Three Port City businesses were recently awarded AAA Carolinas coveted Four-Diamond rating for 2016. What’s more, all three of the businesses have been bestowed the distinction in previous years. 

This year’s local recipients are The Graystone Inn, The Verandas Bed & Breakfast Inn and manna restaurant. All are located in Wilmington’s historic river district.

“We congratulate the owners and staff of the Graystone Inn, The Verandas and Manna on their AAA Four-Diamond designations and we applaud their commitment to excellence,” Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority, said in a statement. “Their diamonds shine a positive light on the destination.” 

For the Graystone Inn, 2016 marked the 17th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond rating, with The Verandas Bed & Breakfast Inn garnering its 14th. Both establishments received the ratings for superior customer service and facilities.

Meanwhile, posh restaurant manna celebrated its second consecutive AAA Four-Diamond award this year. 

According to AAA Carolinas, requirements for Four-Diamond level are rigorous, with less than 4 percent of thousands of annual inspections conducted nationally resulting in the rating. Statewide, a total of 32 hotels and 15 restaurants achieved the rating this year.

Located at 123 Princess St., manna is known for serving innovative cuisine and cocktails. Owner and general manager William Mellon and the rest of the manna staff incorporate fresh local, regional and American ingredients into its culinary, and related, creations.

As for the elegantly styled Graystone Inn, it’s housed in the former Bridgers Mansion (c.1905-06), located at 100 S. Third St. Innkeepers Richard and Marcia Moore purchased the 14,300-square-foot mansion in 2004.   

And The Verandas, 202 Nun St., is a Victorian Italianate Mansion originally built in 1853. Purchased in May 1995, the then-boarded-up manor was refurbished by innkeeper Chuck Pennington and the late Dennis Madsen before its doors opened to guests in 1997.