We went back to the hotel and crashed.

The next morning we were up at 8am and suited up for my morning run. Mr. GoTravel decided to go with me to get in his cardio.

We ran down Market towards to cruise ship (NCL for anyone who is interested) and The US Customs House. This building is just a limestone monument to architects. It is beautiful. I don't know if they give tours or not but I'd like to check it out. We ran down in front of the harbour and Waterfront Park all the way down the Battery, past Battery Park, in front of the Ashley River almost to the US Coast Guard Station and ran back to Battery Park.

http://www.consultwebs.com/ncphotos/charleston_sc.htm

We decided to walk up Meeting Street and go get brunch. While walking up Meeting Street towards Market Street, we ran right into Kristen Davis from Sex and The City. She's from South Carolina so I don't know if she was working or just visiting with family. Mr. GoTravel, thinking he knew her personally, was "hey! How are you?", didn't realize who she was until I told him a little later. She was very gracious when he asked how her family was doing. Mr. GoTravel thought she was a former waitress of his.

We turned a left on Queen Street and ate at one of my all time favorites, Poogan's Porch. Poogan's Porch is an old house, 100 years maybe? That has been serving excellent meals since the 1970s. Eating here is a must.

http://www.poogansporch.com/

We had brunch and they are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Soul food/Low Country/Southern Fare with a gourmet twist.

They brought out cathead biscuits and I swear I cried when I bit into it. You could taste the bacon grease. They were hot and fresh right out of the oven.

Mr. GoTravel had an omlet with monteray jack cheese, chedar cheese, and fried oysters served with red beans and rice. It was scrumptious.

I had an omlet with smoked gouda cheese and Virginia ham with the best grits I've ever eaten.

Total bill with tip including two coffes, tea, and a diet coke was $30. Gastronomic heaven. I wanted to stay there all day long and just eat.

To be continued.

What excellent timing!
The Yankee and I are trying to make plans for an apres~Paris trip, keeping me from being depressed when I get home. Charleston and Miami are on the list. This is very helpful to our plans.
Awww, Mr GoT , gotta love him. My husband has done something similar in the past, smiled and chatted, thinking all the while it was an old client
Can't wait to hear more!

After eating all this I decided to drag Mr. GoTravel around with me to check out hotels and I'll give a short synopsis of my usuals.

Charleston Place Hotel:

Ground zero for Charleston nestled between Market and King Streets on Meeting Street. Shops on bottom floor include Cache, Brookstone, Black House White Market and others. Excellent 4 diamond hotel owned by Orient Express. Rooms range from very nice standard rooms to huge suites. I haven't stayed in a suite since this hotel was an Omni but I love it none the less. Luxury, expensive.

http://www.charlestonplace.com/

The Planters Inn:

This Relais & Chateaux beauty (www.RelaisChateaux.com) is just across Meeting Street from Charleston Place and the Shops at Charleston Place. Beautiful rooms and it houses my favorite upscale restaurant, Penninsula Grill. Stop in and have a drink and check out the common areas. While the rooms are massive, they make up for this in sheer luxury. Luxury, expensive.

http://www.plantersinn.com/

Doubletree Hotel:

This is my standard. Great location at the corner of Church and Meeting Streets. Chain hotel with a hint of upscale. Very nice common areas and we've been staying here since it was the Hawthorn Suites. All suite hotel and some are two story. All have kitchenettes. Midscale to upper, moderately expensive to affordable.

http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=CHSCSDT

Now for the hotels I checked out that people ask about most frequently. Keep in mind, I didn't stay at these but checked out location and common areas which to me are usually a good sign of what is to come.

Market Pavillion Hotel:

Wow. I mean, Wow! You walk into soaring two story lobby which houses a gorgeous bar, restaurant, and impressive seating areas. Marble floors with soaring two story cherry wood paneled walls. Take the elevator up to the Rooftop Terrace for stunning views of Charleston and have a drink. Word is that an eccentric gazillionaire from Charleston with no hotel experience built this hotel. They had a few kinks but seemed to have worked them out. Pretty good for someone with no hotel experience. Luxury, Very Expensive.

http://www.marketpavilion.com/

The Mills House:

I have stayed here in the past but it has been a while. Gorgeous old hotel that is managed by the nice people at Holiday Inn but in no way resembles a Holiday Inn. Excellent location on the corner of Meeting Street and Queen Street. Rooms are nicely appointed and this hotel has a pool. A rarity in Charleston. Midscale to upper, moderately expensive to affordable.

http://www.millshouse.com/

Forgot to add that The Market Pavillion Hotel is right on the corner of East Bay and Market Street. Member of The Leading Hotels of the World (www.LHW.com)

Church Street Inn:

The name of this hotel is kind of misleading because most of the hotel actually faces Market Street. Nice common areas, great location. Has a nice outdoor courtyard. Mid to upscale, moderately expensive.

www.ChurchStreetInn.com

French Quarter Inn:

