honey_b

Hi there - I just discovered this site - it's great! I got some good tips about Charleston, but I thought I'd post anyway.

I'm heading off to Charleston in early May and plan to stay for a few days, make a day trip into Savannah, and take the train down to south Florida so I can catch more beach action (I want to see the Everglades - are the Keys worth seeing?), then hop over to one of my favorite towns, NOLA.

I'm not really into shopping or expensive restaurants & hotels. I like funky/off the beaten path places, cool old architecture and gardens, getting out into nature (beaches, trails, swamps, etc.),historical sites, museums/aquariums, and cheap and/or funky places to eat and drink.

I also don't have a ton of money, so I'd love to stay places that are relatively inexpensive. I don't care about decor, etc, as long as I feel safe staying there. I also don't drive, so I'll need to be able to get around without a car.

I'd love to stay in some beach communities outside of the major metro areas, if possible and if I can still get in to see the touristy things.

Any advice for a relatively un-wealthy CA chick looking for "road less traveled" adventure?

tcapp

In Charleston, I'd recommend a mini bus tour. These are located behind the Visitors Center and are a great way to see the city, especially the historic district. If you love achitecture, then Charleston is your place. The Charleston Aquarium is supposed to be very good. Make sure to go to the Straw Market.
Savannah's trolley tours are great, but I'd recommend the riverboat cruises.If you get just the sightseeing cruises that do not include lunch, they are quite reasonable.

Orlando_Vic

Here is a "must see" in Savannah. Be sure to eat lunch at Mrs Wilkes Dining Room <http://www.mrswilkes.com/>. To my knowledge, they don't advertise, accept reservations or credit cards and there's no sign marking its location. Usually, people begin lining up 1/2 hour before they open at 11:00 A.M.

P.S. For other opinions, do a Google search for "Mrs. Wilkes" and see what comes up!

TrvlMaven

In Charleston, take Alfonso Brown's Gullah Tour--you'll see everything and have a great perspective on the city and it's culture. The Aquarium is quite nice, too. Be sure and visit the Terrace Bar for a late night beverage. We stayed at the Best Western downtown--very nice, affordable and close to everything.

aileen679

If you are watching your money, skip the tours in Savannah and WALK the Historic District. It's only about a mile in either direction. Since you don't drive, that pretty much restricts you in Savannah to the Historic District. You will have a full day's worth of history and architecture and museums.