charleston, sc?

[monalsw]

ever since i've read 'gone with the wind', i've wanted to visit charleston, lol!

we are driving to wdw, just so i can do that! we are planning on leaving wdw on a friday morning, and stopping at charleston for 1-2 days.

any recommendations on where to stay (not expensive)? what to see? i will be traveling with my mom and my kids, dd age 15 and ds age 5.

thanks for any information!

 

[Jen S]

Charleston is one of my favorite cities! You'll have so much fun walking around the historic area (make sure to take one of the ghost tours at night, your kids will love it).

As far as accomodations, the least expensive parts to stay in will be outside of the historic downtown area. I would try to avoid the North Charleston area, as it has not seemed to be the safest area of town whenever we have driven through it. Mt Pleasant is just across the river from Charleston and is a good bet for lower priced hotels.

If you want to stay in the historic area, I can highly reccomend the Best Western King Charles Inn. This is not a typical Best Western at all. It is a really lovely old property with very charming rooms. It's located on Meeting Street, it's within walking distance to most of the historic area attractions and is only a block or two from the straw market. The hotel also serves afternoon tea (plus wine) with pastries and cookies every afternoon. This was our favorite way to unwind every day after exploring the city and before heading off to dinner for the evening. The last time we stayed I think we payed $150 per night, which is a lot but is one of the best deals for the historic area (and it includes free parking which is a big plus for that area). You can also check priceline which gets some good deals in the 3 & 4* categories.

Hope you have a great trip!

Jennifer

 

[*Flower*]

Of course it depends on the area of North Charleston that you decide to stop at.

Most of us are pretty nice........ however there are areas that I wouldn't go into after dark.

Some areas of downtown are like that too though- even the tourist areas.

I've been here for over 4 years..... let me know if I can help.

 

[christineann]

There are also some convenient hotels just over the bridge in the West Ashley area, including a Hampton Inn and Springhill Suites, both located at the Ripley Light Marina - very convenient with nice views and breakfast included.

We've always enjoyed Patriot's Point (aircraft carrier, submarines, museum, etc.) and especially the boat ride to Fort Sumter. The museum houses are very nice also, but your younger child would probably be bored. Waterfront Park is also nice - a pier with swings, green areas, and fountains.

There are several beautiful plantations - Boone Hall (north of the city), Middleton Place (formal gardens), Drayton Hall (original house) and Magnolia Gardens (lots of wildflowers, etc). You might get some groceries or get a box lunch from Atlanta Bread Company or Honey Baked Ham Company near the plantations and take a picnic.

Hope you decide to visit Charleston!

 

[faith]

Spent most a day there on a tour of Myrtle Beach area. It was a lovely town. I highly recommend the tours by bus available at the tourist center in town. The vendor market was great, the battery area,(historical homes etc), the Citadel, and the best hamburger and fries I've ever eaten was down near the waterfront. Just a little hole in the wall...the building was blue. Maybe someone from that area can help with the name. Have fun! Oh, don't forget a plantation tour outside of town!

 

[Figment22]

Things to see and do:

A horse drawn carriage tour. These leave from the City Market area, which is an attraction in itself. The drivers/guides are excellent; they must pass a test in Charleston history in order to be licensed.

For a taste of history that your kids will enjoy (at least mine did) check out the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Here's a link for some info:

http://www.oldexchange.com/

I second the vote for Patriot's Point. It's very interesting and the kids enjoyed it (always a big plus ) It's located in Mount Pleasant just across the Cooper River. Here's their website:

http://www.patriotspoint.org/

There is a great new aquarium in Charleston, right on the Cooper River next to the Fort Sumpter tour departure point and the Charleston IMAX theatre. Read about it here:

http://www.scaquarium.org/

Lastly, I highly recommend Charles Towne Landing which is 10 miles north of the city on the Ashley River. It is the site of the original city from 1670. (It was moved 10 years later to its present site.) It is a beautiful park setting, again my kids love it. Rent bicycles there and enjoy it up close. Info on CTL is here:

http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/stateparks/parkdetail.asp?PID=1575

For other general info, here's the link to the Charleston Visitors Bureau.

http://www.charlestoncvb.com/visitors/index.shtml

I can't help you out with hotel recommendations as we usually just drive up for the day (it's a little less than two hours away for us) but I can recommend a few restaurants. We have eaten at and enjoyed 82 Queen (my personal favorite), Magnolias, Poogan's Porch, California Dreaming and Sticky Fingers. Most of these have links to their websites on the visitor's bureau website I posted above.

Charleston is a wonderful city, I'm sure you'll all love it.

 

[christineann]

That hamburger restaurant is called "Your Place". Never been there, but everyone raves about the burgers.

I would also highly recommend "Ghost Tours Charleston". They run day and night walking tours. The company is owned by some great folks who have published books and have been featured on the Travel Channel. Their website is

http://www.tourcharleston.com

 

[julybride]

Charleston is a wonderful city. You will really enjoy your time there.

There is a Hampton Inn in the Historic District across the street from the Visitors Center. DH and I have always been pleased with our rooms and the service at this location. I would call ahead though, as we have had difficulty getting a reservation at this location.

 

[LJC1861]

For a great meal featuring some good ole southern cookin' try Jestines. It is on Meeting Street just north of the Market and is truly wonderful. The fried chicken or catfish is not to be missed and they have some of the best sweet tea known to mankind.

Linda