Help in Charleston

[homedad]

Never stayed there but parent live about an hour north, never been impressed by Hymans but Magnolias is the best, also like Pogans porch and Carolinas(by the battery) used to be awesome before they got thier new chef(this was like 5 years ago)...Magnolia has great regional lowcountry food...grits are delicious....

 

[Girldreamer02]

I agree with pp on California Dreaming...its been a while since I've been to Charleston, but that restaurant sticks out in my head the most! It was delicious! Also no trip to Charleston is complete without a trip to the Charleston market. I've never taken a carriage ride, but always wanted to. There is a ton of history and lots to do in Charleston...have fun!

 

[newtodis]

If you go to California Dreaming, ask to sit by the windows that look out over the water - the view is amazing!

Gosh - I love Charleston!!! Makes me want to go home and start pulling out scrapbooks to see what other places we went that just aren't as fresh in my memory any more...

 

[mskayjay]

DS is moving home from Charleston much to our dismay! We love it there.

Affordable places.....if you want clean, accessable, and affordable try the Andrew Pinkney Inn. It is in no way luxury but does the job and is right in the historic district. For quite a bit more, Double Tree is right there and very nice. We also loved the Vendue Inn.

For meals, sorry but Hyman's is way overrated. I would go across the street to Hank's instead where we had one of the very best meals ever! Atmosphere is amazing too. Go and at least have a drink at the amazing bar in there.

For great views, go to the top floor of the Pavillion Hotel. There is a bar there open to the public. The views of the city are amazing! We spend at least one evening up there each time we go. Vendue Inn also has a rooftop bar but the new condos blocked up the views.

Definitely do a carriage ride. Awesome way to see the city. IF your Mom is able, the ghost tours are fun but cheesy. Walking the streets is hard because they are cobblestone so NO heals!!!! You have to have sneakers or "sensible" shoes to walk Charleston.

For a day trip, go out to Middleton Place. I'm not sure if the azaleas will be blooming when you go but that place is amazing and blows away all the other plantations. It is the oldest planned gardens in the US and.....welll just pull it up on line and look! lol

Jestines for food was way overrated also FYI. The owner is also quite snippy and rude. Sorry but your not doing me a favor by letting me dine at your place. What a snot she was to us and all the tables around us. We felt so rushed......

The "market" is wonderful and you'll find some great deals. The gulla rices and spice mixes are not to be missed! Stop and enjoy the artistry of the sweetgrass baskets but no fainting when you see the prices! lol The less expensive ones are down by the church away from the market, but the ladies will all deal with you somewhat if you find something you really like. Keep in mind though that those baskets take hours and hours to make so don't low ball too much. My cheapest one was just over $100 for a nice sized basket with handle. Most of the candy stores will let you sample warm pralines too which is always fun.

For a quick lunch Wild Wing Cafe along the market is always great and affordable.

There are also some great art consortiums along the main drags. Go check out some of the local work. John Carol Doyle had a gallery in town for a while. Not sure if it is still there but his work is phenomenal.

Babbled enough.....enjoy your trip and for further advice go to the TripAdvisor.com website and go to the Charleston Forum. Great info there!!!!

 

[mousetravel]

Have you thought about going for a sail boat ride?
Check this out http://www.schoonerpride.com/

It's a very good priced activity! We loved it. It's very neat to watch them work the sails. It's a quiet, relaxing, enjoyable trip with great views!
I can add some pics later today.

 

[Kit'smommy]

I agree with the suggestions for Magnolia's. Get the pimento cheese as an appetizer. I hate pimento cheese and I dream about this stuff at night.

California Dreaming is a favorite of mine, also.

 

[mousetravel]

Here's the Schooner Pride pics:

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC151.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC156.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC157.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC159.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC160.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC161.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC167.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/CharlestonSC168.jpg

 

[willoughbyclan]

DH and I are going to Charleston in September for our 18th anniversary. Thought I would bump this thread up for more suggestions.