Could use some advice: Williamsburg or Savannah?
Mar 9th, 2002, 09:42 AM
#1
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Could use some advice: Williamsburg or Savannah?
Hi all!
My sisters and I are planning a surprise trip for our mom's 60th birthday. We are trying to decide between spending 3-4 days in Williamsburg, VA or Savannah, GA. Which city has the most to offer for a 4-day trip? We will have transportation and would be willing to do daytrips with a 1-2 hr distance.
We're going in late April so we're also wondering what the weather will be like in those cities at that time, and will the main attractions all be open?
Would love to hear your opinions and advice.
Thanks!
Kelly
My sisters and I are planning a surprise trip for our mom's 60th birthday. We are trying to decide between spending 3-4 days in Williamsburg, VA or Savannah, GA. Which city has the most to offer for a 4-day trip? We will have transportation and would be willing to do daytrips with a 1-2 hr distance.
We're going in late April so we're also wondering what the weather will be like in those cities at that time, and will the main attractions all be open?
Would love to hear your opinions and advice.
Thanks!
Kelly
Mar 9th, 2002, 01:40 PM
#3
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We were in Savannah for 2 days and I thought that was plenty of time. Instead I would go to Charleston, SC. Overall, I think the area has more to offer and could entertain you fully for the 4 days. We stayed at the Wentworth Mansion and it was absolutely gorgeous. Charleston's historic distric is much larger than Savannah's and has wonderful restaurants and art galleries. The historic homes line the streets for blocks upon blocks. I found that Charleston felt a little larger than Savannah and had a much classier down home feel. My mother and I had gone together and had an absolutely wonderful time. Its one of the few places in the south I would return to again and again. If you need more information feel free to email me!
Mar 9th, 2002, 03:01 PM
#4
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I grew up near Savannah; Savannah is a beautiful city; I LOVE Savannah. BUT...for four days in April, I would recommend Williamsburg. The temperature should be perfect; the azaleas should be blooming (they will be gone by then in Savannah) and there are four days of things to see and do which I think is a stretch for Savannah. Savannah is a three day trip at most, but a GREAT three day trip.
Mar 9th, 2002, 03:38 PM
#5
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I would pick Charleston, S.C. I've been to Savannah and I think Charleston has much more to offer. Once you're south of Broad St., it's like stepping back in a time warp. There are no modern buildings, no ugly parking lots, not McD's, nothing. Just wonderful old homes, beautiful architecture, great shops, etc. The restaurants are great, the harbor is beautiful, and there are plenty of galleries and museums to visit. Just outside of Charleston is Kiawah Island and a few other barrier islands with wonderful beaches. Also just on the outskirts of the city are plantations you can visit. In addition there are several boat trips you can take out to the harbor or up and down the rivers.
Savannah is pretty, but one block could be nice and the next iffy. Plus there has been the encroachment of newer, uglier buildings which ruin the whole ambience of the city. The harbor area isn't as nice either. In Charleston there's a great waterfront park with old fashioned loveseat swings overlooking the harbor. I'm talking about the kind you'd find on a wonderful old porch, where you would wile away the hours, slowly swinging with an old friend or romantic partner.
I stayed at the John Rutlege House (a singer of the Dec. of Indep. twice and it was beautiful. Two Meeting St. is really nice too. Charleston is one of my most favorite places in the whole world. Go there!
Savannah is pretty, but one block could be nice and the next iffy. Plus there has been the encroachment of newer, uglier buildings which ruin the whole ambience of the city. The harbor area isn't as nice either. In Charleston there's a great waterfront park with old fashioned loveseat swings overlooking the harbor. I'm talking about the kind you'd find on a wonderful old porch, where you would wile away the hours, slowly swinging with an old friend or romantic partner.
I stayed at the John Rutlege House (a singer of the Dec. of Indep. twice and it was beautiful. Two Meeting St. is really nice too. Charleston is one of my most favorite places in the whole world. Go there!
Mar 9th, 2002, 03:39 PM
#6
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I would pick Charleston, S.C. I've been to Savannah and I think Charleston has much more to offer. Once you're south of Broad St., it's like stepping back in a time warp. There are no modern buildings, no ugly parking lots, not McD's, nothing. Just wonderful old homes, beautiful architecture, great shops, etc. The restaurants are great, the harbor is beautiful, and there are plenty of galleries and museums to visit. Just outside of Charleston is Kiawah Island and a few other barrier islands with wonderful beaches. Also just on the outskirts of the city are plantations you can visit. In addition there are several boat trips you can take out to the harbor or up and down the rivers.
Savannah is pretty, but one block could be nice and the next iffy. Plus there has been the encroachment of newer, uglier buildings which ruin the whole ambience of the city. The harbor area isn't as nice either. In Charleston there's a great waterfront park with old fashioned loveseat swings overlooking the harbor. I'm talking about the kind you'd find on a wonderful old porch, where you would wile away the hours, slowly swinging with an old friend or romantic partner.
