A Welcomed Respite on I-95
- November 26, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Anne W from St. Johns, Florida
Anyone who travels between Florida and the Northeast on I-95 knows the exhaustion, ennui and sheer desperation to escape the car that hits at just about the NC/SC border. My husband and I found a way to actually look forward to what can be a very tedious trip: we schedule an overnight break at the fabulous Abingdon Manor in Latta, South Carolina. Our stay with Innkeepers Michael and Patty Griffey in October couldn't have been more delightful. Every guest room in this small luxury hotel is gorgeous, and the public spaces -- from the library to the parlours to the gardens -- are gracious and comfortable. Now let's talk about the really important part: the food! I had some concerns the six-course dinner that is optional for guests would be too heavy, but this is absolutely not the case. Each item that comes from Patty's kitchen is artfully prepared and delicious. The portions are just right to feel satisified but not stuffed, and the pacing is relaxed and perfectly timed. The full breakfast the following morning is just as fine, and if that wasn't enough for us we also ordered the boxed lunch to go for the final leg of our journey. All in all, a stay at Abingdon Manor is a truly wonderful experience.
Editor Pick
Perfection...
- August 6, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
traveller4life from Los Angeles, , California
is what Abingdon Manor is to the weary traveller. My husband and I had finished our "first annual" road trip from California through most of the southern United States visiting family and friends along the way and we needed a quiet place to stay. Michael and Patty's Abingdon Manor was the absolute perfect place to stay. Michael held dinner for us even though we were about two hours late for our reservation. Patty made us the most wonderful dinner that just all the tension and stress of the day out of us.
Our room was "The Red Room." With a beautiful comforting king sized bed and a minnie bottle of bubbly waiting for us after dinner, it was the beginning of the end to a long trip.
Every morning, we were greeted by either Michael or Patty. Patty makes the most wonderful breakfasts. One morning we had baked grapefruit sprinkled with brown sugar and sherry (I think). It was delicious! There was this egg souffle made with three cheeses and fresh chives from their garden! Oh my goodness!
The ground are graciously appointed with lush trees, shrubs, flowers, quiet places to sit and as much beauty as your eyes can stand to take in.
If you are looking for an out of the way, peaceful, quiet, relaxing place to stay this is a wonderful choice. If you choose to have dinner there be prepared to have you pallet enchanted with a mix of everyday types of foods prepared in unique and delicious ways.
Now the possible down side to staying at Abingdon is it's distance from Myrtle Beach. It is about an hour away. The capital is about two hours away as are most other sites you may want to see. For my husband and I this was not a problem. After all we had just driven across the country, so it was a no brainer for us. We were glad to be in the little town of Latta because it was far away. If you don't find Latta on your gps use the city of Florence or just put in the actual address and your gps should be fine.
Finally I must say that what makes a Bed and Breakfast warm, charming, relaxing, and restful are it's owners, it's location, it's appointments, it's beds, and it's food. Abingdon Manor's owners are lovely generous and kind people who are full of local and world information. Their inn is a historical location and has been beautifully preserved. It's beds are made to hold the tired in many nights of perfect sleep. And finally it's food are made to delight and charm the pallet into the day. It is worth the money and the time.
Peace and Blessings
Mr. and Mrs. A. Lewis
P.S.
We were there for an entire week. We almost forgot we had to go home.