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I am trying to plan a vacation for my husband and me to Charleston. We have never been to this area before. We will probably be going the first or second week of October. (Trying to miss the summer heat!)
Do you have any suggestions on:
where to stay?
what attractions to see?
good restaurants?
Really depends upon what your price point is..we can suggest nice inns for $200/night or beautiful hotels for $600/night. Do you want to stay right in the downtown area, on the water, etc. There are SO many amazing restaurants in Charleston (Peninsula Grill, Halls Chophouse, High Cotton, etc)...are you looking for a restaurant that is an upscale southern experience? Seafood? Steak? As far as attractions, I always suggest either a carriage or trolly tour. I always bring my guests on the carriage tours because there is so much to learn and see. Beware that the carriage tour is a lottery system when you get on (meaning, you are not guaranteed which section of the city you'll be seeing) and there are a few
different tours...so what you'll see on that tour, keep in mind there is lots more to see.
There are walking maps available that will help you. It is the Holy City with over 400 places of worship, so that is another tour you may want to think about..or discover on your own. I'm a big fan of going to the areas plantations. Magnolia Plantation is gorgeous..like
looking into a Monet painting..but check out their website first to see what's in bloom then. Belle Hall Plantation and Middleton Place are also great to visit..all have websites and directions, so it really depends on what you would like to learn and see. Other suggestions: Harbor tours, Patriots Point, a drive to beautiful Kiawah Island (about 25+ minutes away). Also, go to the rooftop bar at The Market Pavilion hotel... Beautiful view of the city (and great mojitos)!!
Charleston is not very big. You can easily get around with a car. I suggest you consider staying downtown or across the bridge in Mount Pleasant. MTP will be 15 minutes away from downtown and close to all attractions.
Sleep Inns can vary quite a bit but the one in MTP at the foot of the bridge is just a few years old and in great shape. We stay there when we visit Charleston.
As for a hotel - a mid-range hotel would be good for us, say around $100 a night. It wouldn't have to be right in the historic district. If there are parking garages available downtown, we could drive in. For us, a hotel is good if it is clean, safe, comfortable, quiet, and has a nice breakfast.
Restaurants - something with the local southern specialties for evening meals. For lunch, something quick and fun. We both like seafood.
I'd definitely like to see the Plantations and Historic Homes - at least a few of them.
Charleston downtown is pricey..especially during the summer. The Andrew Pickney Inn and Kings Grant are mid to lower range and they run about $180-$200/night. Best to stay outside of downtown In Mt. Pleasant. You may be able to find something there for low to mid $100's. I suggest booking soon. I had company coming into town 3 weeks ago. I started the hotel search 2 weeks before that. Not a room to be found anywhere! I don't think you'll have that much trouble, but I'm not sure when your vacation plans are.
Note: I just checked Homewood Suites in Mt Pleasant for mid week, end of June...$229/night.
Suggestion: sniqueaway has a great website that often has great specials for accommodations in Charleston. Check that out and you may find a great hotel at a great price!
Here's my solution... Stay in Mount Pleasant at Charleston Habor Resort and Marina in Mount Pleasant. It's on the water, you see Charleston from your room, but you aren't paying the crazy downtown Charleston rates. You can stay there for less than $200 a night in the fall if you look on discount sites such as Hotels.com or Priceline. Mount Pleasant is more like 5 minutes from downtown, but you can easily bike to the beach from Mt. P or ride to a nearby restaurant for lunch. It's a little more suburban over here, but you're really close to downtown for when you want to go over and do all that stuff. You can also take the Lowcountry Loop Trolly to downtown for nothing.
For best rates call and ask for a sales person. Internet is NOT the lowest rate unless you use Priceline.
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