Blog

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.