What do you know about these towns?

[C.Ann]

Wow! These replies are great!!

If anyone has alternate routes with less congestion and more to see, I'm totally open to that..

I will be leaving upstate NY via 88 to 81 either 2 days after Christmas or January 2nd - so - that means I would be passing through these areas the first and possibly second week of January..

I LOVE historical sites; museums; aquariums; boardwalks; zoo's; some shopping; and basic American meals, nothing fancy..

I've located some ghost tours - in Charleston and Savannah - and hope to go on them..

I've been sending away for info like mad, but every time I see something interesting I toy with changing my route! LOL.. My final destination is Lady Lake, Florida - but I plan on taking the coastal route from Myrtle Beach, SC to New Smyrna Beach, FL..

Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

I'll be sure to check into the hotels that have been suggested here as well..

 

[SRUAlmn]

Wow! These replies are great!!

If anyone has alternate routes with less congestion and more to see, I'm totally open to that..

I will be leaving upstate NY via 88 to 81 either 2 days after Christmas or January 2nd - so - that means I would be passing through these areas the first and possibly second week of January..

I LOVE historical sites; museums; aquariums; boardwalks; zoo's; some shopping; and basic American meals, nothing fancy..

I've located some ghost tours - in Charleston and Savannah - and hope to go on them..

I've been sending away for info like mad, but every time I see something interesting I toy with changing my route! LOL.. My final destination is Lady Lake, Florida - but I plan on taking the coastal route from Myrtle Beach, SC to New Smyrna Beach, FL..

Any and all info is greatly appreciated!

I'll be sure to check into the hotels that have been suggested here as well..

http://www.charlestoncvb.com
Here is the link for the main Charleston Visitor Bureau. They have a ton of coupons if you go there and a few that you can print online. They always have restaurant coupons and ghost tour coupons. I have started a couple threads about Charleston and restaurants in the area since I just moved here about a month ago, so let me know if you'd be interested in the links. Both threads have lots of locals who could help you find great hotels, restaurants, and tours. Definitely do a carriage tour! Good Luck in your planning! Let me know when you're in the area. I'll go build a sandcastle with you

 

[OhMari]

Spend a good morning in Savannah Georgia. I would take a trolley because there are so many things to see and you get a little confused with all the square's or parks. Part of Forest Gump was filmed in Savannah, I think the tour guide even points out the bench he told the story on. They also have great ghost tours. We stopped there on our way home from Florida and my kids thought it was pretty cool. If you do stop, make sure you get to the water front stores, it is like being in the 1700's with it's cobblestone walk ways and stores. There is a candy store that make the greatest pralines ever.

 

[C.Ann]

http://www.charlestoncvb.com
Here is the link for the main Charleston Visitor Bureau. They have a ton of coupons if you go there and a few that you can print online. They always have restaurant coupons and ghost tour coupons. I have started a couple threads about Charleston and restaurants in the area since I just moved here about a month ago, so let me know if you'd be interested in the links. Both threads have lots of locals who could help you find great hotels, restaurants, and tours. Definitely do a carriage tour! Good Luck in your planning! Let me know when you're in the area. I'll go build a sandcastle with you

-------------------

Barring anything unusual, can you tell me what the temperatures will be like there in January? Warm enough to do some walking tours?

Thanks!

 

[C.Ann]

Spend a good morning in Savannah Georgia. I would take a trolley because there are so many things to see and you get a little confused with all the square's or parks. Part of Forest Gump was filmed in Savannah, I think the tour guide even points out the bench he told the story on. They also have great ghost tours. We stopped there on our way home from Florida and my kids thought it was pretty cool. If you do stop, make sure you get to the water front stores, it is like being in the 1700's with it's cobblestone walk ways and stores. There is a candy store that make the greatest pralines ever.

---------------

This sounds like a fantastic idea! How's the weather in January?

 

[SRUAlmn]

-------------------

Barring anything unusual, can you tell me what the temperatures will be like there in January? Warm enough to do some walking tours?

Thanks!

Since I haven't lived here during January yet, I can only give you what my relocation book says

January (looks to be the coldest month of the year here)
High 57.8 degrees
Low 37.7 degrees
Average days of sunshine 20 days
Average rainfall 3.45 inches

 

[bcvgal]

In Wilmington stay at the Hilton Riverside. Very nice overlooking the river and the battleship USS North Carolina. It's "One Tree Hill" a WB show thats being filmed there right now. Just stayed there last week for my nieces wedding. Ssshh Johnny Depp and the cast and crew for Pirates2 are staying there right now but didn't get to see them.

