(Columbia) – After the inaugural ceremonies Wednesday, Governor Mark Sanford, and First Lady, Jenny, played host to folks from all over the state at the family meet and greet.

The stately home on Richland Street was the perfect retreat from a cold January’s day.

“I’m a resident of South Carolina, born and raised, and I've never been to the Governor's Mansion. I brought my girls because they've studied South Carolina history,” said York resident Joni Burrell.

And while a portrait of the governor is a piece of Palmetto state history watching over the library, it was the real deal that brought people to the housewarming from all over the state.

For Harry Titus, it was his foremost glimpse at Mark Sanford.

“That was my first time ever shaking the governor’s hand,” said the Sumter Mayewood Middle School student.

For Brenda Neal, it was just a time to reacquaint with an old friend.

“I’ve been here several times, and we just wanted to be part of his supporters that were here,” said the Blacksburg resident.

Some houseguests showed up to share stories with the first family, like retired minister Hopkins Westin, who conducted a service for First Lady, Jenny and her four sons.

Other visitors, like Campion Usry, hoped to make some stores of their own.

“I'm going to see if the king and serif want to have lunch sometime,” said the Manning man.

But most agreed, the open house was a reflection of Governor Sanford’s openness with the residents of South Carolina.

A spokesman says several hundred people showed up to say hello, Wednesday.