam! Your photos are always so beautiful! And best of all, going for a truly wonderful celebration. Happy Belated birthday! Your accommodations were four-star fabulous and oh, every single image made me want to hop a plane and see it in person. Absolutely lovely! (That arch on the cathedral? Brilliant!)
Charleston is a beautiful place to visit. Love the photos and Happy Birthday Pam.
I adore Charleston, what a lovely way to celebrate your birthday! The hotel where you stayed looks and sounds amazing, wow, talk about Southern hospitality! It looks like your weather was perfect too. I like Folly Beach too, there is so much to see, do and eat in Charleston! Thanks for taking us along Pam!
Jenna
What a fabulous trip! Happy Birthday!!
Thank you Carole!
We need to go again. While I have been back 8 or so years ago with girlfriends for my husband and I it’s been more like 25 years. I think it’s time to go visit.
There isn’t anything I don’t love about this beautiful historic city.
Marilyn take the hubby and return to this beautiful city!
Happy Birthday Sweet Pam! How exciting to spend 4 days in such a beautiful and charming city. We went a few years ago and stayed 3 days and loved it. Such rich history! The most awesome thing is that Charleston is only about 4 hours from my! YES…I need to go back now. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy. Yes, you might need to go again🥰. Hugs and blessings!
The hotel you stayed in looks lovely. We were in Charleston earlier this year for the first time. We enjoyed the wonderful restaurants. I will say, Savannah still tops as a favorite city to visit. Have you ever been there?
Penny, we have been to Savannah many times. My husband has a business conference every year and I usually go. We also love it!
I’ve never visited Charleston for an in-depth exploration. It’s on the bucket list.
Which currently in publication book of Carolyn Roehm’s is your favorite?
Mildred, I love her blue and white book! But, everyone is outstanding! Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Pardon the salivation… Oh Charleston ~ What architecture..Those photos resurrect so many memories. Recollections of market day along the battery. The Wentworth now on my bucket list. I would paint a door peach were it surrounded by millwork of that age and quality and resulted in looking like that. How well you captured the aura of that beautiful city, Pam. Thank
you for the heads up on upcoming Roehm publication. Can you imagine that tour?
Hi Mary. We really enjoyed our time away. It was perfect…food, accommodations, weather! I love Carolyne’s books and can’t wait for this one! Wishing you a lovely weekend my friend!❤️
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAM Happy that you had a great time.
Marion
Thank you Marion. It was a wonderful trip!
Wishing you a year of happiness and blessings. Glad you a good time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Marilyn
Thank you so much for your sweet wishes, Marilyn!
My husband and I went to Charleston a few years ago for my birthday getaway (but we made the mistake of going in the middle of summer and it was HOT!). Such a pretty city though with so much history.
On our previous visit it was in July and it was hot and humid!
Happy Birthday dearest Pam! Your photographs are gorgeous!! I’m so glad you had beautiful weather.
The weather was perfect as was everything…food, accommodations, shopping, etc.!
Pam… Happy Birthday dear friend!
Your captures of Charleston are absolutely stunning. That hotel looks luxurious! I love love love Charleston because of the food and architecture! Did you see the beautiful Fountain?
By the way… WP took away my comment from this morning? You and I sure are having problems commenting on each other’s Blogs.
Happy Thursday!
Thank you Nancy. I can’t figure it out. I like to use the WP reader, but it has issues when it comes to commenting! We will persevere❤️
Pam, thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! Your photographs are gorgeous! It looks like you had a marvelous time. Charleston is on my bucket list. Hopefully, some day I will be able visit. I hope you have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend!
Shannon, this comment came in as unknown. I don’t know what is going on with WP!
Pam, thanks for sharing your trip with us. Your photographs are gorgeous! The hotel you stayed at looks so luxurious. I love staying at boutique hotels. Charleston is on my bucket list. Hopefully, one day I will be able to visit. Enjoy your weekend, sweet friend!!!
Thanks so much Shannon. I know you will love Charleston!
You had a Fabulous birthday Pam. Renaissance man knows how to please his sweetie that’s for sure. Charleston brings back fond memories from many years ago when I was in a class in Columbia SC. A few of us girls ( I was 30 years younger) took a day trip to Charleston. What a beautiful city. We walked the streets looking through the gates into the beautiful gardens and visited the market with the most wonderful antiques for sell. I have a antique tea set I bought from there to remind me of that time. Must talk my hubby into a visit there again. Thanks for the post and I look forward to a post on the gardens.
Thank you my friend. Your day trip many years ago sounds lovely with an antique tea set to remember the trip!
I love Charleston too, but can never decide whether I like Charleston or Savannah best. I love the houses in Charleston, 2 Meeting Street is my favorite, but I love the squares and gardens in Savannah. Glad you had a fun birthday! Blessings
It would be hard to choose between the two. Thank you Beth!
Downtown Charleston is just gorgeous! SO much history. It was nice to see your photos. They brought back some happy memories today! Happy Belated Birthday, sweet friend!
Thank you my friend. Wishing you a most blessed Thanksgiving season!
What a lovely post, Pam! I’ve never been to Charleston, but every time I see pictures, I want to go even more! So glad you had a great birthday – thanks for sharing it with us!