HotWheels

We will be traveling in SC, and will end our trip flying out of Charleston at noon on May 11th. We have the previous Monday/Tuesday free on our schedule - would that be enough time to get a "taste" of Savannah (traveling from Charleston) or should we just explore more of Charleston? (Had visited there a couple yrs ago). Or how about Beaufort, SC? We just want to enjoy a leisurely time strolling, eating, shopping, etc.
and are undecided. Is Savannah a walking city, as is Charleston, where we could park & walk? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Deb15July

If you are trying to be leisurely, I don't think I would take the time to go to Savannah. I love Savannah, but it will take you a little over 2 hrs to get there and I think your limited time would be better spent in Charleston.

I've never been to Beaufort, but have been hoping to go before too long. However, I get the impression that there is not as much to see there as in Charleston or Savannah. But it might be worth the trip (it's a little closer than Savannah) for something different.

If you didn't go to any of the plantations outside Charleston on your previous visit, you could spend one day doing that and the other just walking around the city.

suewoo

I love Savannah and I think you'd do better to go when you can get more than a "taste". Savannah is indeed a walking city but it's a little more spread out than Charleston.

I like Beaufort as well. It's very lovely but, if you're in Charleston to begin with, just stay here. I live here and still enjoy strolling and eating in the HD! What did you do before?

happytrailstoyou

Since you have spent time in Charleston a couple years ago, I think it is a good idea to go to Savannah. It's about a 2-1/2 hour drive. You could drive there on Monday, spend Tuesday there, and get up early for your noon flight on Wednesday.

There are many hotels in the historic area, including Staybridge Suites, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn Experess.

Savannah has a very long and complicated history that is best understood by taking one of the tours.

Beaufort is a nice little town, which you could easily do as a day trip from Charleston. However, Savannah is a much more important destination and I think you will be pleased that you made the effort to visit there if you have the energy and inclination to do so. (You could, if you wish, take a quick look at Beaufort on your way to Savannah.)

HTTY

HotWheels

"What did you do before in Charleston?" We've gone to Patriot's Point & Ft.Sumter,seen The Hunley,Drayton Hall,strolled the waterfront & battery, toured house interiors, took the carriage rides & ghost tour, etc. We do greatly enjoy the area; just wondered if we were "close enough" and had enough time to include Savannah in our visit to SC. If we just stayed in Charleston, what little day trips could you recommend? We've not been to Middleton or Boone Hall - does anyone have information on a harbor tour, etc.?

happytrailstoyou

does anyone have information on a harbor tour

http://www.charlestonharbortours.com...al-dinners.cfm

I hope you muster the energy to go to Savannah. You'll be glad you did.

HTTT

Deb15July

We went to Middleton and really enjoyed it. Much of the original complex was destroyed, but the grounds are beautiful.

bachslunch

Will enthusiastically second Middleton Place (great grounds, good house) and also recommend the other two Ashley River Road plantations nearby, Drayton Hall (great house, so-so grounds) and Magnolia Plantation (good house and grounds). You can spend an extremely full and rewarding day seeing all three.

Have not been to Boone Hall.

suewoo

Boone Hall is often disappointing to visitors since the original house is long gone. There are existing slave cabins, which I find compelling. Also interesting is the collection of antique roses there. They are gorgeous.

TDudette

Savannah has trolley tours that would give you a good taste of the town, but I'd want to stay a few days to savor the character of Savannah.

I agree that Beaufort would be a nice day trip from Savannah-some gorgeous old homes on a street with Spanish moss. "Big Chill" filmed in one of them.

I vote with those who say stay in Charleston and visit the plantations. The area around the College of Charleston is a nice walk.

JoshuaRay

I love Charleston. i have been there twice in the last 2 years. The second trip was still as great as the first. It was good to go back and do some of the things I didn't have time for the 1st time. If you did everything possible on your first trip maybe Savannah is a good choice but they both have the same style... My favoite house tour was calhounmansion.net the house is filled with stuff. The plantation tour sounds better than it actually is because it use's up so much of the day that you could be in downtown area. good luck.