One Man's Sold Dream Becomes Another Man's Great Gain--Wentworth Mansion

The Second Empire Style bricked behemoth, characterized by its mansard roof and dormers,
benevolently stands four stories above Charleston's intersecting streets of Wentworth and Smith. To get a complete photograph of the impressive mansion, I had to cross over to the other side of Wentworth and Smith where I took an angled shot for the best panorama. Beyond the mansion’s encircling black wrought iron enclosure, the beautifully landscaped grounds beckoned me to enter through its front gate. I accepted the enticement and stepped over the threshold into the present past.

Constructed by the finest artisans of the day, the nearly 24,000 square foot architectural treasure was completed just in time to have its infrastructure rocked and its constitution tested. In August of 1886, The Great Earthquake of Charleston struck with violent fury. While bricks rained down onto the streets of the Holy City, the magnificent Wentworth home of wealthy cotton merchant, Francis Silas Rodgers, emerged from the upheaval virtually unscathed. It is considered one of the finest homes in Charleston.

Francis Rodgers had a dream. Not the kind you conceive in your sleep and awaken from, but more along the lines of a concept. With a family of 13, Rodgers had envisioned that the mansion be used to live in by his children and their children. He employed architect Daniel G. Wayne to bring it to reality.

Rodgers spared no expense in the building of his lavish mansion. The exterior was covered in Philadelphia pressed brick and the windows and quoins were finished in stone. Interior features included inlaid floors, two grand matching Italian chandeliers from Europe, marble mantles carved by sculptor Emile T. Viett, elaborate wooden staircases, a double parlor, Louis Comfort Tiffany glass panels, and a rooftop cupola with panoramic views of the city. A bas-relief cornice above the dining room window depicts a cotton plant, representative of Rodgers' business.

In regards to the two commissioned grand matching chandeliers, which still hang today in the grand mansion suite, it is said Rodgers brought back their maker to ensure proper installation.

The family flourished, but 34 years later his heirs sold it for $100,000 to the Scottish Rite Cathedral Association, who in 1940, sold it to the Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Company. The insurance company used it as their office headquarters until 1996, when Richard Widman had a dream of his own, purchased the unappreciated mansion, and changed its destiny.

Widman renovated the mansion with the noble resolve of preserving its famed historic features. Modern conveniences were added like gas-lit fireplaces, king-size sleigh beds, whirlpool tubs, and double glass-walled, walk-in showers, and air conditioning. After 18 months and 7 million dollars, the grand historic mansion opened as a 21-room, award- winning luxury hotel offering guests a true taste of Southern hospitality in an unsurpassed setting. Wentworth Mansion is a must-see for history buffs and a one-of-a-kind authentic Charleston experience where patrons are immersed into luxury living and good ole Southern hospitality at its best. The year was 1998 and this was only the first phase of Widman's plans.

In 2000, Widman converted the carriage house behind the home, which once housed the stables and carriages, into Circa 1886, today a AAA Four Diamond, Forbes Four Star award-winning restaurant. In 2004, the structure that was originally used as the stable for the Mansion was renovated to house the Spa at Wentworth Mansion. The 1,000 square foot spa offers patrons a full range of treatments.

Wentworth Mansion has been named the #1 Small City Hotel in the U.S. in the 2015 Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards, #2 Best Hotel in Charleston of the Top 25 Best Hotels in the U.S. in the 2015 Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards, and One of the Top 50 Hotels in the U.S. in the 2015 US News.

Amenities: Southern breakfast served from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at Circa 1886 restaurant; afternoon tea and lemonade from 2-4 p.m.; evening wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres from 5-6 p.m.

Specials and packages.

Average rates depending on room selection: August--$440-$595, January--$359-$800, April--$460-$610.

(All photos are original work except the photo of the chandeliers--courtesy of Wentworth Mansion.)

Charleston Restaurant Week Begins September 3rd--Make Your Selections Now And Savor

The next installment of the highly anticipated, ever popular Charleston Restaurant Week is set for September 3-14. With more fine dining establishments per capita than any other city in the South, the list of recognized and celebrated restaurants participating in the 3 for $30 and 3 for $40 specials is extensive.

I find my exclusion process pleasantly challenging as I critique the choices. The criteria for my final selection is simple. It must be a restaurant I thus far have not had the pleasure to dine at and their medley of menu offerings for the week--different from customary is the operative word. 39 Rue de Jean and Circa 1886 are on my radar.

39 Rue de Jean, called "Rue" for short by locals, is patterned after the classic French brasserie, which is the French term for brewery, but the French use the term to describe informal restaurants with a relaxed setting that stay open late, don’t require reservations, and may be open for several meals a day. The food is simple and hearty. You can enjoy it with beer, wine, or any variety of drinks.

A two story brick warehouse built in 1880, it was a building used by the Charleston Manufacturing Company for storing finished products, redesigned in 1943 for adaptive office space, and a bagging company complex in the 1940's before it lastly opened as the "Rue" in 2001.

