Ronga

Airfare was high. Charleston is not a hub for any airline plus they have no discount airlines flying in or out. We are staying on Isle of Palms. It was easy to find from the Airport. Climate: 93% and humid. Hoping that changes soon.

We rented a small house for the 3 of us at this "by owner" website: http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...harleston-area
We were able to negotiate a few hundred dollars off rent since we are staying 2 weeks.

This morning we shopped at local grocery store for staples. A nice shopping center with gourmet - common grocery items, boutiques, small cafe, etc. is less than a mile drive. We have spent time at the beach. It is clean. No shells. Water is warm in August. Then lunch at a beach bar, Coconut Joes. Food was just OK, but great view of ocean. My highlight was a frozen Coconut drink. It's like a Pina Coloda with roasted coconut shavings on top. Here some reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._Carolina.html I would not drive to eat here, but it is just a walk off the beach.

Since it's my first day, I'm going to explore and get ready for a tour of the Plantations in Charleston tomorrow. They were built back in 1700 - 1800's. George Washington stayed at one. If interested check back tomorrow night for a update.

Jaya

We have friends who live in Charleston. They said this has been a rough summer with a lot of heat and humidity that started much earlier in the season than normal. They too hope it changes soon!

suewoo

Haha! Don't think that humidity will change much- it IS August!

Coconut Joe's has a great view. But my experience is if there's a great view, the food doesn't have to be good. The one exception is the Boathouse on Breech Inlet. Go there for the sunset. you can see the big bridge from their rooftop bar. Go across that bridge and see Sullivan's. Ft Moultrie is there.

Which plantations did you see? They are all great in their own way.

SInce you are there for 2 weeks you may want to check out one of the Farmer's Markets. Downtown it's on Saturday morning at Marion Square. The Mt Pleasant FM is on Tuesday evenings. You can get fresh shrimp there too. Have fun.

Ronga

Thanks "suewoo" for the tips. I haven't done the Plantations yet. Doing 2 on the Ashley River tomorrow. And now I will sure go to the Farmer's Market on Saturday.

I do feel a little breeze now. yea: )

lovncharleston

Here's a site you may want to check out while you're here:

http://www.things-to-do-in-charleston.com/index.html

Try to stay cool, and have fun!

Ronga

check out the grounds of this place. wow!
http://www.middletonplace.org/ Great history too. It is America's oldest landscaped gardens. We had a good lunch, walked all the grounds we and ended with a kayak trip. Just down the street we enjoyed Magnolia Plantation. It has a boat tour and a nature train we enjoyed after the kayaking. Both of these plantations are from the 1700's. Here's a link the the Magnolia Plantation http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/
Very full day for just 1 place. Make sure to do a GPS or Mapquest because the signs are far and few between. And please check out the links. Their photos are way better than mine.

r_brant

So which was better? Middleton Place, or Magnolia Plantation? Not clear. Very interested.

Ronga

Middleton Place is much larger and prettier. The gardens make it. I'm not big on these type experiences but I'm very glad I did the Middleton Place. It is kinda fancy as it has a romantic Inn and a Restaurant with plates up to $36.00 These things are separated from the tours, kayak, hiking trails.

Magnolia was way more laid back and smaller. Families with children would like it more because of a petting zoo, a funky train pulled by a tractor.

thanks for reading my 1st review.

Ronga

Does anyone have a good idea of something really "local" to do this weekend for a couple? We are going downtown to the farmers market. I can't find any music festivals, etc. We appreciate any input.

birgator

Check the City Paper. Boone Hall bluegrass and barbecue (I've been to the oyster roasts, never the barbecue), a baseball game, sand castles on IOP, etc. Gotta be something there you would enjoy.

BetsyinKY

Here is a link to City Paper's weekend round up.
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/c...nt?oid=2280192

Ronga

Thanks. We going downtown and to the Boone Hall bluegrass. We found a city paper. Sunday we are doing a day trip to Savannah, GA. It's only 2 hours or less. Everyone have a safe holiday.

cmcfong

Here are two ideas you might enjoy:
a. day trip to Beaufort, SC and Hunting Island
b. Gullah Tour of downtown CHAS

Have fun. Hot,humid or not, it is Charleston a beautiful city for fun!

Brian_in_Charlotte

Just got back from Isle of Palms today. Yesterday was sweltering, but today was quite refreshing with fairly low humidity.

Be sure to make the short drive over to Sullivan's Island right next door and have lunch at one of the restaurants in the small commercial district. Home Plate had pretty good barbeque, but our favorite was Seel's for great lightly fried seafood and fish tacos. Good beer selection too.

Ronga

Thanks for all the tips. We have spent many hours in Seel's for happy hour and snacks. Poe's is a very unique place across the street. Over weekend we did Boone Hall bluegrass..fun and warm. We went to Savannah, GA, River Street. It's like a small version of New Orleans. We had a horrible lunch at Spanky's on River St.--1 step up from fast food. The day trip was easy. Only 4 hours round trip & great scenery.

We leave Charleston on Friday. It's "Restaurant Week" here. Select restaurant slash prices to get folks in. Does anyone have a review of best on list? We like Seafood and Thai. Here's the list of places: http://restaurantweekcharleston.com/

Brian_in_Charlotte

Not sure if they're part of restaurant week, but Basil Thai gets great reviews all the way up here (and they recently opened a restaurant in Charlotte):

http://eatatbasil.com/

Ronga

Thanks Brian. We were in Charlotte a month ago and enjoyed the Basil there. Your right, it's top notch. We all thought it was great. Plus all the dishes on other tables looked good. I found it on King St. Charleston. We will do it even though it's not on the list.

birgator

McCradys. Any of the Maverick kitchens, SNOB, High Cotton or since you're at Isle of Palms, Old Village Post House. Woodlands in Summerville. Atlanticville. Charleston Grill. Red Drum.