I stayed at the John Rutlege House (a signer of the Dec. of Indep.) twice and it was beautiful. Two Meeting St. is really nice too. Charleston is one of my most favorite places in the whole world. Go there!
Savannah is pretty, but one block could be nice and the next iffy. Plus there has been the encroachment of newer, uglier buildings which ruin the whole ambience of the city. The harbor area isn't as nice either. In Charleston there's a great waterfront park with old fashioned loveseat swings overlooking the harbor. I'm talking about the kind you'd find on a wonderful old porch, where you would wile away the hours, slowly swinging with an old friend or romantic partner.
I stayed at the John Rutlege House (a signer of the Dec. of Indep.) twice and it was beautiful. Two Meeting St. is really nice too. Charleston is one of my most favorite places in the whole world. Go there!
Mar 9th, 2002, 05:27 PM
#7
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Since you have to choose between Savannah and Williamsburg, I would recommend Williamsburg, hands down. I've been to both places. Savannah will keep you entertained for 1 day. Then you could do a daytrip to Charleston for 1 day. Then you would be bored.
Williamsburg is closer to other fantastic sights, so you will have a lot more to do. It such a fun place. I went there with my wife and mother and we all really enjoyed it (more that Savannah). Maybe you should try to split your time and do 2 days Savannah/Charleston and 2 days Williamsburg. If you can't, choose Williamsburg.
Williamsburg is closer to other fantastic sights, so you will have a lot more to do. It such a fun place. I went there with my wife and mother and we all really enjoyed it (more that Savannah). Maybe you should try to split your time and do 2 days Savannah/Charleston and 2 days Williamsburg. If you can't, choose Williamsburg.
Mar 10th, 2002, 12:40 PM
#9
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Wow, Kelly, I guess the responses you've received to this question just go to show you that there is a serious difference of opinion on this. Maybe it would help if you told us what kinds of things you are interested in?
I've been to both Williamsburg and Savannah and I would choose Savannah hands down. I don't agree that you will be bored in 4 days in Savannah, but we were *definitely* bored in 4 days in Williamsburg -- and that included one day of golf. We also found the food to be mediocre and very expensive.
As for Savannah, there is great shopping, sightseeing, history, and food. There are also golf or other outdoor activities nearby. Take the trolley tour and you might think about a graveyard tour. The weather in late April should be nice -- I'd say 70's, whereas Williamsburg would be cooler.
Have a great time whatever you choose.
I've been to both Williamsburg and Savannah and I would choose Savannah hands down. I don't agree that you will be bored in 4 days in Savannah, but we were *definitely* bored in 4 days in Williamsburg -- and that included one day of golf. We also found the food to be mediocre and very expensive.
As for Savannah, there is great shopping, sightseeing, history, and food. There are also golf or other outdoor activities nearby. Take the trolley tour and you might think about a graveyard tour. The weather in late April should be nice -- I'd say 70's, whereas Williamsburg would be cooler.
Have a great time whatever you choose.
Mar 11th, 2002, 08:35 PM
#11
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Please check out www.vagardenweek.org if you are planning to come in April. Virginia Garden Week is the oldest and largest house and garden tour event in the US and some gems will be open. A few years ago we got to tour musician Bruce Hornsby's home in Williamsburg, and chef Marcelle Desaunier (spelling?) of the Trellis had his private gardens open. The James River Plantations are an easy drive from Williamsburg down Route 5 and are open for tours year-round. April will be LOVELY in Virginia (but bring your allergy medicine - MUCH pollen!) Another vote for VA - I hope you can come!
Mar 12th, 2002, 04:17 AM
#12
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You will run out of things to do in Savannah in about 2 days, although you could consider driving over to St. Augustine.
Much as I love Savannah, I'd recommend Williamsburg because even though you can exhaust Colonial W'burg in 1 1/2-2 days, there is a lot more within an hour or two of driving, including Busch Gardens, many other plantations and colonial-era sights, Richmond (a wonderful, undiscovered city -- see the old part and the museum, esp.), and (with a little extra time) Virginia Beach.
Much as I love Savannah, I'd recommend Williamsburg because even though you can exhaust Colonial W'burg in 1 1/2-2 days, there is a lot more within an hour or two of driving, including Busch Gardens, many other plantations and colonial-era sights, Richmond (a wonderful, undiscovered city -- see the old part and the museum, esp.), and (with a little extra time) Virginia Beach.
Mar 12th, 2002, 05:15 AM
#13
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I love both places, but both are fairly small places that you'll be albe to see in a weekend. For this reason, I'd choose Williamsburg because it's close to other attractions-- the beach, Bush Gardens, historic Jamestown (definitely worth your time), and outlet shopping. You could use Williamsburg as your home base and take a day trip to any of these places.
