Food finds: The spot to splurge--South Carolina Inns

Believe it or not, we're sending you near Charleston, but not to Charleston. I recently snuck away to three inns beyond the city that fed and pampered me so well, I never made it to town. (You don't have to stay overnight to dine, but it sure makes an evening more relaxing.)

If I could go back to only one, I'd choose Woodlands Resort & Inn, 40 minutes from downtown. It's the priciest (ouch), but for a milestone occasion, this remote Relais & Chateaux (association of luxury lodgings) escape soothes and celebrates. There's little to do but linger over breakfast in your rambling, luxurious room; play tennis or croquet; splash in the pool; and surrender to a massage. Then you can glide into an evening in the formal dining room, blessed with suave service, a serene setting, an accomplished but approachable wine list, and the misleadingly quiet talent of chef Ken Vedrinski.

Menus of 4 to 10 courses bring an impressive parade of precise plates that rival some of Charleston's best. A dainty eggshell cradles garlicky, battery custard and (surprisingly) Georgia caviar. Soup is a ceremony: The liquid is poured tableside over diced butternut squash and a single wild boar tortellini. Asian flavors delight here and there. Dessert was much prettier than it tasted, but I'd try again. 125 Parsons Road, Summerville; (843) 875-2600 or www. woodlandsinn.com. Dinner, 4-10 courses: $59-$89; rooms: $295-$395.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2002
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