Guys, looking to book a trip to Charleston for about 4 days to enjoy the great food and do some sightseeing. Wife has been there years ago and just raved about the incredible food. Is it worth spending the extra money for one of the downtown hotels, they seem to be twice as much as others not downtown. And if booking a hotel downtown is the best answer is it worth renting a car or just get a cab from the airport or a hotel shuttle and then walk to the restaurants and all the areas downtown?
2008 Z520/Yamaha 250
Brian, I lived there for 5 years. I would suggest that you stay in Mt. Pleasant and commute back and forth to downtown (about 10 minute drive). I wouldn't suggest a cab from the airport. There's too much to see outside of town and a rental car would be a great asset. There is always the possibility of staying in a rental in Wild Dunes or on Isle of Palms. The only word of advice I would give is this: Stay OUT of <u>North Charleston</u> after dark. Not a very attractive area when the sun goes down.
We have done both and we didn't find the downtown hotels being worth the extra $.
Brian,
My wife wants to go to Charleston on vacay. We've never been. I have a sister that lives in Summerville close by. This is good stuff to hear and I hope folks keep posting great info as above.
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One of our favorite towns for a weekend get away. Fly Southwest in to Charleston and rent a car. Stay outside of town. There are a bunch of good hotels within a 10 minute drive down I-26 and a bunch near the airport. I-26 dead ends into the city. Just find a place to park and put on the tennis shoes. Lots of site seeing to do. Take a horse drawn narrative tour around town. The go out of Meeting street near the market. Plenty of good restaurants in that area, one of my favorites is Tommy Condon's it's an Irish bar with authentic food. AW Shucks is good too many choices to list. One of my real favorites is the Charleston Crab house over on John's island, it sits on the Wapoo river and has some of the best She Crab soup you've ever eaten. Take one night for dinner and go over to Mt. Pleasant and get some seafood there are three or four places on the water to eat there all good. Walk through the Market and watch the Gulla women weave their baskets that is pretty cool and make sure you pick up a jar of Bone Suckin' sauce. Better get two.
My wife and I stayed in Charleston for our honeymoon.
Loved it there.
Isle of Palms Resort was worth the drive.
Fleet Landing-Best shrimp, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea that I've ever had.
Its downtown in the historic district across from the house of customs.
My wife loved the open market and carriage rides down there.
oh yeah, the sweet grass baskets are a must have for the wife.
Good times, best of luck.
Lived in SC for the past 20 years and I agree with the Isle of Palms as a good place to stay. Hotels are better good beaches plenty of places to eat. Going downtown is a snap on 17, across the bridge and you are there. Some construction on 17 right now but it is ok unless you are trying to be out there during the rush hours. Summerville is ok but there is not beach to walk on in Summerville. Most folks who come here at least want to be near or on the beach
I just moved to Roanoke a year ago from Moncks Corner SC and I agree to stay in Mt Pleasant and rent a car.
As far as North Charleston after dark. There are alot of really good places to ear. Don't sell your self short. If you are looking for outdoors experience please visit the Francis Marion National Forest 268, 000 acres.
Make sure you to Hanks Seafood, Hymans Seafood which are downtown. In Mt Pleasant go to the Shem Creek area and eat. If you are looking for soul food go to McCellanville to a place called Buckshots on Hwy 17. You will not be dissappointed.
Brian, I finished school, joined the Navy and served on my first submarine in Charleston. Hyman's is an absolute must for Seafood. You will have to wait but it will be worth it. It's where all the famous folks dine as they have a back door entrance from the Charleston Place hotel where they stay. Each table has brass tags of who sat there...
Fried greent tomatoes and shrimp and grits are excellent there!
If you remember the series The North and South with Patrick Swayze, many scenes were filmed on the Battery (just a few blocks from this restaurant). They simply filled in the streets with dirt. I was present for most of the scenes filmed there.
Thanks guys for all the great info. I'm looking at places to stay in the Isle of Palms, it looks nice! There goes the diet!Wife got laid off several weeks ago, time to get her away from home and cheer her up some.
2008 Z520/Yamaha 250
We like the Shem Creek Inn...A few good places to eat right there and only a short jump to downtown Charleston...Hit Hymans for sure if you like Fish
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by JerryT »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> We like the Shem Creek Inn...A few good places to eat right there and only a short jump to downtown Charleston...Hit Hymans for sure if you like Fish
Try the Crispy Flounder!!!!! It's to die for!!!
"You may all go to hell, I will go to Texas"
Davy Crockett
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by PRKRANGER2 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">As far as North Charleston after dark. There are alot of really good places to ear. Don't sell your self short. </td></tr></table>
I agree ... except that Brian isn't familiar with the area. A wrong turn down the wrong street at the wrong time might not be a pleasant experience for them.
Well i am a wanderer...Any time we go anywhere i drive all over it...I want to see everything i can..The good and the bad...We have hit just about every corner from the coast all the way to Santee...If people are afraid of area's down that way I can see why people are scared to death of places like NYC and Boston
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by JerryT »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote"> Well i am a wanderer...Any time we go anywhere i drive all over it...I want to see everything i can..The good and the bad...We have hit just about every corner from the coast all the way to Santee...If people are afraid of area's down that way I can see why people are scared to death of places like NYC and Boston
I ventured off the interstate one time in east St. Louis. Boy that was a mistake!
2008 Z520/Yamaha 250
The one advantage to the downtown hotels is you are in walking distance to just about everything. The downside is they cost more than thos outside. I have done both. Personally, I would stay outside and drive in and park. If you hit the tourist building when you get there you can pick up a map and plan what you want to see and places to eat.
"I see dead people"
Living in Savannah and having the beauty that we have here, I go to Charleston if I want the atmosphere that is in Savannah. ONLY because we can do Savannah any time we would like. Hymans downtown is awesome and the market at Meeting Street is within walking distance. Beautiful city to visit!! I also recommend viewing the old naval shipyard if you have time. Nothingbut great history. If you are like Championman or Jerry T and have plenty of $$ to spend, stay on Kiawah instead...
we stayed at one of the downtown hotels. it wasn't really worth it to me. It was just an old hotel. can't remember the name of it. My sister stayed at the best western that was a few blocks away and liked it and it was about 2/3 the price...
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