Sometimes you want to escape the ordinariness of a chain motel or hotel. Sometimes you want to fill your vacation with uniqueness. Such can be found in the Carolinas.

Litchfield Plantation, between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, lies at the end of a grand oak alley in stereotypical Southern “Gone With the Wind” style.

A former rice and indigo farm, it has been a fixture of the South Carolina low country since the 18th century. Stretching from the Atlantic to the Waccamaw River, it remained in one family, the Tuckers, for over a century.

While architecturally modern accommodations are available you may opt for a stay at the Plantation House. The floors creak, the stairwell’s rail retains the warmth of past hands and you can feel the presense of many other guests from years past.

The Ballroom Suite offers a 3600 view of the grounds with another row of moss-laden oaks, the river and former rice fields fertile even in repose.

With its king size bed, fireplace and a double Jacuzzi it offers the finest of accommodations.

Also available are the smaller Blue and Red Rooms. Here you find the charm of a low country plantation life at its best. Often the wives of plantation owners would show off their wealth through the décor of the homes. Both rooms feature opulent wall coverings and objects d art.

Boater? You can reach Litchfield via the Intracoastal Waterway.

To reach Winston Salem North Carolina’s Brookstown Inn your car will suffice.

She is a great example of revival architecture having begun as a textile mill in the 1830’s. Being on the National Register of Historic Places also honors her.

The ceilings are high, the rooms spacious, the décor early American with tin candle sconces, complete with electrified candles, and other 19th century implements hanging from the walls of the broad hallways. Exposed brick brings cozy warmth to the surroundings, especially in the dining room where an enhanced continental breakfast is served.

Like any genteel southern lady - the Brookstown feeds her guests.

A complimentary wine and cheese hour occurs daily and should you have a rumbling tummy before bedtime a simple walk down the hall, yes even in your PJ’s, will get you some milk and cookies.

With its downtown location, the Brookstown is an easy walk to Old Salem, and the Inn is connected, via a common deck, to the city’s Visitor’s Center where more ideas for your time in Winston Salem can be found.

Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic area abounds with B & B’s and the Rosehill Inn possesses a special link between the Cape Fear River city and the Lincoln Memorial.

Ready for the connection?

Henry Bacon was raised in the city and lived in what is now the Rosehill Inn. He was an architect of renown, particularly in the Beaux Arts style. His final project became his best known – Washington DC’s Lincoln Memorial.

Today the Rosehill is lovingly restored to the lush grandeur of the Victorian age and offers a relaxed respite to all her guests.

Avoid the commonplace on your next journey.

You will sleep better - guaranteed!

For more information:

The Litchfield Plantation: www.litchfieldplantation.com

What is there to do nearby? Golfing: south-carolina-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/golfing_and_myrtle_beach

The Brookstown Inn: www.brookstowninn.com

What is there to do nearby: north-carolina-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/old_salem

The Rosehill Inn: www.rosehill.com/about-us.html