A little more upscale than its neighbor the Church Street Inn and not quite the same caliber as The Market Pavillion, the French Quarter Inn is a very very nice upscale property. While the address is Church Street and the hotel faces Market Street, the main entrance is on Queen Street which can be confusing. There are shops at The French Quarte Inn accessable by Market Street and Church Street. Upscale/luxury, expensive.

www.FQICharleston.com

Harbourview Inn:

Stay here. Let me say that again. Stay here. The lobby is on the second floor and while small, all marble, fireplace, and hold on to your hats, a view of Charleston Harbour that will take your breath away. Mr. GoTravel and I just stood there in silence taking in the view. It is across from Waterfront Park on the corner of Concord Street and Vendue Range. A bit of a walk to shopping on King Street but worth it. Upscale, expensive.

www.HarbourviewCharleston.com

Great reviews! Perhaps you should write a guidebook...

Thanks GT for posting! My husband and I are thinking about taking a visiting friend to Charleston and current info is always helpful!!

At this point, Mr. GoTravel is ready to snap like a twig so we go back to the hotel to shower, change, and head back out.

Before we head back to the hotel, we stop for a moment and walk down to Waterfront Park and walk out on the pier.

http://www.tbrpc.org/waterfront/charles.htm

I'm guessing the pier juts out into Charleston Harbour a good 100 yards. Perfect views of Patriots Point, Fort Sumter, the bridges, the Harbor, boats, tankers, and the USS Yorktown. You can take tours of the Yorktown.

http://www.state.sc.us/patpt/

While sitting on the end of the pier on this beautiful afternoon, the most perfect thing happened: a single dolfin swam by us, swam in circles for a few minutes, then swam off. Now I've seen dolfin in the wild but not like this. Amazing.

After a while, we head back to the hotel.

Scarlett....do both! (And I might have some western additions for your list if you really get adventurous... )

GoTravel--thanks, fun report. We used to see Charleston the way you did when we lived in Savannah. We both did our clothing shopping in Charleston and would either go just for the day, or check into Charleston Place and make a fun weekend of it. DH headed to AJ Davis where service is such they even knew him by name between visits, and I'd head up the street to Bob Ellis then across the street to ???--have forgotten the name of "My Shop". I love the antique shops along King Street too--could easily spend an afternoon just doing that.

Despite living in Savannah, Charleston was my favorite of the two cities...more to see, more to do, and better dining options, to say nothing of the shopping. We did get into a rut though with dining if we were just there for the day...always lunch at Magnolia's with the best creme brulet we've had outside of New Orleans.

Kristen Davis was probably tickled by your DH. I did the same thing to (well I only said, "Hi" and smiled) Morgan Freeman when I passed him in DH's Savannah hotel. You look up, there's the familiar face right in front of you, and you react to it before realizing who the face actually belongs to.

We shower, change, and are off! Old habits die hard and I want to go shoe shopping. Of course this goes over like a lead balloon so I make a deal with him, 3 shoe stores, then we go watch any ACC basketball he wants to watch without complaining. Cool deal on both sides.

First stop, Bob Ellis Shoes. Now this is a right of passage with any South Carolina girl. Unfortunately, two very bad things happened as soon as we walked in the door. One, Mr.GoTravel picked up the first pair of shoes he liked and said, "hey, these are nice", then he turned them over and looked at the price. They were tricked out Jimmy Choos that were $850. After the salesman and I picked Mr. GoTravel up off the floor, he turned around and knocked over the Manolo Blahnik display. Second bad thing was that it was so packed, you couldn't move. Piece of advice, don't wear good shoes or carry a good handbag in Bob Ellis or they will hound you.

www.BobEllis.com

Second Stop, The Copper Penny. Unfortunately, it was so hot in there it made for a short trip. This is my second favorite shoe store in Charleston.

Third stop, Ragoni. No luck there either. I can usually find something in one of the three but Ragoni was also too crowded.

I can't find shoes and this is supposed to be my Valentines Day Present.

I go into Saks while he is taking a phone call and he meets me inside. No luck in their shoe department but there is a DJ spinning tunes in the jeans department. Found a great pair of Seven Jeans and since Mr.GoTravel had already busted that vein in Bob Ellis, he didn't even flinch about the jeans. I love them.

From there we go to King Street Grille to watch basketball. Great two story old building that has gorgeous interiors with flat screen TVs. Mr. GoTravel had the Red Pepper Hummus and we drank Yuengling beer while watching basketball. Had a great time.

http://www.thegsoonline.com/news/2003/10/02/Entertainment/King-Street.Grille.Far.From.Just.Another.Bar-519479.shtml

Met up with friends who at this point are all shopping in Bebe. Please try and imagine 6 girls going through sales racks and six guys in hell.

From there we go back to King Street Grille.

After more Juengling back to the hotel but first a stop in the bar at Penninsula Grill at The Planters Inn. Wonderful soothing quiet and tranquil. A must if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of The Market.

