abednego

I'm planning a 3 generation trip (seniors, adults and teenagers) to the east coast and trying to get beach and mountains in the same trip with as little driving as possible. My parents plan to drive from Texas, while my husband, teenagers and I plan to fly into and out of the 2 airports which are closest to the farthest points on our itinerary.
We'll stay 5 nights (not counting the nights my parents will spend on the road to and from Texas). We think Charleston, South Ca. to the Asheville, North Ca. area might be the closest beach to mountains route.
My teenage son wants to take a surf lesson (only his second ever), and we're all up for light guided rafting, ziplining, light to moderate hiking and other outdoor activities. Does this sound like a valid plan, and of so are there suggestions on where to stay (a rental we could all stay in together might be nice on at least one leg of the trip), what to do at our destinations or on the way between the beach and the mountains, and any other tips?

suewoo

If you come in summertime, you'll have a tough time finding a rental home at the beach for less that 7 days. Most are Sat-Sat. I know there is someone who teaches surfing at Folly Beach, so you may want to start your search there. There is one hotel out there, the Tides. It's right on the ocean. There are also some great kayaking opportunities throughout the wetlands of the lowcountry.

It's about 4 hours on the interstate from Charleston to Asheville. I would just go straight from one to the other.

BetsyinKY

There are definitely surf lessons available in the Folly area. There is also a really fun ropes course on James Island called Wild Blue Ropes that you might like, if you guys like zip lining. It's not zip lining, but provides a similar challenge. As suewoo said, there are plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding activities in the area. As far as rental properties, you might try VRBO for something near, but not right on the beach, since the beach places are usually 7 day rentals in the summer. My husband and I are tacking a few extra days onto our family beach vacation by renting a place on Shem Creek for three nights through VRBO, so I know there are places on there that have shorter term rentals. There is zip lining and rafting and hiking in the Asheville area and it's a straight shot up I-26, so I think you are probably right about those being a good mountain/beach pairing.

Gretchen

You have another entire thread (and maybe even another) on this. Why start this one.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...n-vacation.cfm

BAHItaly

Either stay or visit the Grove Park Omni Inn one of the best hotels in America, the old world architecture is stunning in blue ridge mountains. Prices vary greatly, at vary least plan an evening meal in new restaurant. Save room in luggage for art and crafts from local artists.
Visit Buitmore Estates, grand estate of Vanderbuilts and they have summer concerts check there schedule.

Birdie

I think abednego is smart to start a new, more specific thread. By tagging it appropriately, she can attract posters with knowledge of that area while those of us who don't can easily avoid the conversation.

abednego

Thank you all for your specific information. I'll be taking your advice as much as possible, and my family appreciates your input.
Gretchen, Birdie hit the nail on the head as to why I started a new thread.

Gretchen

The Grove Park IS a stunning place--I'd certainly go visit, maybe have lunch. Asheville has lots to do and Biltmore is the crown jewel. You might look for discount coupons for admission--maybe AAA
Five days between the two is still pushing the time envelope.
Are you renting a car at the airport or are your parents planning to meet you. Starting which place? You may want to turn in the rental car at the first point and re-rent at the second to avoid drop off charges?

abednego

Gretchen, my parents plan to pick us up at the Charleston airport and drop us off at the Asheville airport at the end of the trip.

Gretchen

That is a good plan.

roguemckenzie

We leave for Charlotte, NC on Thursday (2/26) and since the weather is unsure I turned here for some ideas! Thank you to abednego for starting this!!

Gretchen

Are you doing the same thing--mountains and Charleston?