Distance:
Four hours by car
Where to Stay:
The 126-year-old Wentworth Mansion makes exceptional use of its historic elements, housing its spa in the former stables and an on-site restaurant in what was once a carriage house. That there are only 21 rooms means the inn is generally quiet. Bonus: all the historic district’s sites are within walking distance.
What to Do:
Charleston is a very walkable city and relatively small in size, so you can cover a lot of ground in a short time. South of Broad Street, you’ll find quintessential Charleston architecture, like Rainbow Row, a colorful stretch of homes dating back to the 18th Century. The vibrant Charleston City Market offers a glimpse of the old South and stalls full of clothes, hand woven baskets and canned goods—in other words, ideal souvenirs.
Where to Eat:
Poogan’s Porch is a Charleston institution, serving Southern food the traditional way. The 1,500-bottle-strong wine cellar is definitely a perk and the fried chicken is always a crowd pleaser. Still buzzy despite being open for nine years, Husk is run by two Southern natives and puts local ingredients front and center. Good food and live music are the draws at High Cotton, which specializes in Lowcountry cuisine with a fine dining twist (think pecan-crusted flounder with white grape butter and baked stuffed lobster with sherry cream). ♦