February 15, 2018

Charleston, South Carolina: Wentworth Mansion + Circa 1886; hotel review + restaurant review

Wentworth Mansion  

149 Wentworth St., in Historic District, (843) 853-1886.  21 rooms.  Restaurant; full breakfast; afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres; evening port, sherry, and brandy.  Complimentary access to a nearby athletic club; health spa.  Pets ok. 

What do Reese Witherspoon and Diana Ross have in common?  They both have stayed in the spectacular historic Wentworth Mansion!  Situated in a neighborhood in the downtown historic district, this splendid lodging features large guest rooms with 14 ½-foot-ceilings and Italian crystal chandeliers, plus luxury amenities such as oversize whirlpool bathtubs, nighty turndown with housemade chocolates, and triple-sheeted beds.  A special treat is the 360-degree view of the city available from the mansion-topping cupola.

exterior of Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina
exterior of Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina


love seat in Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina
love seat in Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina


guest room in Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina
guest room in Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina


guest bathroom in Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina
guest bathroom in Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina


"do not disturb" door hanger Wentworth Mansion lodging in Charleston, South Carolina
"do not disturb" door hanger Wentworth Mansion lodging
in Charleston, South Carolina


Circa 1886  

149 Wentworth St., Harleston Village, (843) 853-7828.  

Considered by many to be the best restaurant in Charleston, sophisticated and charming Circa 1886 restaurant is in the former carriage house that is behind the stately Wentworth Mansion inn.  It is romantic to the core, and food is inventive and service superb.  The chef often sends out an amuse bouche to get things started--perhaps a pureed green soup.  Among the appetizers are Broccoli Ricotta Gnudi (black truffles, saffron squash, and petite basil).  I adored the simple Greens & Veggies with crispy corn, garlic, and pepitos.  For my main I selected a beautifully presented Chimichurri Beef enhanced with parsnip potato mousseline, sweet little baby carrots, and coffee oil, while my husband chose the chef’s special Jerk Brined Antelope from Texas, enhanced with key lime grits, red cabbage and yam hash, and coconut curd.  It is hard to imagine passing up a Peach Crisp Souffle for dessert, but other choices included a tempting Crispy Black Forest Bread Pudding and Strawberry Shortcake.  Throughout, we enjoyed an exceptional Pinot Noir from Ken Wright Cellars in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.  This dinner was absolute perfection.

exterior of Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina
exterior of Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina


service at Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina
service at Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina


veggie salad at Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina
veggie salad at Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina


Chimichurri Beef at Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina
Chimichurri Beef at Circa 1886 restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina

  

6 comments:

  1. Wentworth Mansion sounds and looks like the paragon of lodging luxury. And dining at Circa 1886 is true perfection, with lovely ambiance, impeccable service and delectable dishes.

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  2. Such luxurious accommodations and the food too, what a great time you must have had.

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  3. Wentworth Mansion looks amazing! I'll be in Charleston next month -- I'm going to check it out!

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  4. We'll have to give that a look. We're making a brief trip to South Carolina in April and I hope we have time to make our long delayed visit to Charleston. Any other good recs for places to see?

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    Replies
    1. Do take a look at my other Charleston posts, http://travelswithcarole.blogspot.com/search/label/Charleston

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  5. Staying at Wentworth Manor and eating at Circa 1886 would make me feel like a royal! Looks wonderful.

    ReplyDelete

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