cat111719

We are planing a trip to visit DH's daughter in mid October. They live near Raleigh, NC so we are going to fly in and spend the first night there, then drive to Charleston for three nights, then Asheville for 2 nights and back to Raleigh for another day and night. They will be joining us in either Charleston or Asheville for a few days.

We will be staying at Aloft in Asheville, using points but am looking for ideas in historic Charleston that aren't $500 a night. This is a honeymoon of sorts so we don't mind spending more than we normally would, but would like to keep it around $250. We like hotels with an historic feel, but not usually a fan of B&Bs. What is the best area to stay in? Is the French Quarter good or is the waterfront better or are they one and the same?

Any ideas?

Brian_in_Charlotte

Charleston hotel rates have gotten crazy. We usually stay at the somewhat reasonably priced King Charles Inn and have also been happy at the Andrew Pinckney and DoubleTree. All are well located in the historic district, which is where you want to be, and none feel like B&Bs.

cat111719

Thank you! I'm not entirely against B&Bs if they are more like small inns. But the ones that are actually someone's house, I really don't like.

I have reservations right now at the Meeting Street Inn and the Fulton Lane Inn but will check out the ones you mention, too.

WickedGood

We just got a two night during October for 200 at Grand Boehemian Hotel which is fairly new just off King Street

Non weekend rate however

DebitNM

We stayed here:

http://www.indigoinn.com/

It doesn't look much from outside but the rooms are lovely. The price includes a full breakfast buffet and wine and appetizers during happy hour. Great location, parking is extra [$12 a night].

Highly recommend staying there.

This was our room:
http://www.indigoinn.com/accommodati...e-king-bed.htm

Looks to be about $219 a night.

October seems to be a busy month, so you need to get moving!!

BetsyinKY

We've stayed at the Meeting Street Inn several times and always had a really good experience. The hotel is quaint but very clean and the rooms are attractively decorated with some historic Charleston flair. You can't beat the location, which is practically at the corner of Meeting and Market.

cat111719

Ok, so we've finally gotten our plan fairly figured out, at least as far as where we are staying when so...

We will be arriving at RDU Friday night and spending the night there as DSD and her boyfriend live there. Www are renting a car and our plan is to drive the next morning to Asheville for two nights, staying at Aloft, then drive to Charleston for three nights, staying at Meeting Street. DSD and her BF are going to camp in Charleston for the first two night, and the we are getting them a room at Meeting Street with the last night. We will then drive back to RDU and seen the last night and most of that following day in the Raleigh/Durham area.

So some questions...

We figure to have the afternoon we arrive in Asheville, one full day and then maybe the morning of the next day before we head to Charleston. How much is there to actually do in Asheville? Is one afternoon enough if we want to spend the full day exploring the Biltmore? Is it worth it to spend that much time at the Biltmore or would we be missing a lot in Asheville? Are there must-sees we might not be aware of?

Moving on to Charleston, we will get there on a Monday afternoon, have all day Tuesday, and all day Wednesday, and, say, half a day on Thursday before heading back to the Raleigh area. We've made reservations at Husk for Wed. night (DSD's request) but that is our only obligation. Should we linger in Asheville or would it make more sense to get to Charleston as soon as we can.

Also, in both places, any good recommendations for eating? We are more tapas/small plates, farm to table type people, less enthralled by chain type places.

Any input would be gratefully appreciated! And of course, if I missed something, feel free to point it out!

cat111719

Oh, also...

If we do go to the Biltmore, is the self-guided tour enough or is it worth it to spring for a guided tour, and would you recommend a particular one?

And are there any tips on the drive from raleigh to Asheville, from Asheville to Charleston and from Charleston back to Raleigh? Scenic routes vs. direct? It will just be DH and I in the car and we are the type to stop off at cool places rather than just zip by on a major freeway.

kathleen

I'm not sure where your DSD and BF will be camping in Charleston, there's really nothing close by. Plus we've had major flooding recently so the ground will be very soggy. Not so good for tent camping. If you can persuade them, I'd have them rethink where to stay. I think your time allotments in both Asheville and Charleston are fine.

There are so many places to eat in Charleston you can't go wrong. That said many folks now are heading to the Upper King Street restaurants for the latest, most innovative plates. Enjoy your trip.

cat111719

Yum! Upper King sounds right up our alley!

Re: the camping, I know! So not my idea! We suggested they pay for one night, since we are paying for one night but they said no. They are planning on camping in Asheville, too.

JanetKMR

If you can get a reservation at FIG, it is my favorite place in Charleston.

For lunch one day, I'd head to Sullivan's Island and have lunch at The Obstinate Daughter and downstairs there is a great ice cream shop.

There are a couple of great rooftop bars in Charleston that you have to get to. We use Uber a lot in Charleston and it has always served us well.

MaggieOB

We did Asheville a few years ago and went to the Biltmore. We did what I think was called the Architect's tour and we loved it. Lots of behind the scenes information including a trip to the roof. I think it was much better than wandering around on your own. It is an unbelievable building with stories to match. I don't recall that much about Asheville proper but do recall we had some very good food and the town and people were lovely.

We have also been to Charleston and stayed at the Meeting Street Inn. As others have said it is in a great location and is quite fine considering the price of some of the places in Charleston.

What a nice trip you have planned. Enjoy!

cat111719

Janet, we must have very similar tastes as both FIG and Obstinate Sister are on my short list. Is it worth the drive to Sullivan's Island when we just have a few days?

I didn't see an Architect's Tour but I'll look again, especially since DH is an architect!

MaggieOB

Just took a look at the biltmore website and I think the closest thing to the Architect's tour of a few years ago is the rooftop tour. See what you think but I think you and your husband might enjoy it!

JanetKMR

cat...Sullivan's is a very short distance from Charleston & I think it is a nice break from the hustle & bustle of downtown.

Gretchen

Our kids (both foodies and restaurant owners/managers) LOVED this one above all the others they have been to (including Husk, which they did not have a great experience).
http://xiaobaobiscuit.com/

I think The Ordinary if highly recommended these days among the newer restaurants.

I think the flooding is still coming Charleston's way unfortunately, from upstream. Are your kids thinking about a commercial campground?

The other cute place to go is Seewee, out on Route 17 north of Mt.Pleasant. It's in an old country store by the side of the road--if you are over that way it could be fun for lunch--fried pickles and very fresh local seafood.

JanetKMR

Gretchen....we were underwhelmed by Husk as well. It was an okay meal, but definitely did not live up to the hype. We have not tried Xiao Biscuit.

FIG is still my favorite. Magnolia (which is my number two place) and MacIntosh are DH's favorite...along with Hominy Grill.

During restaurant week, we had a very good meal at http://brasseriegigi.com/main

cat111719

Thanks for the feedback. All of these places sound great! I know we will still go to Husk because DSD has her heart set on it but you've all mentioned several of the places that have piqued my interest.

Do you know if any of these places have bars to sit at, where you can order? That is our preferred way of eating.

JanetKMR

FIG & Husk & Hominy Grill do not. FIG is a small restaurant & Husk's bar is in an adjacent building.

Magnolia has a nice bar that you can eat at. Obstinate Daughter has a small bar where you could eat.

sanibella

I have been to the Biltmore many times. The tours are very interesting, and I prefer the guided ones. I do think some people could spend all day there, easily.

If you venture into Asheville, you can browse around downtown. Eat a southern dinner at Tupelo Honey and have ice cream or fudge at Kilwin's.