Romantic Getaway at John Rutledge House Inn®
Charleston consistently ranks as one of the most romantic cities in the country, and it’s easy to see why. From its enchanting gas lanterns and cobblestone streets to the soft clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages and hidden alleyways, the “Holy City” sets the perfect scene for a romantic getaway. Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand beneath the Spanish moss, savoring candlelit dinners at renowned restaurants, or watching breathtaking sunsets over the harbor, Charleston is a city that captures the heart. To help you plan the perfect escape, we’ve curated a thoughtful itinerary filled with unforgettable experiences and intimate moments.
Please note: Many restaurants and attractions are walkable from John Rutledge House Inn®. If you do not have a car, we recommend Uber, Lyft, or Bike Taxi. Also, we highly recommend making reservations for dinner as soon as possible whenever possible.
WEDNESDAY
- Check-in is at 4:00 pm, but you are welcome to drop your bags early to start exploring the ‘Holy City’!
- Explore John Rutledge House Inn and the grounds, then get settled in your beautifully appointed room.
- Savor a romantic dinner at Magnolias. A staple in Charleston for over 30 years, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine and is just a 10-minute walk from Kings Courtyard Inn.
- End the night at the Gin Joint, a cozy, intimate bar/eatery serving cocktails and eclectic small plates in a 1920s-inspired setting.
- Head back to John Rutledge House Inn for a glass of sherry, port, or brandy before retiring to your room or suite.
Thursday
- Start your day with a complimentary Continental or cooked breakfast served in your room, ballroom, courtyard, or piazza.
- Walk down King Street to the Battery and White Point Garden, admiring historic mansions and capturing stunning harbor views. Head up East Bay Street and get an Instagrammable photo to share with your friends in front of Rainbow Row, a series of thirteen colorful historic houses. Then, walk over to Concord Street and continue to Waterfront Park where you can get another romantic photo in front of the famous Pineapple Fountain.
- Rest and refresh with lunch at 167 Raw Oyster Bar, a New England style Oyster Bar on iconic King Street. The menu highlights the outstanding seafood mecca that is the East Coast!
- Embark on a guided walking tour with Bulldog Tours to learn about Charleston’s rich history.
- For happy hour, head to Bar Vaute, a romantic speakeasy located beneath French restaurant Brasserie La Banque.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at Circa 1886 tucked within the original carriage house of our sister hotel, Wentworth Mansion®.
Friday
- Head to Millers All Day to enjoy a Southern Breakfast of Shrimp & Grits or Biscuits & Gravy.
- Recreate the Rowboat Scene in The Notebook! Jump in the car and head to Cypress Gardens to take a self-guided boat tour through the cypress trees which goes through the same area that Noah and Allie explored.
- Shop and explore historic Charleston City Market for local crafts, art, and other Charleston products.
- Nothing says romance like a sunset walk on the beach, and Charleston has several great beaches to choose from. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island are all a short distance from Downtown Charleston.
- Grab dinner at Chez Nous, a pint-sized neighborhood spot with elevated food & wine from France & around Europe in a cozy space. They offer a daily changing menu of local ingredients which consists of two appetizers, two entrees, and two desserts. They are also open for lunch.
Saturday
- Kick off the day with a healthy breakfast at Basic Kitchen, a serene, light-filled space featuring local produce and whole grains.
- Learn about Charleston’s storied past on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the cobblestone streets with Palmetto Carriage Works.
- Explore the Nathaniel Russell House Museum, an elegant 19th-century home renowned for its spiral staircase and period furnishings.
- Grab lunch at Slightly North of Broad, an eclectic Lowcountry bistro that brings together an abundance of fresh, local ingredients and expert presentation with friendly, contagious energy.
- Take an Uber or drive to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens for a peaceful stroll through one of America’s oldest public gardens. Experience the beauty of the romantic-style garden, and, if you wish, take a guided tour of the historic house.
- End your day of exploration with dinner at FIG, a local favorite specializing in seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.
Sunday
- For your last breakfast, head to Poogan’s Porch, a classic Southern restaurant housed in a historic Charleston single house named after Poogan, a beloved Southern porch dog, who made 72 Queen Street his home, becoming the unofficial guardian of the restaurant until he passed in 1979.
- Stroll King Street and indulge in some retail therapy. Explore a variety of boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries.
- Check out by noon but leave your bags if you don’t need to rush to the airport and continue to explore Charleston!
More Tips!
- Sunset sail or Dinner Cruise with Charleston Harbor Tours.
- Couples’ spa day at The Spa at Wentworth Mansion®.
- Romantic drive and selfies at the Angel Oak Tree, a stunning 400-year-old oak tree on Johns Island.
- Scenic drive and wine tasting at Deep Water Vineyard.
- Dinner cruise on the Charleston Princess: Watch the sun set over the water while dining aboard a luxury cruise ship.
- Live Music! Check for live music performances at local venues like the Charleston Music Hall and Firefly Distillery.
To help ensure you capture the full Charleston experience, we highly recommend booking your dinner reservations, carriage tours, and other attractions in advance. Please call 843-723-7000 if you would like our concierge team to assist you in any way.