Driving from Charleston,SC to HHI

[RumpleMom]

It looks like DH might have a business trip to Charleston and we might have a free day to go to HH. We have never been there and would love to take a look.

How long is the drive from Charleston, SC to Disney's HHI?

What is the best route to take? Any suggestion on time of day to avoid? What HHI exit should we use? Thanks.

In case we can't go to HH, any suggestions for a day in Charleston?

 

[NCRedding]

Who would be traveling together--you and DH or kids? There are lots of things to spend time on in Charleston: the SC aquarium, historical tours, carriage rides, eating out, shopping the market. There is a battleship, sub, and destroyer on view at Patriots Point. If you're interested in beaches, there are several much closer to Charleston than HH. I believe HH would be about 90 miles from HHI (not sure if that is correct number)

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I'm not sure but I think you would just take 17 South. I know that's the way we go to Florida (if we are going from Charleston).

However I agree with NCRedding...unless you are going to be by your lonesome for a few days with time to explore Charleston, Mount Pleasant and the Isle of Palms on your own I wouldn't make the day trip south to Hilton Head.

You can:

> Shop the market (prepare to be shocked at the prices for grass baskets...I know they take a long time to make because some of my relatives make them....but really!!!). I have to add that "the market" was "the slave market"...puts a different twist on it while you are wandering the vendor stalls.

> Shop the regular shops! For someone from New Jersey just walking in the shop areas downtown is amazing. You get fashions from everywhere and people actually DRESS to go shopping. You can pick out the tourists by what they aren't wearing.

> Walk the battery and look at the houses and gardens...you can tour some of them.

> Go over to Mount Pleasant and visit Patriots Point. After that go visit Fort Sumter on Sullivan's Island (I think its Sullivan's...). There is also a restored plantation you can visit on 17 North. 17 North is also home to a lovely outdoor mall (there are several malls but only one is lovely). Finally...Charleston County built a very nice county beach park on the Isle of Palms. The perfect place to get your ocean front fix. There is even a little Ben & Jerry's stand across the the street.

> Depending on the time of year there are music and art festivals...I went to one up in Summerville and had a great time. Then there is the Spoleto Festival...2 weeks long and I have yet to get to more than the Little Spoleto Festival.

> Going in April...for me this is my opportunity to try and see the WTA in action...the big names in women's tennis come here for the Family Circle Cup.

 

[RumpleMom]

We will be without kids this trip and are anxious to see Disney's HHI. I would love to hear a Welcome Home, even if it is just for the day.

Any suggestions for lunch or dinner near Disney?

 

[DownNeckBoy]

You did not mention how many days you were actually going to be in Charleston, but if you have only one day to spend touring, I would choose Charleston over HH. There is so much to do there and the trip down to HH from Charleston, while not long, is annoying.

Either way, you cannot lose.

 

[KLR-wlv]

Hi

I live in Charleston and have driven to HH 3 times. It is exactly 2 hours. You can take 17 to 95 and then take the HH exit (sorry - can't remember which one but it should be on the DVC site). Or you can take 17 to the turn-off for Beaufort and follow the signs for HH if you'd rather avoid the highway. They are both the same amount of time if you don't hit traffic. It's a pretty drive if you're new to the lowcountry. Beaufort is worth a stopover for an hour as well. We love the HH resort, and the little shopping mall across the main highway from SHelter Cove has 2 great restaurants - Santa Fe Cafe is wonderful and CHarlie's has great seafood in a non-touristy environment.

Enjoy your time in both places!