A few hours in CHarleston- what to do?

[ProudMommyof2]

We will be flying into Charleston for our week in Hilton Head. We will stay overnight on 7/19 and would like to leave after lunch to go to HHI the next day. On return on Sat 7/26, our flight is not until 6:50pm. We will leave HHI around 11am and will have 3-4 hours in Charleston before heading to the airport.

Are there any good things to see with a 3-4 hour block of time on both ends? I have been once before but the rest of my family has never been.

TIA

 

[Ginny Favers]

Well, if I had 3-4 hours to spend in Charleston, what I would probably do is walk around the historic district and Rainbow Row, or even better, go for a carriage ride, browse the markets, and then have a meal on the porch at Poogan's Porch.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

We enjoyed our historic carriage ride when we were there. We also enjoyed browsing the markets down there as well. The market area and the carriage ride "dispatch" area are just a few steps from each other.

 

[heath92681]

Definitely walk around and eat downtown. Hit the market or take a carriage ride. Eat at Poogan's Porch, 82 Queen, Lowcountry Bistro, or High Cotton.

 

[Halle]

Carriage Ride!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Thanks everyone! The carriage ride sounds fantastic! I will try and find some info.

Does anyone recommend touring a plantation?

 

[crisi]

There are a few plantations nearby. We visited Boone Hall. The house was built in the 1930s as a reconstructions and you only tour the first floor. But it was a fascinating place and still a working farm.

 

[ICan'tWait]

There are some great homes to tour downtown if you didn't have time for a plantation tour. We took the kids to the Charleston Museum one year and it came with a house tour and I remember the museum itself had a lot of guns - which my boys loved. As others have said definitely the best is a carriage ride.

 

[North of Mouse]

Just spent 5 days in Charleston. Toured downtown (City Market, etc.) gardens, Patriot Point (way too hot for that).

But, the highlight of our trip was touring the Charleston Tea Plantation (the only one in North America). It was soooo interesting...

Also 'Angel Oak' - huge tree - largest in east USA.

Is a 'very' interesting area - will go back in Springtime.

 

[w84no1]

Carriage Ride and High Cotton. Avoid the Timeshare booths

 

[Laura66]

Fit in a private ride/tour around the Charleston Bay with Harbourview Tours!

 

[sharonmickey]

I just returned from a week in Charleston. I'm not a fan of the market in downtown Charleston, way too crowded for me. Haven't done a carriage ride yet, maybe next trip. Love the Charleston Tea Plantation, went back for a second time hoping to see them working but the factory only is operational M - F. Enjoyed Boone Plantation, Angel Oak, Patriot's Point, and the farmer's market on Saturdays. Also toured Irvin vineyard, which is close to the Tea Plantation.

 

[Nztara]

I've been in the area over 14 years.

The market is not the same experience it used to be. If you chose a carriage tour, which is a nice way to get a quick tour of Charleston, you will be right next to the market and may have some time to pop into a few shops.

On Friday mornings there is a chef's kitchen tour that is excellent, but not sure it fits your timeframe.

Every evening, ghost tours are offered. These are an alternative to carriage tours. Be aware that the horses are not allowed out above certain temperatures.

Edmund's Oast is a new dining spot that is getting phenomenal reviews. I also suggest 82 Queen and Poogan's Porch. Two Burroughs Larder is another popular place, but be aware that several dishes are for more Adventurous eaters.

The plantations are a 20-30 minute drive. If you head to the tea plantation, see if Mr. Bob is working. He's a really interesting man. The Angel Oak is a must see if you go in that direction. It's on an unassuming little dirt road, but is breathtaking.

The other plantations are nice, I just think that with your time frame it may be a little rushed.

The Battery, aka White Point Gardens, are a great way to check out the historical homes and have a bit of ocean breeze to cool you.

I don't suggest trying Patriot's Point in summer and on your time frame.

 

[DreamIsaWish]

I think my kids' favorite stop in Charleston was the Moon Pie store. Right next to the Market. Awesome Moon Pie sundae! We'd never had Moon Pies before and we just had to bring home a few boxes to make our own sundaes.

Also, if whatever restaurant you end up at has "she crab soup" be sure to give it a try. Awesome! And hard to find in other parts of the country.