With a distinctive marquee style entrance, there is no mistaking your arrival at its John Street location. Inside, it is decorated with stainless steel, mahogany, reds and tans, and has a brick archway with a long bar. Outside, a red covered patio with a quaint alley view that is also pet friendly. It will be offering a 3 for $30 menu in typical "Rue" fashion. It has been voted Best French Restaurant year after year by the Charleston City Paper. Located at 39 John Street.

Located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion, Circa 1886 is one of Charleston’s best restaurants. It serves a seasonal menu with a focus on local product, high quality ingredients and Southern flavors and has an extensive wine collection that is stored in the original wine cellar of the Wentworth Mansion.

Many of the buildings original features still remain such as the stable doors, wood-burning kitchen fireplace, and heart-of-pine floors. Upon your arrival and hopefully available, request seating in the arched-covered booths in the main dining room--very cozy.

The entrance is marked by a long walkway lined with pergola style post and beams. Outdoor seating is available on a stoned patio. Circa will be offering a 3 for $40 selection. It has been voted one of the country's '20 Best Restaurants for a Date' and is consistently recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of America’s Best Wine Restaurants. Located at 149 Wentworth Street--reserve a table.

Charleston Restaurant Week is the ideal opportunity to sample the culinary creations of the finest chefs in the Holy City at a reasonable price and the perfect occasion to explore a new restaurant. Downtown streets and alleys will be saturated with captivating aromas and famished restaurant patrons. The Charleston Restaurant Association provides a full list of participating restaurants, their menus, and their websites for you to peruse to assist you in making a final determination. In some cases, a link is included to reserve your table.

So, make your reservations now and assure your place at one of the tables at the restaurant of your choosing. One last thing, j'espère que vous avez un bon moment.

Celebrate With Two Of Charleston's Best In June-Special Events At Circa 1886 And 82 Queen

Although, I have lived in the Charleston area for eight years now, I haven't as of yet cut beyond the crust of all the fine restaurants available throughout the city. They are numerous. One of the most highly anticipated culinary events in the Charleston area, Charleston's Restaurant Week, affords Lowcountry residents and visitors an excellent opportunity to sample the best at a discount. This is one event I look forward to year after year.

I generally pick two from the long list of participating restaurants offering prefixed menus consisting of three items for one set price at either $20, $30 or $40. The last time I chose High Cotton on E. Bay Street. You can read about the adventure here. I've had some great culinary experiences and some unexpected surprises in the form of staples, pun intended with a smile. The next installment is September 4-15.

You will have to wait a few months for Restaurant Week, but in the meantime, there are two opportunities for you to enjoy Charleston's finest with an added treat in this month of June. The first is a Blue Jeans and Craft Beer Dinner at Circa 1886 on Friday, June 14th and the second is part of 82 Queen's Summer Dinner Series, a Bourbon Dinner featuring Jim Beam on Friday, June 28th.

Circa 1886 is located on the grounds of Wentworth Mansion and was the original carriage house, and this is no surprise, built in 1886. It offers an elegant dining experience and it is unlikely you would see patrons wearing blue jeans, but for this event putting on your favorite pair of blue jeans is required. Join Chef Marc Collins for an informal fun food and craft beer night.

Festivities start with a reception on the patio from 6:30-7 p.m. followed by a 4-course dinner paired with newly released beers from Westbrook Brewery. The dinner is $50 per person, price excludes tax, gratuity and additional beverages. Reservations are required. Click on Blue Jeans and Craft Beer Dinner at Circa 1886 for more information. I personally have not been to Circa 1886 and it is on the top of my must-see list. It is located at 149 Wentworth Street.

82 Queen is located in the Historic French Quarter and its address, you guessed it, is 82 Queen Street. It has been serving southern hospitality for 30 years, but its address is 300 years old.

I have been to 82 Queen. The entrance is a long alley way that opens up into a beautiful outdoor courtyard. Inside are eleven different dining rooms spread throughout three buildings, each with its own name. The restaurant is famous for its she-crab soup.

The special event, Bourbon Dinner featuring Jim Beam, is part of the restaurant's Summer Dinner Series. Chef Steven Lusby has created a menu that not only compliments their unique Bourbons such as Basil Hayden's and Knob Creek, but infuses their special elixirs into the food. It's the mating of an old all-American tradition with the famous Lowcountry cuisine. Tickets are $79 in advance, or $99 the day of the dinner. Prices excludes tax and gratuity.

Want to have some fun and an opportunity to win something? Penelope the Pineapple has returned to Wentworth Mansion starting Monday, June 10th with a full itinerary of warm weather adventures through Charleston. You can follow her documented travels on Charming Inns of Charleston's blog and their Facebook.

Each week on Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to guess where she is, who she’s hanging out with and what she’s up to. You will have until Wednesday of each week to guess correctly and be entered in a drawing.

The prize is an overnight package for two at the Kings Courtyard Inn and a $30 gift certificate to Charleston’s brand new breakfast and lunch restaurant Kitchen 208. Contest ends Wednesday, July 3rd. Full details are on Charming Inns of Charleston.

