Of the six categories Conde Nast Traveler readers use to rank their favorite cities in the magazine’s annual survey, one is particularly personal. While evaluating lodging, restaurants and shopping is pretty straight forward, friendliness is based entirely on real people’s first hand experience with our destination. We know there are untold heroes working in our hospitality community. That’s why we’ve begun saluting Charlestonly Ambassadors, frontline folks who take pride in providing a customer service experience that is second to none. It’s our way of saying Thanks Y’all for helping the Charleston area put its best face forward everyday.
For the past few months, we have surprised Charlestonly Ambassadors at their places of employment to say thank you for a job well done. These are our final honorees. Thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination or helped us surprise a recipient. It’s been great!
Please join us in saluting Bob Barker of Drayton Hall. Bob has served as a tour guide at Drayton Hall since the plantation opened its doors to the public in 1977. Of the Charlestonly award nomination stories submitted on Bob’s behalf, this one was the most remarkable:
In 1980, Bob gave first lady Mrs. Jackie Kennedy a tour, and she became immediately enthralled by the house. The upstairs was closed during her visit because the ceiling in the great hall was being repaired, with scaffolding blocking the stair way. Bob explained the only way to see the upstairs was to climb the scaffolding. Mrs. Kennedy didn’t hesitate. She kicked off her shoes and said, “let’s do it.” They climbed it together. Bob is a shining example of going over and above for his guests—literally!
Please join us in saluting Darbis Briggman of the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Darbis stands out for providing a helping hand worth a standing ovation.
A grandmother purchased tickets to take her daughter and granddaughter to see Wicked at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. On the day of the show, the grandmother was suffering from back pain but was did not want to miss out on the exciting show. She made it through intermission before the pain became unbearable. Darbis noticed the grandmother struggling to exit and assisted her out of the theatre and into the car. Darbis was able to get them all tickets, so they could return to see the second half of the show at a later date.
Please join us in saluting Kathy Noland of the Historic Charleston Foundation. Kathy is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a happy shopping experience.
The Historic Charleston Foundation shop at the City Market has limited inventory space compared to its sister shop a few blocks away on Meeting Street. There is no amount of rain, sleet or record high summer temperatures that keep Kathy from fetching a desired item from the larger inventory and quickly hand-delivering it to a customer. Even in the fast-paced setting of the popular market, Kathy goes the extra mile to make sure her customers leave with a smile.
Join us in saluting Michael Milewski of the King Charles Inn. Of the Charlestonly award nomination stories submitted on Michael’s behalf, this one stood out the most:
“I was there to celebrate my husband’s birthday and asked (at the last minute) if the front desk staff could help me arrange a “surprise” in our room. Michael was able to go above and beyond to provide a cake, balloons, champagne, chocolates, and even a birthday card “signed by me.” Our stay was extraordinary because of his efforts. Thanks so much for all you did to make our stay memorable.”
Darbis Briggman:
Kathy Noland:
Michael Milewski:
