Wonderful Southern Hospitality at Historic Abingdon Manor Just Off I-95 in South Carolina
The Abingdon Manor Inn and Restaurant – Sweet Southern Charm Just off I-95 in Latta, South Carolina
Twice a year we do the drive from New England to Florida and back again, and no one looks forward to it! Besides sharing the road with convoys of trucks and campers, fighting traffic jams, and hours of highway boredom, there are the cookie cutter exit hotels to (not) look forward to.
This year we found the perfect foil for the blah highway hotels and fast food restaurants. We discovered the historic Abingdon Manor Inn and Restaurant in Latta, South Carolina, just minutes from Route I-95 between Florence and Dillon, SC. The manor has become a much needed oasis of southern charm for road-weary snowbirds.
History of the Inn
The quaint town of Latta, SC developed around a railroad loading depot south of the main stopjust north in Dillon. A well-known tabacoo market eventually grew and the area prospered. The farming family of James Mason cultivated over 7,000 acres here and when his wife desired a “town home”, construction began on the grand Greek Revival brick manor home. Taking three years to build, the house sat on 3 acres of land with a 1 acre footprint. Today the home still boats a grand 2,000′ verandah, 40 white columns and 12 fireplaces.
Take A Tour
Come with us on a tour of the inn:
Clint, being a retired carpenter, especially appreciated all the hand-carved molding details and round pocket doors.
Dinner At The Inn
Being able to settle in and not having to worry about finding a place for dinner was a tremendous relief. With advance reservation, the inn offers a gourmet 6-course dinner with a changing menu. Our menu included stuffed shitake mushrooms, Peruvian Locro soup, hearts of palm salad, coconut-lime sorbet, pineapple glazed salmon with wild rice and vegetable saute, and strawberry shortcake for dessert – and it was all totally delicious! Bar service with mixed drinks and wine is available at the inn.
A Very Special Place To Stop
We particularly enjoyed walking around the grounds and gardens which are in bloom much of the year.
But it was the warm, welcoming southern charm and attention to detail that made our stay not just pleasant, but memorable. The inn is elegant, yet comfortable, with period furnishings and amenities. And all this is topped off by a wonderful staff who go out of their way to assure that your needs are attended to.
So the next time you find yourself doing a Route I-95 road trip, treat yourself to a stay at the elegant Abingdon Manor Inn. You’ll know why they have received an AAA 4 Diamond Rating and are on the list of National Historic Places.
(PS – the trains do still run through this area, so the staff has thoughtfully provided earplugs for light sleepers)