Woodlands Inn

Magazine Staff

Woodlands Inn
Summerville, SC

Getting There

It's an easy three-hour-plus ride from Charlotte to Woodlands Inn in Summerville. Take I-77 South then I-26 East to Exit 199-A at Summerville. From there it's a ten-minute drive.

Take it Home

A small bowl of peanut butter M&Ms greets guests in their rooms. Go ahead, try and avoid them. Better yet, indulge. Grab a handful before (and after) dinner, while lounging in bed, or reading fireside. And pick up a bag of your own, fill a candy dish by your couch, and remember exactly why Woodlands was so enjoyable.

Get Away. Now.

The dark, Two-lane roads leading to the unassuming wooded entrance of Woodlands Inn might have you thinking you've made a wrong turn (from $209, woodlandsinn.com). But once you wind through the towering pines, you'll realize this is exactly the relaxing setting your doc prescribed: a graceful retreat tucked away from what feels like the rest of the world. owned by Sheila Johnson (ex-wife of Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson), the eighteen-room boutique property was once, like Pinehurst, where southerners came to rejuvenate themselves. Today, the same can be said of the five-star, five-diamond inn (which boasts a fine dining experience that draws foodies from all over the country), what with its cozy, traditionally decorated living rooms and well-appointed guest suites. so relaxing is Woodlands that you'll find yourself wanting to skip a trip to nearby Charleston and instead curling up with a cup of tea and a good read.  – Blake Miller

What to Do

  1. Sleep in a bit. The plush beds here are so relaxing you won't want to get up even if it means sliding into the large soaking tub for a long morning bath. Climb out of bed, though, for breakfast. Order the pecan pancakes. Cinnamon-coated pecans lie atop fluffy buttermilk pancakes; the secret to the scrumptious 'cakes is a dollop of sour cream in the batter — which makes them richer and even more delightful.
  2. Afternoon tea is a tradition at Woodlands, and it'd be a shame to miss it. The complimentary meal — with varieties including English breakfast and Earl Grey coupled with delicate tea cakes and sandwiches — is set in the lovely Winter Garden during the warmer months and fireside in one of the many parlors during the wintertime. Wrap your hands around a cup of tea, lean back into your chair, listen to the crackle of an open fire, and, most importantly, relax.
  3. If you choose to head off property, skip the hustle and bustle of Charleston and instead opt for a casual stroll through downtown Summerville. The quaint Southern town — affectionately known as Flowertown — boasts tiny clothing boutiques, storefronts, and dining establishments.
  4. Did we mention how relaxing the guest suites are? Make it even cozier by booking a spa treatment in your room by the fireplace. Though the spa menu is limited (massages and facials only), you'll find that a good rub down and beautification is all you need to unwind.

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