Charleston's Restaurant Week Runs January 10-20, 2013-Come Dine With Me

Another year has come to an end. How swiftly time passes-made new friends, shared good times. Much to be thankful for, especially family, and life, considering how quickly it can change from one moment to the next, involuntarily surprising you with a whole new set of circumstances you did not expect or plan on. I had such an experience closing out the year that temporarily put me out of commission. But to succeed at weathering the storm, I had to adapt to the new set of circumstances and bolster my bridge to the future.

It is a new year and I am ready to get back into the swing of things. What better way than participating in Charleston's Restaurant Week, a celebration of the world-renowned cuisine of the Lowcountry. The 10 day feast starts Thursday, Jan. 10 and runs through Jan. 20. As in the past, participating restaurants will offer fixed priced menus consisting of three items for one price-3 items for $20, $30 or $40. For all you culinary techies out there, a new feature launched by The Greater Charleston Restaurant Association is available for your convenience. A new smartphone app that gives information about restaurant events, a tip calculator and parking assistance. Go to your app store and search for Charleston Restaurant Association or CRA to download.

In celebration of Charleston's Restaurant Week, I have compiled some interesting facts about the restaurant industry for you to chew on:

1) Does this apply to you? One-half of all adults have worked in the restaurant industry at some point in their lives, and one-third got their first job experience in a restaurant. As for me, I was not one of them. My first job was working as an assembler at a company that manufactured x-ray equipment. As for people who become restaurants owners, 80% reported their first job in the restaurant industry was an entry-level position. I guess you could say, it is in their blood.
2) Charleston Restaurant Week is such a huge success because 93% of consumers say they enjoy going to restaurants. In addition, 2 out of 5 consumers say they are not using restaurants as often as they would like.
3) On what day of the week do you favor to eat out? The most popular day to eat out in the U.S. is Saturday. Second is Friday, third is Sunday. Monday is the slowest day for restaurants. When was the last time you ate out on a Monday with your family? If you want to avoid long waits, Monday looks like the obvious choice. Now, if everybody changed their dining day preferences to Monday, Sunday and Friday could get bounced. I just don't see that happening to Saturday.
4) The restaurant industry is the second largest employer in the United States. More restaurant employees are women than men. More restaurant employees are single than married. Guys, forget the bars, become a restaurant employee.
5) The word "restaurant" comes from the French word "restaurant." I wondered if this was true, so I entered the English word "restaurant" into Google Translate to get the French equivalent and voila, "restaurant" appeared. According to the popular story, a Paris chef named Boulanger in 1765 began offering a choice of nourishing soups for passersby to sit down and enjoy. On a board hanging over the door, he painted the word "Restaurant," meaning "to restore."

Last year, I visited the Husk and it was my best dining experience of 2012. You can read about it in my article "The Husk Restaurant In Charleston-Great Southern Gourmet Experience And Beautiful Location." I am looking forward to the same in 2013. The list of fine restaurants to visit in Charleston is long and celebrated. Some of the restaurants I have on my radar for Restaurant Week are Sermets Downtown, Mellow Mushroom Downtown, Circa 1886, and Blu Restaurant and Bar. For the complete list of participating restaurants, click on The List for Charleston's Restaurant Week. I look forward to seeing you the week of January 10 to 20. When you see me, be sure to say, "Bon appetit."

Two of Charleston's Finest Hotels And Inns-Call It A Holiday

I just saw the movie "Holiday" again for the umpteenth time. There is something about the movie I like that keeps me interested time after time. It has everything to do with the idea of being rejuvinated by rediscovering life and the possibility of achieving happiness despite life's setbacks, particuliarly in relationships. Holidays can do exactly that, rejuvinate and reinvigorate.

Holiday is an Europian term. In the U.S., we call it a vacation. We vacate our everyday lives to experience a change of scenery and for a brief time immerse ourselves into a world of self gratification, reconnect with those we love, or experience something new and exciting. Some refer to it as "recharging their batteries". It could be a weekend respite or span an amount of time usually involving a week or two.

Charleston abounds with places to do just that, recharge the batteries. In this article I will highlight two of Charleston's more prestigious inns, Wentworth Mansion and John Rutledge House Inn. Wentworth Mansion is a AAA Five Diamond Award hotel and John Rutledge House a AAA Four Diamond Award inn.

Wentworth Mansion was built in 1886 by wealthy cotton merchant Francis Silas Rodgers. It was a private residence turned into one of the world's finest and most unique hotels. The hotel features 21 luxurious rooms and suites, all with whirlpool tubs and most have working fireplaces. It also has a spa. The original carriage house in the gardens behind the mansion is home to the Circa 1886 restaurant. The hotel offers a variety of packages through the year, many of which cater to couples looking for a romantic interlude.

John Rutledge was one of the fifty-five signers of the U.S. Constitution and built his home in 1763. George Washington made a visit to the home as a guest in 1791. The restored home was turned into an inn offering nineteen guest rooms within a complex of three buildings, the main house and two carriage houses. Some of the rooms have working fireplaces and jetted-tubs. It too offers a variety of packages that cater to couples.

They are not cheap, but why not indulge and immerse yourself into the Charleston of the past. John Rutledge House Inn is located at 116 Broad Street and Wentworth Mansion is located at 149 Wentworth Street.-Vacation Rick Travel