With more than two weeks of performances, Spoleto offers a Charleston experience for every festival goer
Spoleto, America’s premier performing arts festival, kicks off at the end of May in the theaters, churches, and outdoor spaces of historic Charleston. Marking its 48th year, Spoleto is more spectacular than ever, spanning more than two weeks and packed with 300 renowned artists.
“Charleston becomes the global epicenter of the performing arts during the festival,” says Jenny Ouellette, a spokesperson for Spoleto. “There’s an energy in the city that you can feel. The world comes to Charleston.”
Ouellette says not to be overwhelmed by Spoleto’s wealth of offerings because there’s something for everyone wanting to attend.
With Spoleto’s help, we’ve curated four festival getaways, including where to stay and dine.
Stay: Kings Courtyard Inn
Besides having one of the best locations in Charleston, Kings Courtyard is an ideal pick for a group trip or a girlfriends’ getaway. The historic boutique inn—with its signature aqua and key lime color story—offers easy combinations of adjoining rooms, suites, or trios of rooms that can share an entry.
198 King St., 800.845.6119, kingscourtyardinn.com
Reservation: 167 Sushi Bar
Dine at 167 Sushi Bar. Make sure to get a reservation because this trendy izakaya only seats 24. It offers an intimacy of space that feels novel, with plates that are spot on.
289 E. Bay St., 843.625.3031, 167raw.com
Romantic Charleston
Stay: Wentworth Mansion
Known as Charleston’s Grandest Mansion, the 21-room hotel is an ornate example of Second Empire design during the Gilded Age. Today, it wins awards year after year in the boutique travel category. The millwork alone is worth staying here—on walls, ceilings, and banisters—but make sure to get to the cupola for sunset, reserved for guests of the mansion. Enjoy Southern breakfast each morning at Circa 1886 Restaurant.
149 Wentworth St., 843.853.1886, wentworthmansion.com
Reservation: FIG
Dine at FIG. Getting a reservation at chef Mike Lata’s signature restaurant is a romantic feat of its own.
232 Meeting St., 843.805.5900, eatatfig.com
Cultural Charleston
Stay: Fulton Lane Inn
The 45-room inn with its tester beds and sunny rooms was once a collection of buildings, including the original YWCA, built in 1889. Just steps away from the retail shops and bustle of King Street, Fulton Lane Inn feels quietly tucked away and yet in the center of everything.
202 King St., 843.720.2600, fultonlaneinn.com
Reservation: Chez Nous or Stella’s
Dine at one of Charleston’s globally charged restaurants like the tiny Chez Nous, known for its French country fare; or Stella’s with its plates of Greek seafood.
Chez Nous, 6 Payne Ct., 843.579.3060, cheznouschs.com
Stella’s, 114 St. Philip St., A, 843.400.0026, stellascharleston.com
Timeless Charleston
Stay: John Rutledge House Inn
Arguably the most historic hotel in Charleston, the inn will charm you with its wrought iron adornments, inlaid parquet floors, and warm hospitality from breakfast in bed to afternoon tea in the ballroom.
116 Broad St., 843.723.7999, johnrutledgehouseinn.com
Reservation: Peninsula Grill
Dine at Peninsula Grill. The award-winning restaurant of Planters Inn is at the corner of Meeting and Market. Top off a meal here with a slice of the coconut cake—it’s a classic!
112 N. Market St., 843.723.0700, peninsulagrill.com
For more information and the complete Spoleto Festival calendar, go to spoletousa.org.
