Blog

Philanthropy has found its way to Charleston this February as the last days of winter slip away. If you find yourself vacationing at The Mills House this month, we highly recommend attending one of two popular events in the community to give back and make a difference.

2022 Lowcountry Oyster Festival

Welcome to the world’s largest oyster festival! On Sunday, February 6th, 60,000 pounds of oysters will be shucked in contests and for festival-goers to indulge in. Aside from the oyster excitement, guests can also enjoy live music, wine, domestic and imported beers, and a “Food Court” showcasing some of Charleston’s best. Your little ones will also love the Kid’s Area: Pluff-A-Palooza including a climbing wall, art & crafts, an egg toss, and much more! The Charleston Restaurant Foundation donates proceeds to local charities to give back to the community.

SEWE

From February 17-20th, The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition will make its way to Charleston across several venues including Brittlebank Park and Gaillard Center & Marion Square. Those with a love for all things wildlife gather every year and express their shared passion through art, live entertainment, and shows. Attend the Dockdogs® Competitions where you’ll get to see prestigious award-winning dogs compete in obstacle courses. Head to demos for Sheep & Duck Herding, Birds of Prey Flight, Orvis Fly FIshing, and many more shows to attend that you can check out online when purchasing tickets. Whether you are donating, purchasing art, or just attending an event, the non-profit SEWE will honor your contribution toward wildlife and nature conservation.

It would be an injustice if, on your trip to Charleston, you didn’t indulge in the finest southern cuisine. Though you can get a glimpse of deliciousness at The Mills House’s very own Barbadoes Room, January is an amazing time to visit! Get ready for Restaurant Week South Carolina 2022 from January 13th-23rd. 

If your trip happens to fall in the window of one of the best weeks in the state, you’re in for a literal treat! The goal of Restaurant Week is to present South Carolina to the rest of the country as one of the top culinary destinations, showcasing its diversity. Participating restaurants throughout the state offer amazing dinner and lunch values and you’re going to want to make a reservation, as spots fill quickly!

A full list of participating Charleston-area restaurants can be found online, and keep checking back in for updated menus.

The brisk air and holiday cheer have made its way to the South! We have your guide to the top seasonal favorite events all within 20 minutes from The Mills House.

The Sound of Charleston

Only a 2-minute walk down the street, head to Circular Congregational Church to enjoy their live 75-minute concert series happening now until December 31st; Charleston's longest running musical production.  Listen and reflect on the musical influence that shaped Charleston, touching on jazz, gospel spirituals and even music shared during the Civil War. Buy your tickets in advance online.

Festival of Lights 

It’s that time of year again to head to James Island County Park for an award-winning spectacle! Surrounded by about 2 million lights, the  32nd Annual Holiday Festival of Lights runs nightly light shows from 5:30 p.m - 10 p.m., now until New Year’s Eve. This year, check out the newly renovated Cooper River Bridge display, in addition to the rest of the 750 displays within three miles. Throughout the park, various activities bring in hundreds year-round including gift shops, marshmallow roasting, festival train rides, and even an old-fashioned carousel!

Festival of Trees

The Charleston Visitor Center welcomes you now until January 5th for the 2021 Festival of Trees. There will be 25 decorated trees and 16 decorated wreaths, all honoring the memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Locals and visitors can admire the displays between 8:30 a.m and 5 p.m., or even partake in online bidding on the trees and wreaths, with proceeds going towards Dragon Boat Charleston, a non-profit that benefits cancer survivors in the Lowercountry of South Carolina. 

If you find yourself in Charleston this fall, enjoy the crisp air with outdoor events that will make your trip memorable. We have your guide to the perfect eventful itinerary for your stay here in the south.

