The Charm of Charleston
Written by CHUCK CLEVELAND | Photography by BARBARA CLEVELAND
Wentworth Mansion, a small luxury hotel in Charleston, was ranked that category’s second best in the nation by US News & World Report in 2019.
In 2021, Travel and Leisure Magazine named Charleston the top city in the United States. A few years earlier, the same publication proclaimed it first among all cities in the world.
My wife Barbara and I have visited Charleston, South Carolina’s largest city, three times and can vouch for our favorite aspects of the historic town, including a world-class hotel, an excellent restaurant and a tour worth taking. Only six hours away by car, Charleston is a superb destination.
Wentworth Mansion
Wentworth Mansion, in 2019, was named the world’s No. 2 small luxury hotel by US News & World Report. The same year, Trip Advisor recognized the Wentworth as among the top 25 most romantic hotels in the United States.
Completed in 1886 as the private residence of wealthy cotton merchant Francis Silas Rodgers, the 24,000-square-foot abode served as the gracious home of Mr. and Mrs. Rodgers and their 13 children.
Now 136 years old, Wentworth Mansion is located at 149 Wentworth Street in Charleston’s famed historic district. Offering 21 guest rooms, the mansion operates as a boutique hotel boasting Italian crystal chandeliers, Tiffany stained glass and hand-carved marble fireplaces. Glamor and grandeur permeate throughout the mansion, but it seems more like a home than a hotel. Charleston’s historic district and its famous harbor can be viewed from the hotel’s cupola.
While the accommodations are certainly not inexpensive, it’s worth noting that the Garden Rooms are among the less expensive ones. Both of these rooms are large and come with a sunporch.
If comfort, elegance and location were not enough, Wentworth Mansion also offers a delicious 5 p.m. serving of hors d’oeuvres provided by the Circa 1886 restaurant, a popular establishment next door. The food is so plentiful that the evening meal can be postponed until 7 p.m. or later. A full breakfast at Circa 1886 is included in the lodging cost.
Halls Chophouse
Charleston has many excellent restaurants from which to choose, but the highest-rated is Halls Chophouse. Located at 434 King Street, it’s probably too far to walk from Wentworth Mansion, but the short drive is well worth it. Reservations are encouraged.
When you visit Charleston, make it a point to dine at the top-rate Chophouse. You'll have to splurge, but you’ll probably be glad you did. Barbara still considers the steak she enjoyed there one of the best, if not the single best, she’s ever had.
Tea Party Private Tour
We enthusiastically endorse the Charleston Tea Party Private Tour. The tour is billed to be “for the discerning visitor” who hopes to experience Old Charleston as a guest, not a tourist.
Charleston natives Laura Wichman Hipp and June McNight offer guided explorations that take guests to their friends’ private homes and gardens, providing what we consider the ultimate insider experience. There’s a walking tour available as well, but Barbara and I took the tour in which Laura picked us up at our hotel and drove us around, with numerous stops, for approximately four hours. In addition to enjoying her company, we examined lovely gardens and learned about Charlestonian architecture.
The conclusion of the tour is particularly enjoyable as guests end up at Hipp’s home where they’re treated to a full luncheon and tea service. Reservations are essential, and the time you spend on this tour will make memories to last a lifetime.
From what we’ve experienced of Charleston, we consider it the Deep South at its best. NCM
