Anybody ever been to Charleston?

SusanNJ · Post by **SusanNJ** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:06 pm

Well we are headed back to VG and STJ this October, but for this July we are going to try something new - Charleston. We usually go to the Jersey Shore. but we figure we can always go there for a long weekend towards the end of the Summer.

I already booked the airfare for 5 nights/ 6 days. I know it will be hot when we go (July 5th - 10th) so I am not sure exactly what would be best thing to do.

I think we are most likely going to rent a car. I have been looking at the Harbourview Inn, The Market Pavillion (which has a pool the HI does not) and also The Wild Dunes Resort. I was thinking about staying 2 or 3 nights in town and then the final couple of nights on Isle of Palms or another beachside hotel.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 2:33 pm

Charleston is a great walking town - has superior food choices - absolutely some of the friendliest people - real Southern Hospitality!! The beach islands are nice - some a bit crowded but you would not be bored staying in town and visiting the different beaches by rental car either.
The architecture and history makes for some excellent early morning walks through the downtown streets.
I have only visited 3 times but really find it one of the best American cities.

Joshie · Post by **Joshie** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:09 pm

ShipwreckPat · Post by **ShipwreckPat** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:13 pm

We rented a house with a pool in Isle of Palms in September. It is only an 20 minute ride into the city and it is so much cooler. I can not tell you too much about the city because we only walked around for about 30 minutes before we started to have our soles of our shoes start to melt. Found refuge in a bottle of bubbly and several dozen oysters at The Oyster House. Not sure of temps in July but if you think Jersey humidity is high, wait until you feel Charleston.

Feel free to pm me for info on the fabulous house we rented.

Shipwreck Pat

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:34 pm

I was in Charleston in June about 12 yrs. ago on a travel program for work. We stayed at Charleston Place downtown... a verrry nice hotel!

I absolutely LOVE Charleston! Coming from dry California, when I stepped out of the airline terminal into the air, I thought I was going to drown in the humidity! But I got used to it and I actually like that kind of weather, as it turns out! Charleston is one of the coolest places for shopping. I don't think I passed one shop window that didn't have something I wanted!

Ft. Sumpter is definitely worth visiting. And the boat ride over and back is kinda' fun. The Slave Market downtown is interesting, and check out Magnolia Plantation if you like gardens n' such! http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:14 pm

I spent some time in Charleston in while in college. We went down several times and stayed in the city. We did lots of walking about.

I also have stayed at Wild Dunes twice. Back in the mid-90s it was lovely. I remember the beach being wide and very nice. I would go back

Charleston is on our list for the future.

Maryanne · Post by **Maryanne** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:30 pm

We stayed at Charleston Place a couple of years ago and liked it very much. Such an interesting city to explore, and lots of good restaurants. A very good friend of ours has moved to Charleston from STJ, after living on STJ for many years. She is loving Charleston !

SusanNJ · Post by **SusanNJ** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 4:45 pm

Wow I didn't realize so many people from this forum would have gone to Charleston. I actually posted my questions on Trip Advisor and Fodors and this site by far has been the most informative - USVI forum, go figure! You guys rock!!

Do you think we should just stay in Charleston and drive to the beaches for a day? Or just splitting it up okay? I really want to stay in the historic district for a few nights but also would love to stay at one of the beach resorts. We are only going to be there for 5 nights so a house rental for a couple of nights i am sure is out of the question.

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:24 pm

I forgot about Wild Dunes! We were hosted to a beach party there while I was on my work trip. It's a really neat place! Nice-looking condos and a beautiful beach. In fact, it was my first time to stick my toes in the Atlantic Ocean!

chicagoans · Post by **chicagoans** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:31 pm

We went to Charleston for the first time in August. I did a short TR with some pics of the beaches here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... php?t=8410

It's an easy drive to several nice beach areas: Isle of Palms, Kiawah, Sullivans Island. We really enjoyed our trip there. I'd gladly do it again! I was worried about the heat in August, but it was really fine, especially at the beaches.

lprof · Post by **lprof** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 5:56 pm

In addition to the above excellent suggestions...

walk around Battery Park and the mansions across from it
take a carriage tour of the historic district...historic homes to stay in or tour
Middleton Place www.middletonplace.org
the old exchange...take the tour www.oldexchange.com

have a wonderful time enjoying a beautiful Southern city

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:43 pm

We have been to Charleston several times.

My husband goes there on business all the time. He stays at the Doubletree. It is in the middle of everything.

Wild Dunes is nice also.

I think that is really smart to spend some time at the beach, and some in the older area. There are lots of B and Bs too in the downtown area...

Charleston Place is really really nice. But unless you are one to really enjoy your room, it may or may not be worth it...

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 7:46 pm

I'm trying to remember a restaurant we ate in while we were there. It was in an old house that is reportedly haunted. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? It's just a vague memory, but if I remember it, it must've been good!

lprof · Post by **lprof** » Fri Mar 20, 2009 8:15 pm

California Girl wrote:I'm trying to remember a restaurant we ate in while we were there. It was in an old house that is reportedly haunted. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? It's just a vague memory, but if I remember it, it must've been good!

Joshie, having been rather quiet lately, leaves me little mystery to ponder...therefore the "google" that resulted in:
Poogan's Porch...haunted restaurant in Charleston, SC
www.poogansporch.com

disclaimer: I have never been there...

di · Post by di » Fri Mar 20, 2009 9:28 pm

You will love Charleston. It is a wonderful southern city with lots of charm and culture. The food scene is really great all around the Charleston area - (Johnson and Wales, a large culinary school used to have a branch there, but moved to Charlote, NC. In their absence the local tech school has developed a large and very refined program, so there are many trained chefs and wanna be chefs in the area).

The Harboourview Inn would be my first choice for downtown accomodations. It overlooks the water and a lovely park with a pineapple fountain. I now live in South Carolina, about 4 hours from Charelston, but my first visit to Charleston was more than a decade ago when I lived in another state. It was during the 4th of July holiday. We were staying out at the Isle of Palms, and I am glad we were. I loved the city,but I remember it being so hot that my hands swelled around
my rings the first hour we were downtown.We stayed as long as we could, but it was a real welcome relief to get back to IOP. The temperature is much cooler on the beach - the breeze factor.

It is doable, but rmember the humidity is really high that time of year. Plan your trip to do touring in the early morning and late evening. Sundresses and sleeveless tops are a way of life at the coast.

I would vote for splitting your time between downtown and the IOP. Have a great time planning!!

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Anybody ever been to Charleston?

Anybody ever been to Charleston?