Women congregate and celebrate. It could be for showers, rehearsals, business affairs or hosts of other things. In this city, two things are certain no matter the event, there will be a lot of food and a lot of fabulous. Charleston has a feast of unique event venues, and we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to share with you.
LEON’S OYSTER SHED
Nestled behind Leon’s restaurant is Leon’s Oyster Shed, a magical event space located in a 19th century Charleston single. Newly restored with original brick walls and reclaimed wooden beams, the shed also boasts a wood-burning fireplace, a custom-made table for 26 guests and an outdoor brick patio covered with a mainsail to accommodate 36. The intimate, yet informal, Oyster Shed offers specialty menus that include Lowcountry boils prepared in front of guests, as well as oyster roasts, grilled whole fish, fried chicken with picnic-style sides and so much more.
To experience a truly inviting Lowcountry adventure, visit LeonsOysterShop.com.
THE RUTLEDGE ROOM
Step back in time at The Rutledge Room, located in the old Hominy Grill Charleston single. Featuring brick walls, a tin-stamped ceiling, a stained-glass window, louvered doors that open to a covered patio and a huge open-air back patio, this space is sure to offer the Charleston charm everyone loves. Upstairs rental apartments managed by StayDuvet complete the perfect home-base for your special event. With 3,000 square feet, the luxe Rutledge Room comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests for a cocktail party or 60 for a seated dinner, exclusively catered by the revered Hamby’s Catering. Guests will experience true culinary bliss with contemporary menu offerings, exclusive to the Rutledge Room, such as passed hors d’oeuvres like beetroot hummus atop Persian cucumber with poppyseed and mint. As a nod to the past, Hamby Catering’s pastry chef also features its take on the erstwhile Hominy Grill poundcake.
Visit TheRutledgeRoom.com to learn more about customizing your next event.
CIRCA 1886
Adjacent to the historic Wentworth Mansion, a Charming Inns property, the carriage house has been transformed into Circa 1886, an iconic restaurant and venue space. Downstairs, the bar, initially the blacksmith room and kitchen, still has the original fireplace and the adjoining dining room was where the carriages were once housed. Tucked away from the restaurant, the private Garden Room is the ideal setting for quiet and intimate dinners for up to 12 guests and for larger private events. The Tack Room, once the quarters for staff, hosts banquets for up to 40. Additionally, Patio Time is available for cocktails and hors doeuvres prior to formal celebrations, social lunches and showers. An additional bonus at Circa 1886 is Sommelier John Riddicks selection of fine wine to pair with courses that include mouthwatering dishes like duck breast with fava bean puree, carrots, cherries and truffle glace. Together, the talented, professional, friendly and accommodating staff who are passionate about what they do, create a wow factor that leaves their guests speechless.
Visit Circa1886.com for more.
SORELLE
An Italian word for two friends who are close like sisters, Sorelle blends the history of the elegant building it is housed in with Southern Italian cuisine and Lowcountry hospitality. Whatever the occasion, Sorelle offers an unforgettable experience in a lavish architectural space where no expense has been spared. For smaller family gatherings, enjoy a place at the Mercato table, which seats up to 13, on the ground floor behind the marketplace and upscale coffee shop-deli. For a more formal and intimate experience for up to eight guests, step through the chic bar and into the jewel box that is the Wine Room, a sumptuous backdrop for a tasting journey guided by female sommelier Eleni Rigas. Upstairs, the grand dining room, housing 16 tables, is a portal to the Italian countryside with a breathtaking mural hand-painted with lifelike cypress trees and rolling hills. To feel the heartbeat of Sorelle, pull up a seat at the chef’s table, seating six, adjacent to the open kitchen where the action happens. For the ultimate celebration, book the hidden Private Dining Room, resplendent with a terrace, featuring a fire pit, which is attached to a living room and dining space that accommodates up to 11 guests.
To create your bespoke event, visit SorelleCharleston.com.
HOLY CITY HOSPITALITY
If sophisticated elegance is the objective for parties of 20 to 200, then look no further than one of four grand dining rooms hidden upstairs from 39 Rue de Jean, Victor’s Seafood & Steak, Vincent Chicco’s and Virginias on King; quintessential Charleston restaurants operated by the Holy City Hospitality Group. Architectural features such as exposed brick, vaulted ceilings, private entrances, sweeping staircases and classical Charleston interiors, paired with a wide array of menu choices and a giant dose of southern hospitality, lend an unforgettable experience of the Lowcountry charm that defines our beautiful city.
See HolyCityHospitality.com for more.
THE DEWBERRY
Versailles meets old Charleston in The Dewberry Hotel’s opulent ballroom, resplendent with giant antique gilded mirrors reflecting up to 150 guests seated beneath a Viennese cast-brass palmetto chandelier and specially commissioned artwork painted by Charleston’s own Douglas Balentine. Further, guests can enjoy an alfresco experience, dining under the stars in the traditional Charleston Walled Garden where live oaks shadow historic brick walls draped in English Ivy. Additional venue options for large groups of up to 100 include the Rivers Room, with its stunning 360-degree views of the Harbor and the Charleston skyline and Henrietta’s, with a lush patio overlooking Marion Square. For a more intimate setting for up to 12 guests, enjoy the Hospitality Suite, situated on the second floor.
To plan your exquisite event, visit TheDewberryCharleston.com.
THE PALMETTO HOTEL
Whether hosting a small corporate event or renting out the entire 45-room boutique hotel for a special occasion, the friendly and capable staff at the swanky Palmetto Hotel, partnering with Hall’s Signature Events, creates gorgeous memories that will last a lifetime. Whether in the penthouse taking in panoramic city views or in the lobby soaking up a modern Charleston aesthetic, this boutique space is must-see.
Visit PalmettoHotelCharleston.com to learn more about the various offerings for your event.
By Sarah Rose
