Charleston or Savannah?

[WLfan]

I'll be driving down to WDW from NY in August. I plan on stopping for 2-3 hours in either Charleston, SC or Savannah. I've stopped at each for the same amount of time in the past and really liked each. In Savannah, we rode the free trolley around and walked some -- very beautiful city! In Charleston, we took a walking tour which I loved and went to one of the plantations on Ashley River Road. I'd like to revisit one again and would love to do another quick tour. Unfortunately, the walking tours I saw in Savannah are not at the right times. We don't get in until 2pm. Any recommendations for either city for a couple of hours? What to do? Where to go? Places to go eat Southern food? Thanks for your help!

 

[froggy5657]

I liked the sweet tea better in charleston. Also, for a few hours I would recommend Charleston, I think the town is a little nice to walk around

 

[StanleyH]

If you enjoy playing golf, then Charleston is going to be a great place to vacation! Some of the nicest courses are in Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Wild Dunes, and Daniel Island. You'll also find good options in Mt. Pleasant. Charleston hosts many big tournaments throughout the year, and a lot of the courses are designed by big names such as Tom Fazio.

 

[AnneR]

Either city is a beautiful city - I would probably make my decision on the best use of time since you are saying you would visit for a couple of hours on your trip. My recollection is that Savannah was more convienent to I-95, assuming this is how you are traveling. On our agenda though it to get out to Fort Sumter. We weren't able to do this on our first visit.

 

[chum]

Great American cities!

I love the forts near both for something different.

In Savannah try Ft Pulaski - Large beautiful fort and grounds and 15min out of town. Ft Jackson is not as big but closer.
In Charleston try Ft Moultrie. Ft Sumter is great but takes more time in travel (boat to island and back).

For dinner in Savannah my wife and I enjoy Il Pasticcio.

For Dinner in Charleston we visit Anson.

Have a great time!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I love both cities, but Charleston is my pick. I love the Battery area, lots of great dining and things to see.

 

[Tink rules]

Charleston is my pick... great seafood (fresh from the docks...) and if you do nothing more than take a drive around and hit the Market area... you can get to Ft.Sumpter from there and take a city tour...

Don't forget to get the bear claws from River Street Sweets!!!

 

[mshoo1]

This is like picking between chocolate and ice cream--you can't go wrong either way. However, I'd go with Savannah. It's right off I-95 and I think it's a better bet for a brief stop. You can walk around the Forsyth Park area or stroll along the RiverWalk. If you can possibly get there before 2:00, I highly recommend getting lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room--extraordinary southern cooking and a truly unique dining experience. I personally think the food at Mrs. Wilkes is better than Lady and Sons (Paula Dean's place).

 

[divanicki75]

As someone who lives in Charleston, I'd pick Savannah... I may be biased, though, as Savannah is one of my favorite cities Also, as a PP mentioned, it's wayyy off of the highway (assuming 95, as PP did). Savannah is very convenient.

 

[WLfan]

Great advice! I've heard that Mrs. Wilkes gets a HUGE line and I know they are only open for lunch. If I get there at 2, will I be able to be seated or is that too late for a Saturday?

Keep the advice coming! I love it!

 

[quietgirll]

I think Mrs Wilkes is onl open during the week... \

 

[mshoo1]

I forgot you were going to be there on Saturday. Quietgirll is right. Mrs. Wilkes is only open during the week. As for the line, it can be more than an hour wait sometimes.

 

[SpaceMtnFan]

I was in Savannah last summer for A family reunion I love this town The best way to cool off in Savannah durring the summer is go to Tybee Island A Bridge takes you over to the Island you can swim at the beach and see large cargo ships go by.


Here are some Pics of Savannah

Here is the Bridge that takes you to Tybee Island

 

[WelovMickey!]

I am bias! I live in Charleston Take a horse carriage tour of Downtown Charleston. Or walk the Market Place in Downtown Charleston(sweet grass baskets and Gullah spice smells fill the air)

 

[kbelle8995]

Both are beautiful. I love Charleston and Savannah.

Savannah has a great waterfront, the pirate house and Paula Deen. I've gotten raves from people who've been to the "The Lady and Sons" Paula Deen's restaurant. Totally worth even after the long line they had to stand in. Charleston has great She-Crab soup and some great restaurants as well.

Charleston has Fort Sumter, if you're in mood for a little history. Carriage tours are a must. The market is really neat. Just a cool place in general.

Both have beautiful historic areas. I've been to both three times. Whenever I'm in Savannah I visit the the Juliette Gordon Low house (Founder of the Girl Scouts) Unfortunately no cookies. Go Girl Scouts!

 

[alexb]

If you go to Savannah and are looking for some a good place to get ice cream check out Leopold's.....I was just there last week visiting my in-laws and the rum raisin ice cream was incredible. All of their ice cream is good.