Take An Enchanting Christmas Dinner Tour of Charleston, SC

Last night Clint and I had a glorious evening, traveling by horse-drawn carriage between three of Charleston’s most elegant inns on a festive Christmas Progressive Dinner.  Dressed in our holiday finery, we were trotted from luxury inn to luxury inn, sampling  culinary delights at every stop.  What a magical way to get in a holiday state of mind!

For over 20 years the Charming Inns of Charleston have offered this wonderful holiday tradition during the month of December.  Three lovely inns present a four-course meal punctuated by brief but lively carriage rides between venues.

The evening began with hors d’oeuvres and spiced rum apple cider (yum) and eggnog at the Kings Couryard Inn.  After meeting our fellow diners and chatting by the fireside, we were off to the AAA Four Diamond Circa 1886 Restaurant which is set inside the historic carriage house of the magnificent Wentworth Mansion.  Diners had the choice of roasted trout or braised beef as the main course.  The dining room was elegant and service impeccable.

For me the best was left to last.  Another clippity clop journey brought us to the gaily lit John Rutledge House Inn, whose elaborate exterior is adorned with intricate ironwork banisters and balconies.  Here guests were greeted with a tempting array of fruit filled layered cakes, cheese cakes, petifours, a double chocolate yule log, and don’t forget the christmas cookies! 

At the Rutledge House Inn we were treated to an indepth history of the mansion which was built by John Rutledge (of course) in 1763.  Rutlege was one of the fifty-five men who signed the Constitution of the United States, and is thought by many historians to have drafted a good portion of it.  And naturally George slept here!  A very friendly and enthusiastic Inn guide, Damian, gave a number of us a tour of several guest rooms.  They were designed with period antiques and reproductions, elegantly decorated, and have state of the art marble bathrooms.  The intricate inlaid floors throughout the home will make you gape in wonder.  If you’ll be visiting Charleston, the John Rutledge House makes a wonderful lodging choice.  And here’s a tip…. ask about the rooms in the carriage house which are often priced at a promotional rate.

All in all we had a wonderful evening and made a memory to last for many Christmas seasons to come.  If you live near Charleston you should put this event on your list of holiday celebrations and if you live afar, consider a Christmas-time visit to this remarkable city and don’t miss the Inn to Inn Progressive Dinner!

Tags: Charleston, Historic Inns

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