Thrill-seekers can make their way to the Coastal Carolina Fair from October 28th-November 7th. Enjoy an evening of fairground rides, live music, and exhibits. It’s a busy weekend with multiples options for November 6th. Head to Johns Island County Park for the Harvest Festival. Bring the family for real deal Carolina BBQ, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, and high-energy, live, bluegrass music. Feeling competitive? Take a trip to the Victory Cup Polo Match & Hot Air Balloon Festival, where you can enjoy the game while sipping on a locally sourced libation, but then rise above it all in a breathtaking hot air balloon ride. Packages and prices vary, and tickets are selling fast!

Trying to burn off any extra holiday calories? Walk or jog your way through the Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K, on November 25th. You must register online for this scenic route that will take you through the charming Historic Charleston. Best part? Free beer at the after-party. If you’re seeking more of a stroll-in-the-park feel, a morning at the Charleston Farmers Market is just as perfect to get that fix of fresh air. Vendors include farmers, artisans, crafters, and of course, food and beverage experts, every Saturday from 8 am - 1 pm. 

Experience MOJA and immerse yourself in a hands-on celebration of the many contributions African-American and Caribbean cultures have made to Western and world cultures. Moja, a Swahili word meaning "one," is a fitting name for a festival celebrating the harmony possible within a community. The MOJA Arts Festival offers a wide range of events including visual arts, classical music, dance, gospel, jazz, poetry, R&B music, storytelling, theatre, children’s activities, traditional crafts, ethnic food, and more.

Forced to adapt to the times, the annual festival will look a bit different than it has in previous years. But the week-and-a-half-long arts show, from September 30th to October 10th will still go on! Instead of continuing its traditional platform of large-scale free public events and ticketed performances by national and international artists, a series of events scaled to mirror current CDC guidelines will be scheduled. These will be complemented by inspiring public art initiatives, pop-up art exhibitions, and new programs offering a reflection on the concepts of identity, heritage, and community.

Families can enjoy the day at Deep Water Vineyard for the 2021 Grape Stomp Festival. The vineyard’s popular strawberry wine, "Have A Ball, Lucille," is back! Indulge in samples from Deep Water Vineyard and Bears Bluff Meadery. With live music, food, grape stomping competitions, and even a popular Lucille Ball look-alike contest, all ages are welcomed! Tickets must be purchased online before the event.

No kids? Rideshare over to the Charleston Harbor Cruise Terminal for the Charleston Summer Wine Festival. Whether you’re in the session between 12-4 pm or 6-10 pm, you’ll surely enjoy this amazing air-conditioned venue with a beautiful patio by the water, live music, a DJ, and a selection of over 50+ wines, mimosas, White Claw, and other beers.

Sip those last summer days away with class!

Brewery Hop

Cool off with an ice-cold pour at one of the beloved breweries downtown. Share your favorite Charleston moments while sipping on a local draft. Some of our favorites are Holy City Brewing, Revelry Brewing Co, and Palmetto Brewing Co.

Downtown Biking

Feel the breeze in your hair as you take in the sights on two wheels. We can’t suggest a relaxing bike ride enough.

Hit the Beaches

Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a good book before hitting our famous beaches. Watch as the waves crash along the shore. You’ll be so glad you decided to visit.

Patriot Point Fireworks Blast

Hop on board the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant for live music and the best view of fireworks in town.

Uncle Sam Jam

Sway to live music while watching the fireworks light up the sky from Mount Pleasant Pier at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

City of North Charleston Celebration

Venture to Riverfront Park from 3:00 pm to 9:45 pm for live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, craft vendors, and, of course, their famous fireworks show.

July 4th Fireworks Cruise on the Carolina Queen

What pairs perfectly with sparkly fireworks? Live music from Ben Fagan and his band. Score tickets for postcard-perfect views of the impressive display. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available onboard.

Enjoy a two-hour excursion aboard the Schooner Pride while you watch the sun disappear behind a horizon of church steeples and historic buildings. At 84 feet long, the Schooner Pride is a genuine tall ship powered by the wind alone. Guests aboard the old-fashioned vessel for an evening trip can spot a number of famous Charleston landmarks and attractions from the harbor. These include the storied Fort Sumter, the picturesque Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and a collection of historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.

