SUMMERVILLE, S. C. -- This somewhat sleepy little town holds one of America's top secrets.

Not some new secret weapon. Not some UFO base. Not a White House nuclear bunker.

The secret is a place called The Woodlands, one of the best small hotels in America and second to none in the calibre of its cuisine.

Belying its locale amid the sand and pines, The Woodlands is a buried treasure that so far only a fortunate few have been able to really enjoy.

But those who have tasted the culinary delights and strolled the peaceful grounds amid the stately moss-draped oaks, soaring magnolias and flowering dogwoods sing its praises on high.

The highly-regarded Conde Nast Traveler magazine in its November 2000 Readers Choice Awards designated The Woodlands Resort & Inn one of the Top 100 Hotels in the World. The same magazine ranked the hotel as the No. 2 hotel in the nation in the Small Hotels of the U. S. category. And, the magazine rated The Woodlands' restaurant as One of the Top Three Dining Rooms in North America.
These were all awards chosen by readers, the ultimate critics.

Both the hotel and its restaurant have been given Five-Star (highest possible) ratings by the American Automobile Association (AAA), an incredible achievement for a relatively small property (19 rooms and suites).

The Woodlands is a 31,000-square-foot restored 1906 mansion, with 2,800 feet of porches and terraces. The property was originally the summer home of Robert Parsons, a prominent Philadelphian.

The Woodlands was one of several stately homes built in the Summerville area at the turn of the last century as the rich and famous of nearby Charleston (some 20 miles east) sought to escape the heat and heartaches of the city (hence, the name Summerville).

The place had fallen into disrepair until purchased by former Yankee (Martha's Vineyard) Joe Whitmore bought it in 1993. After writing a plethora of checks, Whitmore had The Woodlands perking up, moving back to its stately appearance of decades earlier. Whitmore appointed the Inn with lovely and expensive antique furniture and artwork and brought in a top-level staff, opening for business in 1996.

Top quality was his watchword and has been the theme of The Woodlands ever since, with only the finest foods, furniture, bedding, etc., used. The dining room silverware is pure silver throughout.

A pool, tennis courts, wonderful croquet court and 42 acres of flowers and shrubbery complete the property.

The Inn's four huge white columns centering large porticos present a stately Edwardian appearance that harkens back to the time centuries ago when such mansions spoke of a more genteel era. You can still get a mint julep here and guests sleep on sheets by the Frette Co., a 140-year-old European firm known internationally for the quality of its linens.

The huge four-poster beds, oversized ottomans, high ceilings, lovely antique furniture and large bathrooms provide a wonderful in-room atmosphere, complementing the tranquil exterior.

There is always a feeling of romance in the air here.

Many famous people have seen fit to rest their head here, including Bruce Willis, Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier, Diane Venora (of The Jackal).

One of Whitmore's employees, chef Ken Vedrinski, has turned a lot of heads with his unique food stylings. His menu changes daily and can include such things as foie gras cum vanilla-bean-roasted sweet onions, Maine lobster sashimi on spicy mango salad, langoustine and Peekee Toe Crab Tortellini, 50-year-old balsamic mignonette, applewood smoked salmon, Iranian osetra caviar, pomegranate glazed roast breast of muscovy duck and spiced pear Napolean with cranberry compote and cinnamon ice cream.

His menus are never boring and defy classification. Guests also have the option of ordering the $89 tasting menu (or the $120 Ultimate Tasting Menu), providing a five-course series of dining excitement.

The 75-seat dining room is beauftifully designed, with table linens by Rivolta Carmignain of Maduino, Italy. Tuxedo-adorned waiters are constantly serving every dining need, sometimes bordering on becoming intrusive with their eagerness to serve.

Rooms and suites at The Woodlands range from $265 to $315 daily, with various packages available.

On the Internet: www.woodlandsinn.com
Phone: 800-774-9999

This story was published on 22 May 2002.