On our way to the Gathering in Savannah we are going to stop in Charleston for a couple of days.
There is only one hotel review on ST, and it is for a larger chain hotel. I am looking for a small character Inn or B & B.
I would also love to get some input on places to eat and/or 'don't miss' things to do, both in Charleston and for the drive from Charleston to Savannah.
That is probably too many questions in one posting... but let's see how it goes.
I think there will be others going to Savannah who will also visit Charleston and would find this information useful.
Sheena
Posts: 2272 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
I'm linking this also to the Gathering forum so other Savannah travelers will see it!
(And Sheena, I do have some input, but will need to post later-- I'm writing this from the Knoxville airport... about to start making my way to France!)
If you are anywhere near Charleston, it would be such a shame not to see this beautiful and historic city. It is only about 1 1/2 hours - 2 hours North and a very easy drive. Great scenery - open marshland - tidal creeks - amazing oak trees.
I would definatley stay in the historic downtown area and Tripadvisor.com has a great listing of hotels - There really aren't too many bad hotels in town, it just is really how much money you want to spend. French Quarter Inn, Harborview Inn, Indigo Inn, Lodge Alley Inn, even the Hampton Inn (near the old Citadel) is great. Wentworth Mansion and Governor's House Inn are suppose to be gorgeous B&B's, but very expensive. You can park your car if you want and never have to use it again during your time in the holy city!!!!
Restaurants are plentiful and you will not find another city of its size with such great restaurants and it is even more amazing as Charleston is a very "touristy" town. Some of my favorites are: Magnolias, Fulton Five, Pennisula Grill, Slightly North of Broad, Andolini's (great pizza), Vickery's Bar & Grill - downtown or a great on on Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant. Pita Pit - great sandwhiches. I could go on and on!
You all are lucky and from March 13 - Apirl 8th, 2008, is the Historic Charleston Foundation tours of homes and it is fantastic. They have tours of gardens and homes and late March, early April is a great time to visit. Not too hot yet and just about everything will be in bloom. You can't go wrong walking just about anywhere to see the historic homes and the parks along the waterfront. Shopping on King Street, carriage tours - I find them so tacky touristy, but I have been on many myself. Take a break from all the running around and have a drink on the rooftop of any hotel near the harbor, visit Ft. Sumter - not much out there, but full of history. I personlly love the gardens at Middleton Place and it is across the river up highway 61. Most of the plantation homes around Charleston are not the original dwellings and so I am not big on the plantations. A visit to the Citadel or College of Charelston is worthwhile. I have heard the aquarium is nice, but have never been there myself. I have also heard that Charlestown Landing is open again and worth a trip over to West Ashley.
Well, as you can tell I am very biased about Charleston and I miss living down there. It has lost some of its small town charm - Mayor Riley has been too successful and too many people came to visit and seemed to have decided to move down there.
If you want to get a feel for the area before you go down to Savannah, please read any of Pat Conroy's books. Prince of Tides, Lords of Discipline, The Great Santini - all his books are so much better than his movies and I think you feel the love that he has for the low country in all of his works.
Picket, thank you so much, that is a lot of information! Have you done, or would you consider doing, ST reviews for some of the restaurants you have recommended. It would help me, and others going to Charleston, if we knew why you liked these particular restaurants (ambiance, food, location, view, price etc).
I know what you mean about carriage tours being 'tacky touristy' but sometimes they are a good way to get your bearings in a new town - plus an excuse to rest aching legs or sore feet!
I am now going to search for the Historical Charleston Foundation home and garden tours - what great timing.
Leslie have you stayed at any of the places you have listed? Do you have a particular reason for recommending each one?
Sheena
Posts: 2272 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
I will try to get some of the reviews of the restaurants that I have been to this weekend. My husband and I just love food and Charleston is heaven for us!!!!
Meeting Street Inn is a great location on the battery and the front looks out at the Ashley River right where it flows into the harbor. Small and very intimate. I have been to the bar at the top of the Vendue Inn and the view alone is worth a trip. I have heard that the Harborview Inn has a great roof top area. Both Inns'are right at the mouth of the Cooper River and harbor waters and close to the market area and the area South of Broad Street. Great area to walk and just look at the lovely gardens and homes.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pickett: I will try to get some of the reviews of the restaurants that I have been to this weekend. /QUOTE]
Thanks, I'll look forward to them.
It sounds as though you would recommend the general area of the Battery? I have an arthritic knee that prevents me from walking huge distances (reasonable walking is okay) we would like to be fairly close to restaurants, stores (especially antiques). Is there a permanent market at the 'market area'? In reading the Historical Society information I noted that the market begins late April. Perhaps these are two different things.
Sheena
Posts: 2272 | Location: West Vancouver, B.C. Canada | Registered: 28 February 2004
I have had friends and family who have stayed at the places that I have listed and they all recommend these places highly.
Having visited Charleston many times over the years while living in Savannah, I think it is one of the most lovely Southern cities (other than Savannah!) as most of its historical origins have not been bull-dozed for the sake of progress (Atlanta).
I would agree with Leslie about Beaufort. Not far off of highway 17. Not much there, but the water, houses and serentiy of the town are wonderful.
Sheena - You really can stay anywhere downtown and be close to things. King Street is where alot of the shops are and when we lived there most of the antique stroes where on King between Market Steet and Broad Street. I found this site that has a listing of some of the addresses on King Street area: www.charlestonsfinest.com/lists/Kantiques.htm The market area is betwen East Bay Street and Meeting street. The market is several blocks of vendors setting up shop in the old slave market quarters. Alot of it is tacky touristy things, but I love to walk up an down the market and look at all the items for sale. You can walk as little or as much as you want around town, and still do some shopping, eat at great restaurants, and see all the beauty the city has to offer.
For those who might just want to come in for the day, you can stop at the Visitor Center - 375 Meeting Street, park you car and take the trolley service they have around town. www.charlestoncvb.com I think this is one of those services that you can buy an all day pass - than get on and off when you and where you want. It is called DASH. My in-laws have used it and liked it. The carriage rides (located in and about the market area)are another way to let someone else do the driving and take a little breather. There are public parking lots throughout the downtown and rates are very reasonable. Ann
I have loved looking at the slow travel site and giving my thoughts and experiences. I got so much great information for my trip to France in May of 2005 and have been hooked every since.
You all will just love Savannah and hopefully people will be able to make their way up to Charleston. I have been watching the gathering news and April is just not a good time for me to head out of town, but would live to give any advice and assistance that people need.
Slow Travel Talk 