In addition, it’s common to see some of Charleston’s vibrant aquatic wildlife during the sailing trip, including pods of dolphins and pelicans. To learn more information or book your sunset cruise, visit charlestonharbortours.com.

Charleston is wonderful to visit all year round. However, when the PGA Championship is coming to town, there is no limit on the amazing things happening. Pack up the family or coordinate a group of friends and make The Mills House your home base for the activities. The championship is from May 20 - 23, 2021. However, you are welcome to take the whole week off and explore everything we have to offer.

Visit our website for hotel reservations.

Middleton Place

Find tranquility in the oldest manicured gardens in the country. Nestled along the Ashley River, Middleton Place’s 110 acres of natural beauty is a sight to behold and a National Historic Landmark.

Battery & White Point Gardens

Situated in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Battery & White Point Gardens offers stunning views of Fort Sumter and Charleston Harbor, where the Ashley and Cooper rivers meet and empty into the Atlantic Ocean.

Lenhardt Garden

Reset under the live oaks in this classical European-style garden with modern touches. It’s the perfect place to relax and savor the blooms of spring.

The Mills House Courtyard

Sip on a drink or two by our trickling fountain. Our courtyard is the perfect backdrop for your Charleston moments and one of the most serene spots in the city.

With whimsical oak trees, quaint cobblestone streets, waterfront dining, and horse-drawn carriages exuding effortless romance everywhere you turn, it’s no wonder Charleston has made this prestigious list. Celebrate love all month long in our enchanting city. Spend your days wandering the candy-colored homes of the French Quarter. Savor our historic charm and natural beauty while strolling hand-in-hand with your significant other before dining on Michelin-quality eats. We’re the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, and more.

Make The Mills House your romantic home base during your Charleston staycation or getaway. Our idyllic architecture and dreamy location set the scene for a delightful and memorable time.

When you say "I do" in our iconic "Pink Hotel", you are getting so much more than a wedding venue. You are celebrating one of the most important days of your life in a town brimming with history, charm, and entertainment. The Mills House has been hosting intimate rehearsal dinners, banquets, and receptions for 150 years—allow our experienced team to bring your wedding dreams to life in one of the most romantic cities in the world. Contact our team today to start planning your downtown Charleston wedding.

Our unique approach to smoked meats is unmatched anywhere. From vinegar-based tomato sauces to spicy rubs, and hearty sausages, our culinary traditions are renowned. Even Netflix is getting in on this saucy goodness, featuring Charleston's own Rodney Scott's BBQ on an episode of Chef’s Table.

If good eats are a staple of every vacation, you should be planning your next escape to Charleston, South Carolina. And don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of napkins for your sauce covered fingers. Steps away from many of the city’s best eateries, The Mills House Wyndham Grand Hotel is the perfect staging point for you to take a hearty bite out of Charleston.

Meats bathed in Carolina Gold (a blend of tomato and mustard sauce), will keep you coming back for more. Pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, brisket, we put the South Carolina Guaranteed Good stamp of approval on it all. At the Barbadoes Room Restaurant, we offer an all-day menu that includes housemade sausages, low country shrimp, cinder-brined pork loin, and more to kick off your tour of South Carolina’s best.

While necessary changes have been put in place for the safety of our community, a number of places have welcomed guests back through their doors while closely following CDC and WHO recommendations.

Many of the area’s walking tours - covering topics from history and ghost stories to brewery hopping - are once again available to the public. Outdoor golf clubs are currently open, in addition to breathtaking botanical parks, such as Cypress Gardens and Magnolia Plantation. Visitors can once again spend a day at the country’s first museum with a trip to The Charleston Museum, or spend some time wine tasting in the sun at the picturesque Deep Water Vineyard. And those are just a few of the spectacular Charleston spots waiting for your visit!

