I have had the pleasure of staying at Charleston, SC's  Cannonboro (above left) and Ashley (above right) Inns on several different occasions, during the past eight years, and each experience has been a pleasant one in every way. Each of these sister inns offers guests gracious Southern hospitality, historic lodging in the heart of a major tourist destination, tastefully decorated accommodations, off-street parking, complimentary touring bikes, Wifi, home-baked afternoon refreshments, evening sherry, and gourmet breakfasts which I consider the best morning repasts to be found at a Charleston bed and breakfast inn.

Lodging offered at these sister inns includes a wide range of versatility to best suit whatever need or desire a guest may have. Shown above is a spacious suite (far left) at the Cannonboro Inn, a charming room (middle) at The Ashley Inn with direct access to the piazza, and an all-inclusive carriage house (far right and also located at The Ashley Inn).

During the past twelve years, I have personally experienced the majority of Charleston's finest bed and breakfast inns and boutique hotels. However, I have yet to find a breakfast surpassing the outstanding ones I have consistently enjoyed at The Ashley and The Cannonboro Inns. The Ashley Inn has been featured on Country Inn Cooking with Gail Greco on PBS, and recipes from each of these inns are proudly featured in a cookbook/travel guide (Lowcountry Delights Cookbook and Travel Guide) co-authored by my daughter and me--recipes often selected to serve at our book signings. Breakfast at The Ashley Inn is served in the formal dining room (left photo above), and breakfast at The Cannonboro Inn is served on the inn's circular piazza overlooking a well-tended garden (or inside during cooler weather).

Each of these sister inns offers special packages, gift certificates, and on premise catering for weddings, receptions, and other events. To offer so much, the rates found at these two Charleston inns are amazingly value-based. I highly recommend considering a visit to one or both of these delightful B&Bs whenever in the Charleston area.

During a recent trip to Summerville, SC, I had the pleasure of spending an enjoyable night at Linwood Bed and Breakfast Inn. This lovely Victorian home is situated on nearly 2 acres of award-winning, landscaped gardens embellished with handsome statuary. The gardens have lots of special niches (including a child's secret garden) which provides additional areas for relaxing while visiting the inn. Unlike most bed and breakfast inns, Linwood also offers guests a large swimming pool to enjoy during warmer months. Peter and Linda Shelbourne are the gracious resident innkeepers at Linwood, and their many years of innkeeping is reflected in the excellence found throughout their delightful inn. Linda is also a master gardener, and her talents are evident throughout the gardens.

There are 3 tastefully decorated suites within the main house, and I especially like the one I stayed in (The Brandt Suite shown above). Comfortable mattresses and high-quality linens are standard throughout the inn, as well as private label amenities. There is a working fireplace in The Brandt Suite which I also enjoyed during my visit. Linwood also offers 3 fully furnished and equipped outbuildings which are ideal for long-term, short-term, or corporate rentals; each of these is self-catering. The Guest House and The Hay Barn (both shown below) provide excellent lodging for families traveling with children. 

For guests staying in the main house, a bountiful and tasty Continental breakfast is served each morning in one of the inn's two dining rooms. The table is impressively set with gleaming silver, fine china, and starched linens.

The quaintness of Summerville makes it one of my favorite SC towns. Located just 23 miles from Charleston, Summerville is conveniently located to favorite tourist destinations such as Middleton Place Plantation, Drayton Hall, and Magnolia Place & Gardens. When visiting the Summerville area, I have always had excellent meals at Middleton Place Restaurant and Summerville's Sweet Water Cafe (within walking distance of Linwood).