On Sunday, you caught Day 1 of our 3-day road trip with Garden & Gun Magazine and the great state of South Carolina.  It was filled with some of Greenville’s tastiest of bites and a magical night’s stay at Hotel Domestique.  And while Day 1 was one for the books, as the sun rose in Traveler’s Rest we knew we had to keep movin’, so fueled by coffee and pancakes, the crew pressed onward. 

We took a quick pit-stop in Camden to do a little antiquing and after scoring a few favorite records and a trinket or two, we got back on the road and continued to the tranquil shores of Pawleys Island, America’s oldest seaside community. In true low country fashion, Pawleys’ sleepy marshes and cypress-sided cottages proved to be just as endearing as imagined, and we were eager to settle in for a relaxed evening at the Pelican Inn. 

Pelican Inn, just 7o miles north of Charleston, turned out to be the most charming beachfront bed & breakfast.  Being built in the 1840’s, it’s one of the several original houses remaining on the island and its relaxed charm was undeniable. Nestled behind the island’s highest dunes and tucked beside mossy sprawling oak trees, the Inn is one of those places that reminds its guests to turn your iphone on silent, slow down and simply unwind.  The idyllic porch hammocks, private dock stretching over the salt marsh, well-loved rocking chairs and eclectic antiques beckoned us into a world of endless summer. 

After touring our new digs, we hopped into the car to venture around Pawleys Island and grab a bite to eat.  A torrential rain shower had other plans, and we found ourselves running into Pawleys Island Tavern for frozen cocktails and oysters, because sometimes you just really need a good dive bar and a pina colada to round out a day on the road. 

The rain showed no sign of passing, so sweaters and sweatshirts came on and we staked out a covered gazebo with a hammock by the shore.   We brought the jams (Taylor Swift obviously), easy bites and of course wine, and in that moment it was like time stood still.  No one felt the need to check their phones or snap a picture for Instagram, we just lived in that space.  And long after the sun set, we snuck back to our rooms, cracked our windows and fell asleep to salty air and a sweet lullaby of crashing waves on the shore. Truly, MKR

P.S. With one day left in our #TakingCarolina road trip adventure, we eagerly looked forward to Beaufort in all its moss-draped, Antebellum glory. Tune in Friday to read more! xo 

A few months ago, we packed up our bags and hit the road on a three-day road trip as part of a collaboration with our friends at Garden & Gun.  Bags were packed and the car was filled to the brim as Kat, Kathryn and Jenn and I piled into the car for the ultimate adventure and girls trip to the great state of South Carolina. 

First stop: Greenville.  Being so close to Atlanta, I’ve always heard great things about the city, and it did not disappoint. In true WOM fashion, we toasted to our first day on the road with a bottle of rosé at the wonderful French-inspired Passerelle Bistro. Located on The Liberty Bridge and overlooking Falls Park in downtown Greenville, Passerelle was a casual, yet refined spot perfect for lunch with the girls. An order of Baked Goat Cheese to start, followed by our flavorful, fresh salads and mouth-watering burgers hit just the spot. With satisfied bellies, we then meandered through Falls Park to enjoy the abundant bushes of the bluest hydrangeas, rushing waterfalls, and discover the park’s beautifully-manicured greenery. 

After lunch we made our way to the exceptional Hotel Domestique in Traveler’s Rest, about 30 minutes outside of Greenville. The hotel itself resembles that of one of Europe’s most inviting chateaux, as it’s nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains and crafted in rustic hardwoods, exposed stone walls and artisanal ironwork. On the grounds, you can see an old vineyard that saw its last grapes years ago, but its beauty remains and makes for the loveliest view in the distance.  Upon our arrival, we were greeted with champagne in the hotel‘s lobby, as we sat in its welcoming, contemporary space that exuded relaxed elegance at its finest.  We took a quick dip in the salt water pool before pulling ourself together for dinner at The Lazy Goat.  A few weeks prior, we had the privilege of meeting Chef Krystal, The Lazy Goat‘s sweet and very talented pastry chef, one evening as part of Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, and we made sure to dine at this star of Greenville’s foodie scene. In Tapas-style, the group ordered a dozen divine “graze and nibble” dishes, and we settled in with our wine and bites to savor the lovely night on the outdoor patio overlooking the river. 

As we drove back to Domestique the storms began to roll in, but we relished the coziness of Hotel Domestique‘s shelter, climbing into our pajamas, opening the windows and chatting on the pristinely trimmed beds with the cracks of thunder enveloping us before we finally turned in for the night. There’s no question how Traveler’s Rest gets its name; it was truly the most renewing place as Hotel Domestique makes for a lovely getaway when you visit South Carolina.  Truly, MKR

P.S. Check out scenes from our adventure in the Garden & Gun currently on stands now! We’ll be sharing Day 2 and 3 of our adventure this week here on the blog, so don’t miss the scoop on where to eat and stay in Pawley’s Island and Beaufort. xo