Press Room

🍽️ 25 Years of Culinary Passion at Circa 1886 🍷

Step into the kitchen with Executive Chef Marc Collins as he reflects on nearly a quarter century at the helm of Circa 1886 Restaurant—his journey through Southern cuisine, the evolution of the menu, and how a simple idea helped spark the creation of Charleston Wine + Food.
From gourmet riffs on fast food to unforgettable dinners with NYT wine critic Eric Asimov, this interview dives into the flavors, friendships, and philosophy that define Chef Collins’s legacy.

✨ “I never thought I’d be at a restaurant this long, but I’m glad I found my kitchen home.” — Marc Collins

📖 Click the link in our bio to read the full story!

📷: @charlestonmag

#circa1886 #finedining #wineandfood ...

🎊 Behind the Celebration 🎊

At @circa1886, every unforgettable event is made possible by the people behind the scenes—and our Event & Office Manager, Michael Dawson, is one of the very best!

From elegant rehearsal dinners to full restaurant buyouts, Michael ensures every detail is thoughtful, seamless, and beautifully executed. His passion for hospitality shines through in every celebration he helps create.

Want a peek behind the curtain? In our latest Q&A, Michael shares his journey, his favorite event memories (including one with a surprise proposal 💍), and what makes Circa 1886 unlike any other venue in Charleston.

Click the link below to meet Michael and discover what makes hosting an event with Circa 1886 Restaurant so special.

#Circa1886 #CharlestonEvents #CharlestonRestaurants #CharmingInns #WentworthMansion #Hospitality ...

In hospitality, it’s the people behind the scenes who bring the magic to life—and at Circa 1886 Restaurant, that magic often begins at the bar with Denis Kats, our incredibly talented Bar Manager, whose creativity and care shine through in every cocktail he crafts.

Denis doesn’t just mix drinks—he creates meaningful moments and curates experiences that resonate on a personal level. For Denis, the greatest reward is the laughter, stories, and heartfelt conversations shared with guests across the bar.

At Circa 1886 and across all of our inns, we’re fortunate to have passionate individuals who view their work as more than just a job. They are artists, storytellers, and true connectors. Hospitality is, at its heart, about human connection—and we are constantly inspired by our team’s commitment to making every guest feel seen, welcomed, and valued.

Thank you, Denis and all our staff, for everything you do! ♥️

#Hospitality #HospitalityIndustry #SouthernHospitality ...

We are thrilled to announce that @wentworthmansionsc has been recognized in @tripadvisor`s 2025 Travelers` Choice Awards, ranking in the top 1% of luxury hotels worldwide! Additionally, congratulations to @johnrutledgehouseinn, @kingscourtyardinn, and @fultonlaneinn who all placed among the top 10% of hotels around the globe! 🌎

These honors are a direct reflection of our incredible staff, who go above and beyond to deliver unmatched Southern hospitality, and our loyal guests, whose kind reviews and shared experiences make this recognition possible. We’re truly grateful—thank you! 🥂 🍾

#TravelersChoice #WentworthMansion #KingsCourtyardInn #FultonLaneInn #JohnRutledgeHouseInn #SouthernHospitality #SelectRegistry #HistoricHotelsOfAmerica ...

The doors we dream about walking through! ✨ We’re thrilled to share that both John Rutledge House Inn and Wentworth Mansion have been named among the top 500 hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure! We’re raising a glass to timeless stays and Southern hospitality. 🥂

#CharmingInns #CharlestonHotels #TL500 #TravelAndLeisure #VisitCharleston #ExploreCharleston ...

Spring has sprung and so has the latest edition of @circa1886`s monthly newsletter! We invite you to get `The Dish`—your gateway to the latest news and behind-the-scenes stories, from seasonal desserts and cocktails to special event highlights and insider experiences. Check it out and see what’s fresh this month! 🌸🍴✨

Click the link in our bio to see the April issue and more!

#Circa1886 #TheDish #CharlestonEats #SpringInCharleston ...

👏 Congratulations to Kevin, our Maintenance Technician Superstar, our Employee of the Month! 👏

Kevin`s kindness, dependability, and positive attitude shine through in everything he does. He`s not only efficient and helpful, but he also pays meticulous attention to detail behind the scenes, ensuring every guest enjoys a flawless stay. For instance, he recently came in on his day off to make sure a maintenance project was going according to plan, showcasing his dedication to guest satisfaction. We are so lucky to have him on our team! Thank you, Kevin, for all you do! ❤️

#charminginns #employeeappreciation ...