Mar 12th, 2002, 08:36 AM
#14
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I think that Savannah is a fabulous city, one of my favorite vacation destinations. The weather should be beautiful and warm this time of year. There are plenty of nice scenic walks and houses to tour. If you want a day trip, there are plenty of beautiful beaches all within 2 hour drive. Lots of good restaurants and southern charm and hospitality. Williambsurg is just too touristy in my opinion. Also pleny of shopping. Not just Gap stores like any other historic district.
Mar 13th, 2002, 05:53 AM
#15
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My background -- I grew up in Norfolk, VA and have been to Williamsburg several times. I have been to Savannah once for a couple of day trip.
The main question is what do you and your family like to do?
the entire area of historic Williamsburg is a living history museum geared exclusively toward tourism. A complete restored colonial city unto itself. Outside the historic Williamsburg area, the town of Williamsburg lacks the charm of Savannah. I have always thought 2 days would be the max the general tourist would want to stay in Williamsburg. If you want to focus on colonial history, Williamsburg is the place to go and then 2 days would probably do you. Now within 1-2 hours from Williamsburg there is a great deal to do and see. Between Williamsburg and Richmond particularly along VA route 5 there are several restored plantations from the colonial area. And I am sure Richmond has much to see as well as some good museums, but I am not familiar with Richmond. In the other direction you have Hampton and Newport News. In downtown Hampton there is the Virginia Air and Space Museum, which is quite good and it has an IMAX theater. If you want a mix of shopping and sights, downtown Norfolk along its waterfront has shops, Waterside, and an excellent maritime museum called Nauticus. docked alongside Nauticus is the USS Wisconsin, an in-service naval battleship that can be toured. Also downtown is an upscale mall called MacArthur mall. the MacArthur Memorial is across the street from the mall if anyone is interested in the life of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. All the downtown items of mentioned are within a few blocks of each other. Adjacent to Norfolk airport is the Norfolk Botanical Gardens which should be quite beautiful the time of year you are going particulary if the azaleas are still blooming. In Virginia Beach there is a very nice salt water aquarium and of course miles of beaches.
The weather in Virginia that time of year should be low 70's + - a few degrees.
If you really want to do something different take the ferry to Tangier Island. It is a fishing village in the middle of the chesapeake bay and there are no cars on the island. Not much to other than stroll the island and stop and eat some seafood at the local restaurant. the local residents still have a type of elizabethian accent. I don't know what town on Va.'s western shore of the bay the ferry leaves from however.
Now on the other hand, if you enjoy a town that has a good mix of history, shops, restaurants, and charm, Savannah/Charleston is the place for a group of ladies to go. I was in Savannah for a couple of days on a school field trip with my kids. The city squares and old homes with the old trees and Spanish moss are really beautiful. I have never been to Charleston but I am sure it's similar.
Enjoy.
The main question is what do you and your family like to do?
the entire area of historic Williamsburg is a living history museum geared exclusively toward tourism. A complete restored colonial city unto itself. Outside the historic Williamsburg area, the town of Williamsburg lacks the charm of Savannah. I have always thought 2 days would be the max the general tourist would want to stay in Williamsburg. If you want to focus on colonial history, Williamsburg is the place to go and then 2 days would probably do you. Now within 1-2 hours from Williamsburg there is a great deal to do and see. Between Williamsburg and Richmond particularly along VA route 5 there are several restored plantations from the colonial area. And I am sure Richmond has much to see as well as some good museums, but I am not familiar with Richmond. In the other direction you have Hampton and Newport News. In downtown Hampton there is the Virginia Air and Space Museum, which is quite good and it has an IMAX theater. If you want a mix of shopping and sights, downtown Norfolk along its waterfront has shops, Waterside, and an excellent maritime museum called Nauticus. docked alongside Nauticus is the USS Wisconsin, an in-service naval battleship that can be toured. Also downtown is an upscale mall called MacArthur mall. the MacArthur Memorial is across the street from the mall if anyone is interested in the life of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. All the downtown items of mentioned are within a few blocks of each other. Adjacent to Norfolk airport is the Norfolk Botanical Gardens which should be quite beautiful the time of year you are going particulary if the azaleas are still blooming. In Virginia Beach there is a very nice salt water aquarium and of course miles of beaches.
The weather in Virginia that time of year should be low 70's + - a few degrees.
If you really want to do something different take the ferry to Tangier Island. It is a fishing village in the middle of the chesapeake bay and there are no cars on the island. Not much to other than stroll the island and stop and eat some seafood at the local restaurant. the local residents still have a type of elizabethian accent. I don't know what town on Va.'s western shore of the bay the ferry leaves from however.
Now on the other hand, if you enjoy a town that has a good mix of history, shops, restaurants, and charm, Savannah/Charleston is the place for a group of ladies to go. I was in Savannah for a couple of days on a school field trip with my kids. The city squares and old homes with the old trees and Spanish moss are really beautiful. I have never been to Charleston but I am sure it's similar.
Enjoy.
