lakebluffer

Which to do first; does it matter? How many days to devote to each? Limited to 6 nights total. We'll have a rental car and plan to be there last week in March. Thanks for your input.

aileen679

I don't think it would really matter which you do first. It would depend on which is going to be the easiest to get to first. The drive between the two places on HWY 17 is nice. Are you interested in seeing the Historic Places or the flowers? Coming the last of March, Savannah would probably have more things in bloom than Charleston. Seeing Charleston three days later, would make a difference. Plan on spending one day going to Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation outside of Charleston.

AuntAnnie

My favorite plantation tour was Drayton Hall due to its original building and historic importance. Shopping at the Old Market is fun; bring home a sweetgrass basket! A carriage ride or stroll around the Battery to see the lovely homes is great. My favorite restaurant was probably Anson's, although they were all very good!

travelgirl_67

I agree with Aileen in that it really doesn't matter which you do first as both cities are great. I was born and raised in Charleston and I'm studying for my tour guide license here so of course I am a little partial to the city.

I like AuntAnnie love Drayton Hall...not a glitzy house but the historical signifiance of a house still in its original condition is wonderful. You could easily spend one day hitting the 3 plantations on the Ashley (Drayton Hall, Magnolia Gardens and then Middleton Place). It would be an action packed day but totally doable.

I'd spend a day touring the downtown area. My favorite walking tour company is Charleston Walks and my favorite carriage tour company is Old South Carriage Company...I've take friends on tours with both these companies several times and have always been very happy with the tour and guide's knowledge of Charleston. You can stroll around the Battery and Market but honestly, I wouldn't buy any Sweetgrass baskets from down there as their prices are very high compared to the prices out on Hwy 17 or at Boone Hall Plantation.

Which leads me to the last day you're in town. I absolutely LOVE Boone Hall Plantation! You can easily spend 5 hours at the plantation between taking the house tour, the tram tour, having lunch at the restaurant and just strolling around.

Here's the link to a trip report I posted after some friends came for a 5 day visit: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34648755

There's also a great trip report by another local posted here...screen name GoTravel.

Enjoy your visit to both cities!

IamBooth

Split the trip 50-50. Are you going to stop off in Bufford? My wife loves Bufford as she thinks it is very "quaint". For me it is a little too quaint.

We usually fly into Savannah and do 3 nights. Then 3 nights in Charleston, then 2 nights in Myrtle Beach and fly out of Myrtle Beach. Have fun.

JeanH

I'm in the minority here in that I greatly preferred Savannah to Charleston. I loved walking the squares. Restaurants just seemed to spill out onto the sidewalks. I would agree to split your trip 50/50, decide for yourself.

GoTravel

IamBooth I think you mean Beaufort and yes it is a lovely little town.

Wonderful place to stop for lunch on the way to Charleston. Look for Pat Conroy.

aileen679

I'm guessing that you are flying in. You might find it easier to fly into Savannah first. With a rental car, drive around the Historic District first, then decide if you want a guided tour or just a walkaround on your own. Take time to check on Fort Jackson (small, but neat. 1812 fort) then drive on out to Fort Pulaski.(civil war) take time to walk around the moat at the Fort.

Then, on your way to Charleston, a quick trip to Beaufort. There is an interesting old cemetery next to an old church right down by the waterfront. You can get a horse drawn carrage tour there.

dsquared

Savannah is a wonderful walking town - the squares are beautiful. Try to get out to Bonaventure Cemetery or Fort Pulaski.

I, too, loved Drayton Hall. Evocative of time and place, and the guide had great stories about the building and the people who built it and lived in it. Highly recommended.