Charleston, SC

kkards

my sisters and i are planning a mother/daughter long weekend for early March. we are thinking that Charleston would an ideal spot, an easy flight for my mom, and i'm hoping a small enough city that we could get around without needing to rent a car.
i was in Charleston, once about 25 years ago, but only for a day trip, so i'm looking for some advice. Any ideas/suggestions on were to stay, things to do, places to eat? if it helps. we are history people and i love house tours. i know we will want to go on a walking tour of the city.

TIA.

6 years ago

Off Topic

8 replies

Latest reply was from SW prof

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Never been, but sounds like a fun trip - and I'm sure it will be a memorable one.

6 years ago

carter

Veteran

We love the Market Pavilion. Nice rooms. Great club level with cocktails and snacks daily. Fun rooftop and lobby bars. It's smack dab in the middle of everything. The market is right next door. Great restaurants line the street. Super shopping. Cobblestone streets lined with historic homes. If the weather cooperates, take a horse-drawn carriage or a manned bike tour around the historic district to get your bearings early in your stay.

Here's the hotel: http://www.marketpavilion.com/

Also, this is a great dive bar/restaurant with excellent fish tacos if you're looking for a low key lunch, maybe on your way to Sullivan's Island for a bit of history. Poe's Tavern: http://www.poestavern.com/

6 years ago

Tina

Veteran

We were in Charleston in May of 2014. We were a mixed group: my parents (early and mid 70s), my husband, me, daughter (8 years old (physical handicap-can’t walk)), and our 13 year old son. Quite diverse in terms of mobility and interests but we had a very good time there! We were there for 2 nights and took in a sightseeing package that included a riverboat ride, a horse drawn carriage tour and a plantation visit. It was quite busy with tourists this time of year (or so it seemed to me!). The carriage tour was so interesting! We had an excellent driver with a good sense of humour and extensive knowledge of the area. That was my favourite, the next was the riverboat ride.
I was very impressed with the overall cleanliness of the parts of the city that we saw. I would have absolutely loved to do a walking tour of the old riverfront
area but as I mentioned above, the group was not all capable of such a feat. It is an amazing place and I would definitely go back if given the opportunity.
Regarding rooms: do your research. We were very green tourists and we got lucky but we were told (after the fact) that there are some areas you don’t want to stay. Hopefully someone with more knowledge of the area can help you out.
The food was excellent wherever we went! The peach pie at this one restaurant was so good we went back the next night for more!
Not much in terms of helpful information but wanted to share our good experience:-)

6 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

We were in Charleston in January last year on our way down to Florida. We had our dog with us so we stayed at La Quinta. It is out of the main part of town and I would not stay there if I didn't have my dog. The hotel was fine and there was a nice doggie daycare nearby.
The hotel had a driver who took us into town. We took a walking tour with a guide. She was great. Very knowledgeable. Lots of interesting history.

6 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

http://www.draytonhall.org/
Especially if you want real history.

6 years ago

kkards

Veteran

carter...thanks for the hotel recommendation, it looks like the perfect location...
annagybe... hadn't found drayton hall yet, it looks really interesting, one of the most interesting house tours i ever did was in a house that was particularly restored...i'd love to see one that not been touched at all.
Tina & Style Fan..thanks for the enthusiasm about Charleston. the more research i do, the more i find to do. now i just need to see what the weather in March is typically like...

6 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

One of my favorite cities. Was there not too long ago. Persimmon Cafe Sandwich Shop was great for lunch/brunch -- it's in a laundromat!

Weather in SC can start to get really nice in March, but it's still chilly.

I wish that my son would get assigned to the large Coast Guard station there. You'll see it along the waterfront, it's pink. He has other ideas unfortunately!

6 years ago

SW prof

Active Member

Visited a couple of years ago and found it very enjoyable: interesting history and good food. I highly recommend visiting Middleton Place house and gardens https://www.middletonplace.org/ which is not too far from Drayton Hall. The gardens were beautiful even in December, and you should get some spring flowers in March.

6 years ago

Category