Uniquely southern stays Words by Michelle McCollum
Whether you are in search of a grand historic southern home or an authentic coastal escape, here are just a few of our favorite uniquely southern stays for your next getaway. These historic structures captured the hearts and souls of four couples who lovingly restored and preserved them for us to enjoy. History has a way of speaking to us through buildings and when preserved correctly, you can feel the past seeping into the present just by being within its walls. We encourage you to make one (or all) of these places a future destination. You’ll be glad you did.
“Once a year, go someplace you have never been before.” ~ Dalai Lama
Seaview Inn
PAWLEYS ISLAND, SC
Their tagline is “A Barefoot Paradise Since 1937” and it’s the God’s honest truth. When you visit Seaview Inn, plan to leave the world, and this century, behind. It is truly like stepping back in time and you’ll feel like you’re in the pages of one of Dorothea Benton Frank’s books or on the set of a coastal version of Dirty Dancing. Many old time traditions still happen here: a home-cooked breakfast, coffee on the porch, dinner bells, board games, afternoon naps, SC Lowcountry food, and family time - lots and lots of family time. Bring your cell phone if you wish, but even if you’re able to get a signal on this tiny private island, you won’t feel the need to. (They have wi-fi. I’m simply setting the stage here). But seriously, owners Brian and Sassy Henry want your experience at Seaview to be tranquil so there is a policy of electronics-free spaces. How refreshing is that? When you’re not “out back” enjoying the beach or “out front” enjoying the salt marshes, you can read that book you’ve been wanting to read, or go bike riding, or carry on a conversation with your kids, or, you can do nothing at all. Ahh, paradise indeed. 54
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Anchorage 1770 BEAUFORT, SC
Leaving behind a great life and successful careers in Atlanta, GA, Frank and Amy Lesesne made the decision to open an inn in Beaufort, SC. And, we are so very glad they did! The Lesesnes picked Beaufort because of the healthy tourism industry, and they picked Anchorage 1770, also known as the “Queen of the Bay”, because they fell in love at first sight. And you will too! With 1500 square feet of front porches overlooking the Beaufort River, you will certainly find a perfect spot to relax with the warm breezes and the prettiest views in the Lowcountry. And the history, oh the history! We suggest you peruse their website prior to your visit to learn about the fascinating antiquities of this special place. It will make stepping into Anchorage feel like stepping back in time. You will be very tempted to simply sit on the porch and take in the views, but we encourage you to get out and explore the surrounding area. There is complimentary use of bikes, beach chairs, badminton, croquet, and bocce ball – all are perfectly southern activities for a perfectly southern place.
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Abingdon Manor LATTA, SC
If it’s time to treat yourself to the finer things in life, it’s time for you to visit Abingdon Manor. This grand inn is a Greek Revival Style building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the select few AAA Four Diamond Inns and Restaurants in South Carolina. In addition to highend room amenities such as massages, champagne, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, guests are also treated to a fine-dining experience. The prix-fixe, one seating dinner is at 7:30 each evening and predinner cocktails and wine may be enjoyed in the parlors and library prior to dinner. Owners Michael and Patty Griffey (Patty is also the Executive Chef ) have cleverly designed some unique travel packages for guests who are looking for a one-of-a-kind experience. Our favorite is the Cooking School Package (they are all wonderful, I just love anything related to excellent food). Over 700 people have participated in the Cooking School; some more than once. And, why not? You can eat your way through a weekend, and in luxury. Sign me up! They also offer an Antiques/Auction Package, a Two-Night Getaway Package, and a Romance Package.
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Bloomsbury Inn CAMDEN, SC
What can be more Southern than a home owned by a signer of the SC Succession Documents? James Chesnut, Sr. built the lovely Bloomsbury for his spinster daughter Sally. Following the Civil War, many members of the family lived at Bloomsbury, including James Chesnut, Jr., who signed the Succession Documents and his wife Mary. Mary Boykin Chesnut was a famed Civil War diarist and featured in Ken Burns series “The Civil War”. Bruce A. Brown and Katherine Lemay Brown bought the house in 2004 and welcomed their first guests in 2005. Both are retired Air Force full Colonels and have lived all about the world, from Hawaii to Belgium and many places in between. We are very glad they decided to put down roots in Camden. In 2019, Bloomsbury was ranked #19 in the top 20 US Bed and Breakfasts by TripAdvisor, an honor sought by many B&B’s around the country. What makes this 1854 Antebellum beauty so special? Well, besides the amazing hospitality and gorgeous rooms, it sits on 2 acres of beautifully manicured gardens. And, guests are treated each morning with a 3-course breakfast; a favorite side being mouthwatering biscuits from Grandmother Sallie Rose's iron skillets and homemade jams and jellies with fruits from local farms. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
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