Just a few weeks ago, Titi took me on a surprise vacation to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is where he asked me to be his wife in the gardens of the Duke Mansion! (read the proposal story here!) We did actually end up staying at the Duke Mansion for our trip and it was a fabulous time! Somehow Titi found this incredible bed and breakfast that is tucked away in one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Myers Park. When you drive up to the mansion, you quickly escape the hustle and bustle of the Charlotte city around you. The hotel itself and the gardens around it are serene and relaxing.
Titi and I were on cloud nine during our entire visit and can’t truly say enough about how amazing our stay was. During the weeks leading up to the proposal, Titi had been working with the staff at the Duke Mansion setting up everything, from getting a photographer to reserving the space for the surprise. From what he said, the staff were incredibly helpful in making sure everything was set up nicely for our arrival.
I’m not a huge history person nor is Titi, but the Duke Mansion has been around since 1915 and its’ history is full of twists and turns. If you’re interested in learning more about the history, you can read more about it here.
Rooms
Titi and I stayed on the third floor in the King Suite, which has a gorgeous skyline view of the gardens in front of the mansion. Both of us were blown away with the size of the room and the timeless décor that transports you back in time (in a good way). The bathroom was stunning and very modern looking with all of the white finishes. The Duke Mansion has 19 other rooms, beyond the King Suite, so you’re sure to find the perfect option for you and your family.
Amenities
Beyond the beautiful room, the Duke Mansion has a great selection of amenities to choose from. My favorite part about the Duke Mansion is the 4.5 acres of beautiful, thriving gardens that surrounds the main building. After Titi proposed to me, we actually had a post-proposal photoshoot around the gardens that allowed us to get some beautiful shots. Everything was bright green, and the flowers were bright and colorful to match the special occasion.
The Duke Mansion also has a guest library, a business center, and a small gym that are located throughout the house for anyone to use. They also have multiple seating areas inside and outside of the house to sit, eat and relax. I absolutely loved the white rocking chairs on the front porch; they were so charming and relaxing.
Food
Even though the Duke Mansion is surrounded by some amazing food options, the food on the property is just as remarkable. A full breakfast included in your stay and from Titi’s comments, it was a tasty one! I’m not a huge breakfast eater unless we’re talking about pancakes, waffles, and sugary donuts or muffins. Unfortunately, the Duke Mansion did not have any of those sugary sweets on the menu (it’s fine I probably don’t need to eat them anyways! Haha). Instead the menu consisted of cereal, oatmeal, homemade orange juice, scrambled eggs, sausages, and so much more.
Things to Do Near the Duke Mansion
I’m not going to be posting a full travel guide of our trip to Charlotte (just because it’s really special and I want to keep it special between the two of us), however, here are a few things that are on my bucket list for our next trip to Charlotte:
- U.S. National WhiteWater Center: If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, then the WhiteWater center is the place to check out. You can go whitewater rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, kayaking, and paddle boarding here. Titi and I didn’t get a chance to stop, by but this could easily be an all-day adventure.
- Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: I’m a sucker for a pretty garden, and this place looks like it would be breathtaking in every season. Make sure to wear a good pair of shoes and have a full-charged battery because this site has a lot of walking and pretty views.
- Go Shopping: Charlotte has so many malls, outlets, and shopping centers that there’s no way that you can stop by every single one! I stopped at the Premium outlets this time, but next time I want to check out Concord Mills and SouthPark Mall.
Titi and I had the best time at the Duke Mansion and can’t recommend it enough if you’re in the Charlotte area. It’s the perfect place if you want a more traditional, quiet bed and breakfast located in the heart of the city. You can also book weddings, parties, and other events here, but make sure you book well in advance to secure your room in this beautiful mansion.