From March 11 to April 18, our city steps into spring with a local event that honors the history, beauty, and culture of our historic neighborhoods. As 2020 also marks Charleston’s 350th birthday, so expect a spectacular celebration this year! Sip rosé in the Nathaniel Russell House rose garden or take a class on how to grow your own botanical masterpiece. Learn about Charleston’s unique architectural composition and vibrant history through a series of tours and events that take you through the private homes and gardens of some of the most stately properties in the city. Enjoy musical performances, guided history walks, wine tastings, luncheon lectures, classes, and more lead by some of the city’s most prominent historians, authors, scholars, and artists. It brings the best of Lowcountry’s beauty and tradition together for an annual celebration that’s not to be missed!

Charleston’s most anticipated culinary event returns next month to locations all over the city March 3-8. This five-day festival brings together the city’s most iconic movers and shakers in the wine and culinary fields for a truly delectable experience. Workshops, demonstrations, unique excursions, and of course, plenty of exclusive dinners and tastings—anyone with an appreciation for the culinary world will love this can’t-miss event. By bringing the city’s and the region’s top chefs, winemakers, and authors together, the wine and food festival serves up the very best of Southern cuisine, all in one place. Whether you’re a chef, foodie, or passionate at-home cook, there is so much to see—and taste!—throughout the festival. Not only will you walk away with a glass of your new favorite wine, you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique and inviting world of Lowcountry cuisine. Cheers!

A visit to our historic city is an opportunity to experience every aspect of what makes South Carolina so beautiful. Next month, see what we mean firsthand at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Over three days from February 14 to February 16, this exposition offers an immersive and celebratory showcase of wildlife and nature. This all-ages event is a fun experience that everyone can enjoy—from young couples and friends to families with little ones. Artists, conservationists, animal-lovers, and everyone in between are welcome to get in touch with their 'wild side' and learn more about the wildlife and nature that defines this region. Throughout the event, there will be an incredible line-up of fine art exhibits, sporting demonstrations, conservation showcases, and much more. Be sure to get your tickets ahead of time!

The largest oyster fest in the world, this annual event celebrates great food and great company all on one special day—January 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include the famous oyster shucking and oyster eating contests, jazzy live music, wine and beer, and, of course, plenty of delicious food from some of the area’s best restaurants. Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by Southeastern Tourism Society, the Lowcountry Oyster Festival is an eagerly-anticipated gathering each and every year. Bring your family or group of foodies, there’s a little something for everyone here, from oyster-obsessors to first-timers. Don’t miss out on one of our favorite events of the year!

If you’re joining us during the Thanksgiving holiday, you can experience our warm, Southern Hospitality firsthand during our Thanksgiving brunch. You will find all of the delicious food, cozy ambiance, and great conversation you love about holidays at home right here with us—just without the stressful preparation or clean-up! At the elegant Barbadoes Room Restaurant, experience this holiday of giving the Charleston way, with a seasonal-driven menu of filling eats for brunch. Highlights from the menu include a mac ‘n’ cheese station, bone-in prime rib and, of course, plenty of turkey and sweet treats to keep everyone in the group happy and full. Afterward, spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing from the comfort of your room with us—it is a vacation, after all. For reservations, please call (843) 805-1054 or book your table online here. 

You’ll want to put all of your fall plans on hold until you help us welcome back this popular, weekly foodie event. Every Wednesday beginning now through March, we’ll get together in our romantic courtyard area to meet, mingle and indulge in a mouth-watering evening of locally-sourced oysters. Popular among both locals and visitors alike, the roast sources local clusters out of Swinton Creek, found just off the coast of Isle of Palms and located just 20 miles from our hotel. That means these oysters are not only incredibly fresh but also incredibly delicious! With live music and good vibes lighting up our courtyard, you and your group can savor the incredible flavors of these southern staples. One taste and we have a feeling you’ll be making plans to come back week after week!

