”My husband and I recently went to Charleston to help our daughter move into her new home. We had the opportunity and pleasure of staying in the Riverhouse located inside Lowndes Grove. During our stay we learned all about the restoration and preservation Patrick Properties did to the property. Anyone interested in history and preservation would really enjoy this property and the lessons. The accommodations were superb as was the service we received by the staff. My husband and I loved the seclusion and privacy we felt while staying on the property. It was hard to believe the highway and the historical district was as close as it is. The properties landscape and views of the river are just breath taking. Though we did not attend an event while staying there, we did observe one that was taking place and I must say I was impressed. The food looked scrumptious. This property is definitely a must stay for anyone who wants to enjoy Charleston at its finest.”

Call (843) 853.1810 for William Aiken House and Lowndes Grove accommodations availability and pricing.

The Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu includes four courses (lobster, seared tuna, duck and a handcrafted chocolate dessert) for $50 per person. The regular seasonal menu will also be available. Wine pairings are offered for an additional $15. We’ve done our research, and this is one of the most affordable ways to treat your sweetie to Valentine’s Day dinner in Charleston! Also keep in mind that Fish will be offering this mouthwatering menu for the entire weekend from Friday, Feb. 12 to Sunday, Feb. 14. Yes, we are going to open on Sunday just for Valentine’s Day!

If you’re looking for something extra romantic this year we’ve got just the ticket. Whisk your special someone away for a relaxing retreat at either the William Aiken House Carriage House or Lowndes Grove Plantation. You and your Valentine will be treated upon arrival to a bottle of champagne, a rose and gourmet truffles from local Christophe Artisan Chocolatier. Enjoy an evening on the town and retire to your downtown suite at the William Aiken House, or watch the serene sunset on the Ashley River at Lowndes Grove Plantation and wake the next morning to a continental breakfast delivered to your door. For only $250 you can create this memorable, intimate experience to share with the one you love. Upon request, we’ll also make a reservation for you to dine at Fish, just around the corner.

Call 843-853-1810 for room reservations and 843-722-3474 for Fish dinner reservations. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Saturday a group of girlfriends came to town from Columbia and invited me to dinner. They had made reservations at, where else? Fish. I had been looking forward to trying the new winter menu so I gladly accepted the invite. We shared a lot of small plates like calamari and dim sum, but I ordered the golden trout with potato, zucchini and butternut squash quiche as my entrée and a cheese plate to share. Both were exactly what I wanted. The brown butter almondine sauce on the trout was fantastically sweet and went well with the quiche, too.  The cheese plate was a big hit with the all of the girls as it was passed around the table.

On Sunday Patrick Properties hosted an oyster roast and BBQ at Lowndes Grove for the employees. It was nice to see everyone out of the office, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. The highlights for me were definitely the fresh local oysters and susnet views. I”ll leave you with these photos that sum up a Lowcountry Oyster Roast at its finest.

Dear Ashley,

I want to express how much we enjoyed our stay at Lowndes Grove, but it goes beyond the sentimentality of staying at the place we were married.  Patrick Properties went above and beyond to make our Anniversary/homecoming a truly special time.  Stephanie was so helpful, from suggesting activities to making reservations.  She was always available yet never intrusive.  The staff at Fish Restaurant were excellent; we were treated so well.  And the food – amazing! … We will certainly dine at Fish on our next visit to Charleston, and look forward to the next time we have opportunity to interact with Patrick Properties.

From Lowndes Grove on the banks of the Ashley River to Fish in the heart of downtown, hospitality is the thread that ties our versatile venues together. We’re in it for the memories that are created at our properties, so thanks to those that let us be a part of their special moments.

Bridal portraits by Tillman Branch Photography.

The Ashley River marsh and live oaks are a stunning backdrop not only for events, but for bridal portraits as well. The window on the third floor of Lowndes Grove is one of my favorite places for a pretty feminine portrait. Call 843-853-1810 for an appointment to have your portraits taken at any of our properties.

Hitched!

Weddings are full of really great moments. The moment the bride puts her veil on, the moment the groom seees his bride in her dress for the first time, the moment the crazy aunt starts to cut a rug on the dancefloor. I imagine it’s pretty difficult for photographers to capture all of those little moments throughout the day, but Leigh Webber did a phenomenal job capturing this moment. After seeing hundreds of wedding photos since I began working at Patrick Properties, I’ve developed a favorite wedding moment that I’m always anxious to see a photo of. It’s the moment after the bride and groom have said their “I dos” and are walking back down the aisle together through all of their loved ones. It is a moment of pure happiness and celebration not only for them, but for everyone who came to support them. Look at the bride, she’s light as a feather and filled to the brim with joy. And not just her, but all the faces surrounding her reflect her glow. I think it is the single moment of a wedding that is most worth capturing candidly, and this moment with Annie and Storm was captured beautifully.

Chef de Cuisine Charron Henry & Executive Chef Nico Romo are busy finalizing the new Fall menu for Fish that will launch Wednesday. Next project? Predator & Prey dinner for Halloween. Details to come.

Sous Chef Deveaux Stockton & his wife welcomed baby River. Love his little baby face! Congrats to their family.

Charles & Celeste Patrick with Randall & Jennifer Goldman & Elvis at the Charleston Stage Gala

Introducing our new sales team: Director of Sales Ashley Gunnin with Sales Managers Sarah Copeland & Amber Ferguson

We're always working hard to create one-of-a-kind events at all of our properties. Well worth it for beautiful moments like this one for Libba & Tyler at their Lowndes Grove wedding.

No, it’s not a PP staffer. It’s a member of the Charleston Ballet Theatre! We’re gearing up for Brad & Janet’s Wedding Reception at Fish (aka the CBT’s Rocky Horror after party) Nov. 23, 24, 30 and 31. We’ve got a hearse, we’ve got costumes, we’ve got themed cocktails… it’ll be nuts.

It’s been busy, but it’s been a lot of fun. Coming up this week: Upper King Design Walk is Thursday so put on your comfy walking shoes and head up to our neighborhood to see all the new shops and visit the old favorites. Fish will be open to quench your thirst and feed the appetite you worked up after all of that shopping. See you Thursday!

More photos and event details here, here, here and here on White-thread.com.

Your Dad doesn't want a tie. Really.

I know I don’t know your Dad, but I feel reasonably comfortable in saying that he probably doesn’t want a tie for Father’s Day.

Don’t get me wrong, if you get him one, he’ll smile or say, “Well, will you look at that?” But you know what that phrase is code for. (Why God, why?)

Here then, is a gift suggestion that far outweighs aftershave, dress socks, ties and any sort of mug with a #1 Dad kind of phrase on it.

The Fanatic                             $299
Based on home schedule and available through September 3, 2009

Package includes:

·         One night luxurious accommodations at The William Aiken Carriage House or Lowndes Grove

·         Pre-Game! Beer, peanuts and pretzels in your room upon arrival

·         Two premium tickets to a Charleston River Dogs game at Joe Riley Stadium

·         Green taxi service to and from the stadium

·         Two Riverdogs baseball caps

·         In-room gourmet snack baskets, mini bar and coffee pot, refrigerator

·         Cable television, free wireless internet, mini bar, hair dryer, iron and local phone service

·         Fine bed linens, L’Occitane bath products and Ralph Lauren towels

An additional night’s accommodation is just $149. Based upon double occupancy. Tax and gratuity not included.

Nothing says Happy Father’s Day like a day at the ballpark with the old man. Go ahead, put your siblings to shame. Simply call 843.853.1810.