Plane Conversations

Destination: Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, South Carolina

Mode of Transport: Jetstream 32  

Closest Airport to Charleston: Charleston International Airport

When I first discovered that I would be traveling by private aircraft to Charleston, South Carolina, and staying in a historic mansion built in 1886, I knew this would be the most unique trip I have taken yet.  I’ve been to big cities like New York and Chicago, beautiful beach destinations like Destin, Florida, but I have never experienced the historic Old South.  What’s more, Charleston is among the country’s oldest cities.  With more than 300 years of history, Charleston has had many historic “firsts” – the first shots of the Civil War, the first decisive patriot victory of the American Revolution, the first playhouse in the nation, and the first museum in America.  So, it is fitting that I write about my “first” experience in this beautiful and charming city.

 I arrived, had my walking shoes on, and was ready to explore!  Charleston is made for walking. I started down at Waterfront Park overlooking Charleston Harbor.  The surrounding streets are residential, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like here 150 years ago. A walk along the waterfront will carry you past grand mansions to White Point Gardens (East Battery Street and Murray Boulevard). It was at this oak and palmetto lined sanctuary where townspeople watched the first shots fired on nearby Fort Sumter in 1861.  Historic forts are the most visited attractions in the Lowcountry area, and there are many ways to discover these and other gems of the city.  Indeed, the best way to enjoy the historic district is on foot or by bicycle. The city’s bicycle shops offer various types of rental vehicles – bicycles, tandems, and pedal carriages. There are also horse-drawn carriage tours and boat tours.  The themes of the tours vary from architecture, gardening, Civil War history to African-American culture and Jewish heritage. 

 History seems more alive here, somehow.  Perhaps it’s the cobblestone streets, the gas-lit lantern alleyways, or the beautiful, Victorian influenced mansions.  I was fortunate enough to stay in the charming, yet opulent, Wentworth Mansion.  Built in 1886, this mansion was the private residence of a wealthy cotton merchant.  Today, it features 21 luxurious rooms and suites, all with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.  The most appealing feature of this hotel, one of the finest hotels where I have been a guest, is that the original look and feel of the residence has been preserved perfectly.  With hand-carved marble fireplaces, intricate woodwork, Tiffany stained glass windows and never-ending detail, you will most certainly feel like a lady or gentleman of an era gone by.        

The service at Wentworth Mansion is the best I have ever experienced – anywhere in the world.  This is a big statement, but completely deserved.  The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and on a mission to make your stay as delightful as possible.  I definitely recommend dining in their restaurant, Circa 1886.  Nestled in the gardens behind the mansion, in what was once the carriage house, Circa 1886 provides an intimate setting, first-class service and an exquisite menu.      

After exploring the city, shopping on wonderful Market Street, and relaxing in my magnificent hotel room, the only other thing that I HAD to do was visit the beach!  Growing up near the beach, and then moving to land-locked Tennessee, it is a given that I head to the beach any opportunity I have.  The Isle of Palms is beautiful, and the people there were friendly, as I know Southerners to be.  I found a new friend at the beach (Samson the Great Dane) and began to explore what quickly became my new favorite city.  Alas, Sunday brought  my time to head back home before my explorations were complete.

Some other time, Charleston, some other time.

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