 

[bcvgal]

Also in Charleston I love The Mills House.

 

[Snowysmom]

We stayed in Rocky Mount, NC at a Hampton Inn. It had inside corridors and was clean and presentable as well as having a free continental breakfast. The Holiday Inn at Rocky Mount was not very good-stained carpets and soiled wall paper. In St. Augustine however, the Hoilday Inn was outstanding. Clean and spacious. If you tour St. Augustine and you get a chance, take a look at the tall cross at the Shrine. My FIL helped build it.

 

[tnhillbilly]

http://www.ladyandsons.com/
If you like country food, or watch any food tv, this is the place to eat. in Savannah. get there early or be ready to stand in line for 2 hr. For people to stand in line that long it has to be good

 

[crazyforgoofy]

http://www.ladyandsons.com/
If you like country food, or watch any food tv, this is the place to eat. in Savannah. get there early or be ready to stand in line for 2 hr. For people to stand in line that long it has to be good

I intend to get to Savannah one day for another tour and a meal at Paula Deen's restaurant.

 

[SRUAlmn]

http://www.ladyandsons.com/
If you like country food, or watch any food tv, this is the place to eat. in Savannah. get there early or be ready to stand in line for 2 hr. For people to stand in line that long it has to be good

Oh! I saw their restaurant on the Food Network's coverage of her wedding. So cool! I didn't know it was in Savannah.

 

[tiggernan]

I don't know how much it would change the length of your drive, but I live about 90 miles south (down I-81) of Winchester and we always take 81 to I-77 (through Charlotte, NC) to I-26 and then pick up 95 from there. You would still hit Savannah, but would miss the Virginia I-95 mess. It would probably be a more relaxing drive and there are some great historical places along the way, too. Anyway, just a thought!

 

[Kimberly]

Wilmington, North Carolina - possible sleepover

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina - definite 2-night sleepover

Savannah, Georgia - one or two night sleepover

St. Augustine, Florida - possible sleepover

---------------------

Any and all info would be great!
Thanks!

All of these towns are WAY off I-95, Myrtle Beach being an hour or more or so... are you sure you want to make that much of a "side trip"?

 

[C.Ann]

All of these towns are WAY off I-95, Myrtle Beach being an hour or more or so... are you sure you want to make that much of a "side trip"?

----------------------

Sorry - was away from the boards for a couple of days doing other things - gasp! LOL

Yes - I realize that it's way off 95 - intentionally.. I have plenty of time and if I'm going to drive all the way to Florida, I'd like to see as many sights as possible along the way..

I've checked out several routes (scenic) and may take one route down and a different one back..

 

[C.Ann]

I don't know how much it would change the length of your drive, but I live about 90 miles south (down I-81) of Winchester and we always take 81 to I-77 (through Charlotte, NC) to I-26 and then pick up 95 from there. You would still hit Savannah, but would miss the Virginia I-95 mess. It would probably be a more relaxing drive and there are some great historical places along the way, too. Anyway, just a thought!

----------------------

I was just looking at that route last night.. Any suggestions of things to do and see if I go that way instead?

Thanks!

 

[NC Belle]

----------------------

I was just looking at that route last night.. Any suggestions of things to do and see if I go that way instead?

Thanks!

I-95 gets hetic--even at night/"off hours"
I like I-81/I-77 better for traffic and beautiful scenery.

NC spots--- MT. Airy (Mayberry was inspired by this town)
--- a bit off this route---Asheville---> Biltmore

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Dawson's Creek (old tv show)

Umm ... sorry, but, Dawson's Creek was filmed in the past 5 years, to me, it doesn't count as "old"

 

[ChristmasElf]

Thanks! The reason I'm looking for "indoor corridors" is because I'll be traveling alone and I'd just feel a little safer than in a hotel where you pull right up to the door of your room.. I'm also considering Bed and Breakfasts..

As for the towns I listed, just wondering if there's any "must see" things that I wouldn't want to miss..

CarolAnn,

When you check in, you might want to "make up" another person and act like they will be staying with you. There will be no difference on the room rate and that way, NO ONE will know you are by yourself, not even the desk clerk.
Just safer in my opinion.

 

[C.Ann]

CarolAnn,

When you check in, you might want to "make up" another person and act like they will be staying with you. There will be no difference on the room rate and that way, NO ONE will know you are by yourself, not even the desk clerk.
Just safer in my opinion.

---------

Yup - I was thinking of doing that.. I also have one of those travel bars - that you can put under the door handle so the door can't be opened from the outside.. DD and I used it years ago when we went on our mother/daughter vacation to Cape Cod..