Charleston and Savannah (US)

[belsize77]

Bit of a long shot but has anybody been to either place? If so, are they nice...

I have always fancied going to both places and am toying with booking a holiday that would take both in but I have never met anyone who has actually been.

Any thoughts?

I've been to both and they are lovely. Granted I haven't been to either in many, many years so I can't give specific advice. Both are historical cities and Charleston in particular has lots of Civil War significance (Ft. Sumpter) and naval history - USS Yorktown.

I would definitely go back to either. Great restaurants and shopping in both!

Not my most helpful post.

Just looking at google maps (and trying to be a bit more helpful ), Hilton Head, SC lies somewhat between them - a bit closer to Savannah - and it's a nice resort-type island with lots of golf and tennis and nice beaches. It might be worth thinking about using it as a base and then doing day trips from there.

I have heard Beaufort, SC is also nice but I haven't been there.

Anyway, I'd definitely go!

Ft. Sumter.

And to think I teach history...

I saw the title and thought this was a baby name thread, and was about to say nooooo.

Have you read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil? Ever since I read it I've wanted to do the deep south.

Thanks - that all sounds good. I have read the book and probably have seen Gone
With The Wind too many times. It all looks great in guidebooks/on the internet but so does pretty much everywhere...

I don't drive so am particularly attracted to them as they are on the Amtrak line from Washington to Orlando and wouldn't require a car like so many nice places in America do.

Ooh! ooh! over here!
I live in Charleston, and luuuurve it!
Fab restaurants, charming people, the historical district is lovely.
Tis very hot and humid in summertime though.

Thanks for replying hootie - it's amazing where people on MN are based sometimes...

Do you think the last week in August would be a nightmare with small children. Bit late now I suppose as I just booked my flights this afternoon - really need to work out how many nights to spend in both places. I was thinking two in each place with Washington at the start and Orlando at the end.

Is there anywhere in Charleston you would recomend to stay/particular things to do etc beyond what my Lonely Planet will say..??

Both fantastic places.
I've been several times and was in Savannah again this summer.
Lucky you Hootie.

I am a born Southerner but was mysteriously put in the body of a Celt.

I spent one day and night in Savannah about 15 years ago. I remember very little specifically about it but it's in my top 5 favourite places I have ever been!!! I vividly remember feeling 'at home'.

I took a picture walking through a park there and my parents had it enlarged and framed for me as a birthday present that year. 1998, I think. It hangs in my kitchen and every day I look wistfully at it.

The South is definitely in my blood (I'm Scottish) and I can't wait for the chance to go back. I'm v. . Enjoy it!

By the end of August it will have cooled off a bit, school is back in session so it will be a bit quieter.

For hotels, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of the downtown places. Charleston Place is fab, but very $$$. I have stayed at the Embassy Suites, it's very nice, all suites, breakfast buffet, Manager's reception every evening.
I take all my out of town guests to The Battery and Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter is a popular choice too. Nice shopping on King Street, and Hominy Grill for Southern food.
I'm a transplanted Fenlander, and the south seems to be where i belong now!