South Carolina, DVC members--help!

[BWVDee]

My son has just joined the Army and is stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC., for basic training. We will be going there in early May for his graduation. We will be traveling from southern NJ. We are still weighing the options of flying over driving.
But my question are:
If we drive and decide to add a couple days at DVC HH on the way home, how far is it from Columbia to HH? Would this be a do-able and easy side trip to make in route from Columbia, SC to southern NJ? Please keep in mind, we are talking about people that always fly while away, and do not do long road trips! LOL!

If we decide to fly and nix the trip to HH, what is the airport at Columbia, SC like? All the flights that I have been able to find from Phila to Columbia are very high. Would we be better off flying into Charlotte and renting a car?

What is around Fort Jackson as far as hotels, restaurants, etc..

Thanks for any help! I never in a million years imagined myself as the parent of an Army Solider. But now I am, and I must say I am very proud of him. Still in shock!, but none the less very proud!

 

[gopherit]

Hi -- born-n-bred S.C. DVC-er here (just livin' in exile in WV, though!)

From Cola to HH you're looking at about 160 miles, mostly interstate (I 26 and then I95). There' ain't a whole lot between Cola and HH -- make your bathroom trips BEFORE you hit the road! Will it add to your return trip? Well, considering you're heading south from COlumbia, yes. Only upside to this is that on your homeward-bound trip, you will then by-pass Cola because you'lll head up I95 and skip I26 altogether. If you aren't road trippers -- well, just a trip from Cola to NJ is a biggie in and of itself. If you can do that, what's a few extra hrs? Just a drop in the bucket!

As for the Columbia airport -- small and limited. You will likely get a much better fare at Charlotte. Charlotte is a pretty straight shot to COlumbia, too -- just hop on I-77. I'd go there. You're only looking at just over an hr of all-interstate driving. You would most likely have a connecting flight to get into Columbia by air anyway -- you'll make better time via car!

Columbia area has lots of good restaurants and plenty of hotels. We stayed at Claussen's Inn at Five Points once -- it was wonderful (bed/breakfast inn in a restored 1928 bakery -- sounds weird, but very nice!) I recall there being a Hampton Inn, a Comfort Suites and similar such hotels near the base. With Columbia so near, and it being not just the capital but also home to several college and University of S.C., you won't be short of places to eat / sleep!

HTH -- and FWIW -- I think S.C. is a GREAT place for your son to be (and for you to visit!) WIsh my military (air force) brother could find his way to a S.C. airbase so I'd have a reason to visit!

 

[BWVDee]

Thanks for the info, this is very helpful!

 

[PamOKW]

Congratulations on your son's graduation!

Gopherit certainly was able to give you some expert advice! I followed up on her mentioning that U of SC is located in Columbia. The university's graduation ceremonies will be May 7 & 8. If that overlaps with your son's graduation you might want to get reservations ASAP.

 

[BWVDee]

Thanks for the congrats and the info Pam. We are not definite on my son's graduation date yet but I think it is May 6! This is going to be a busy time in Columbia!! You are right, I better make hotel reservations as SOON as I get the definite date. I guess I can pretty much forget trying to get a AAA discount on a room! LOL!