Welcome to the team, Daylon! We’re thrilled to have Daylon as our new Assistant Innkeeper at Kings Courtyard Inn and Fulton Lane Inn. With her passion for hospitality and love for Charleston, she’s ready to make every guest’s stay unforgettable. Be sure to ask her for the best spots to dine and sip a cocktail! 🍽️🍸

#CharmingInns #VisitCharleston #Charleston #Hospitality #SouthernHospitality ...

The John Rutledge House Inn is celebrating 36 years of welcoming guests to our beloved bed and breakfast in the heart of Charleston. We’re so grateful to everyone who has walked through our doors and can’t wait to make even more memories in the years ahead. 🤍

#JohnRutledgeHouseInn #Charleston #HistoricHotels #BedandBreakfast #ExploreCharleston #HistoricHotelsofAmerica ...

For the ninth year in a row, readers of @southernlivingmag voted Charleston the No. 1 Southern city! The article states, "Its harbor, historic homes, and churches are beautiful to behold, but it’s more than just a scenic escape. Charleston’s blend of old and new means that there’s something for everyone here." We are proud to see our city earn this honor once again and look forward to another year of welcoming guests with exceptional Southern hospitality! Click the link in our bio for the full list!

#charlestonliving #southernliving #charminginns ...

Happy Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate inspiring women like Michelle Woodhull, President of Charming Inns®. Since 2019, Michelle has been at the helm of the company’s expansion, combining her passion for Charleston with endless dedication, innovative vision, and unwavering hospitality. Her leadership and commitment to the community are truly influential. 🌸

#Hospitality #Charleston #CharlestonHotels #LuxuryTravel #SouthernCharm #VisitSC #ExploreCharleston #InternationalWomensDay #charminginns ...

🎉 We are beyond proud of Ashley Cardona, our incredibly talented Executive Pastry Chef at @circa1886 for being named the "Pastry Chef of the Year" at the @scrla_ 72nd Annual Stars of the Industry Gala last night!

Ashley`s exquisite desserts have consistently delighted our guests, and we are incredibly proud of her dedication and talent. Congratulations to Ashley and all of the honorees who were recognized for their commitment, professionalism, and outstanding service! 🍰 ...

We are thrilled to share that our president, Michelle Woodhull, is featured in the latest edition of Charleston Living Magazine in their "Notable Charlestonians" article! 🎉

From exploring historic streets as a child to leading Charming Inns®, Michelle`s passion for Charleston and hospitality shines. Read her story and discover how she continues to make an impact on our vibrant community. Link in bio!

📷: @charlestonlivingmagazine

#hospitality #charlestonliving #charlestonhospitality #boutiquehotel ...

We’re thrilled to welcome Morgan Schneider, a senior at Lucy Beckham High School, to Kings Courtyard Inn as part of the Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship program. Through this partnership with Trident Technical College and the U.S. Department of Labor, Morgan is making impressive strides toward a career in hospitality management. Originally born in Washington, D.C., Morgan moved to Charleston at a young age and proudly considers herself a Charlestonian.

Morgan has also dedicated her time to giving back to the community, volunteering with the Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families as well as the local hospital. Now, she’s gaining valuable experience in hotel operations through her apprenticeship, where she’s building a foundation in hospitality management—all at no cost.

Motivated by Charleston`s reputation as a top tourist destination, Morgan joined the program to gain hands-on experience in hotel operations. She aims to blend her love for art and design with a career in hospitality and tourism. Through this apprenticeship, she is developing strong leadership skills and gaining practical knowledge in hotel management, preparing herself for a smooth transition to college and beyond. Her advice to fellow students? Prioritize effective time management, set clear goals, and balance academic and professional commitments to succeed. Morgan looks forward to advancing in the program and exploring various roles in the hotel industry, paving the way for a successful and fulfilling career in hospitality. ❤️ ...

🎉Happy 35th anniversary @johnrutledgehouseinn!🎉

For 35 years, John Rutledge House Inn® has been offering guests unforgettable experiences and true Southern Hospitality within its historic wall. Since 1989, the Inn has hosted travelers from far and wide and continues to do so today.

This milestone is possible only because of our loyal guests, dedicated staff, and support from the Charleston community!

Here`s to many more years of enchanting stays and cherished experiences! 🥂 ❤️#JohnRutledgeHouseInn #historichotelsofamerica ...