Named one of “America’s Most Romantic Cities” by Travel + Leisure, The Holy City exudes an effortless romance everywhere you turn—from pastel-colored homes and cobblestone streets to Southern oaks and horse-drawn carriages. At The Mills House, all that you love most about Charleston is wrapped in one idyllic venue, with dreamy locations all around the property to fall in love with. Intimate, elegant, and Instagram-worthy, you can plan your big day in the popular Barbadoes Room, a stunning rooftop space, or the Planter’s Suite balcony, which features original iron detail from 1853. Whichever storybook backdrop you choose, you’ll be able to put your own unique touch on the space, creating a special space where the history and magic of Charleston blend together with your new future the moment you exchange your vows.

Our southern city is rich in history and buzzing with modern locales that both blend together to create a magical place unlike anywhere else in the world. Become happily lost wandering the pastel-colored King Street, stopping into the many shops and restaurants that line the famed road. Take a tour of the historic homes in the South of Broad neighborhood, where architects and home-admirers can fall in love with the fine details of the homes of years past. Dig into the incredible and diverse eats that make up Charleston cuisine, from mom-n-pop barbecue to five-star seafood and everything in between. No matter how you vacation here, you’re sure to experience the effortless charm and magic that has made Charleston the best city in the United States.

Aboard one of the most historic warships in the country—the USS Yorktown—you and your party can cheers to our Independence Day with an evening of fun, family-friendly festivities. This annual event, which features the city’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks display, is a Charleston favorite, looked forward to by locals and visitors alike. Tickets are available for purchase and include access to the Yorktown and their live entertainment. For those planning to watch the fireworks display onshore, Patriots Point also offers fun live performances and music beginning at 4 p.m., along with food and beverage vendors, jump castles, face painting and more. But come early because this beloved event gets crowded quick, and you’ll want to be sure to stake out a great spot for the thrilling fireworks!

The Aquarium’s program is a leading voice in generating community awareness and interest to support local fisheries in sustainable seafood. This year’s menu is the most delicious yet, with hors d'oeuvres and five courses of fresh, flavorful cuisine to enjoy. You’ll savor the flavors of cured snapper ceviche, spaghetti allo scoglio, and a seared local catch—just to name a few—each perfectly paired with zesty wine selections from all over the globe. With a refreshing dessert of blueberry lemon mousse to close, this evening is a culinary masterpiece you won’t want to miss out on. Be sure to secure your seat—last year’s event sold out!

Whether you are an artist yourself or simply an art admirer, you and everyone in your group will have many unique opportunities to explore and interact with art in all of its mediums. Catch art demonstrations, works of art for sale, exhibits, and even exciting performances throughout the multi-day affair. Known for its cultural and artistic offerings, the Piccolo Spoleto Festival is a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the vibrant arts culture that defines Charleston, as well as the world as a whole. Stop by for a few hours or stay for multiple days of fun, regardless of your time spent, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this amazing arts community.

The street was originally named for King Charles II and served as the main route into the city up until the mid-1700s. Now, a restored and renewed King Street is home to high-end shopping, boutique hotels, art galleries, and some of the best dining in the city. Whether you have an hour or full afternoon or evening to spare, King Street is a perfect stop during your visit to America’s Holy City with wide sidewalks and picturesque storefronts. But plan accordingly—the winding street is divided into three different districts, each with their own set of shops: Lower King Street Antiques District, Middle Fashion District, and Upper Design and Dining District.

It's an exciting beginning to the spring season that takes place Saturday, April 6, 2019. An opportunity to make a difference in our community by supporting charities like the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness, the non-profit Pet Helpers, and many others. As a proud, long standing member of our community, The Mills House welcomes visitors with deals that enhance their stay and experience in Charleston. Visit our offers page to find the right package and deal during this popular event, and save more by booking directly.