The Charleston City Market is a great place to buy pecans, jewelry, sweetgrass baskets, t-shirts, paintings tchochkes, etc. Whatever you do, please don't pick up a Sweetgrass Basket and loudly exclaim, "a hundred dollars for a straw basket???". These are works of art and the art of making these baskets has been handed down for hundreds of years. They are on display in museums around the world. On average, each one takes about a week to make.

http://www.charlestonlowcountry.com/specialpages/CityMarket.html

From there, back to the hotel to change for dinner. We wore dressy jeans and nice tops everywhere. As long as you aren't sloppy, there really aren't dress codes in Charleston.

Off to Market Pavillion Rooftop Terrace for appetizers and pre dinner drinks.

Let me preface this evening by saying that I don't like to eat out Valentine's Day or the Saturday night around Valentine's Day. Everything is packed, service is usually lousy, and a lot of places have a special menu.

Market Pavillion was excellent. Mr. GoTravel got the Ahi Tuna and I had Satay Shrimp. Huge shrimp, Mr.GoTravel said they were the 10-15 count variety.

From there we all walked down to Wet Willies for a frozen drink. Our group wanted to eat at the Japanese Steakhouse next door (90 minute wait) and we were like no way, no how. We all had a frozen drink and when their table was ready, we bolted to eat elsewhere.

They ended up having terrible service and each couple dropped over $150 with dinner, drinks and tip.

Mr. GoTravel and I caught a Rickshaw ( http://www.ibike.org/economics/pedicab.htm ) to Andolinis Pizza on Wentworth. This is a College of Charleston hangout and was pretty empty. We had a large pepperoni pizza and a pitcher of Jeungling for $19. Excellent pizza and we were back at the hotel by 10PM and asleep by 10:10PM.

More later.

Keep on GoTravel....you are too funny! I can just see Mr GoTravel now having his coronary! Can't help it, I'm still laughing.
Hot damn, I hope his team won the basketball game!

"I make a deal with him, 3 shoe stores, then we go watch any ACC basketball he wants to watch without complaining. Cool deal on both sides"
GoTravel, you are no doubt a Brilliant Shopping Strategist ! LOL

He's a pretty funny guy and makes me laugh!

I'm off to the gym but I still have five or six hotel reviews, a couple of restaurant reviews, South Carolina Aquarium review (who knew it was a state park???), and some general observations and tips.

I can say that I've never enjoyed Charleston as much as I did this weekend and Mr. GoTravel has repeatedly agreed with my sentiments.

Stay tuned kids, more fun and action to come.

Well gosh, GoTravel...now I want to go to Charleston.

The next morning I was up by 7AM and since I know I wore Mr. GoTravel out, I let him sleep. Took a long leisurely bath and got ready. Went up to the rooftop terrace for continental breakfast (buscuits and gravy) then went back to the room and checked on Mr.GoTravel (full body orchestra, moan, groan, snore), told him I was off and I'd meet him at 10:30AM.

Walked through the sidestreet to my first hotel.

The Jasmine House:

An 1843 Greek Revival masterpiece. It is 1/2 block off Meeting Street and is an upscale B&B. Not sure of the prices and didn't get to go inside but the outside, gardens, and house are gorgeous.

www.aesir.com/jasminehous

The Indigo Inn:

These people also own/manage/run The Jasmine House. The Indigo Inn is on Meeting Street across the street from Hyman's a couple of blocks down from the Market. On a busy street but the main entrance is in the back. The center of the Inn is hollow and houses a beautiful and tranquil garden and courtyard. Moderate Inn with moderate prices.

www.IndigoInn.com

Wentworth Mansion:

Probably the nicest place to stay in Charleston. This is truly a mansion and it is unreal. Built sometime in the 1880s, it looms up out of nowhere and WHAM! All of a sudden you see this gorgeous redbrick Victorian. Surrounded by a 10 foot black wrought iron gate, you climb impressive sweeping granite staircase to the massive front doors. The lobby is so full of intricate tile and woodwork I can't even try and explain it. This mansion is a work of art. Go up to the fourth floor and walk out onto the cupola for unmatched views of ALL of Charleston. They will let you see the rooms if you ask if they are vacant. Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (www.SLH.com). Very expensive, luxury.

www.WentworthMansion.com

Renaissance Hotel:

Flew by here but I thought I'd comment on the hotel. On Wentworth midway between King Street and Meeting Street. Good location, didn't go inside.

Best Western King Charles:

Went inside briefly. This isn't your average Best Western. Very nice, midscale hotel. On Meeting Street, it used to be an old inn. Moderate, moderate prices.

www.KingCharlesInn.com

GoTravel, you are mesmerizing me here. I love Charleston, and I love your report......... I am printing it out for next time I go, no kidding. Our next hotel splurge will be one of these.......... we've already done Charleston Place so will have to do another one.

OO, love your tip on the Creme Brulee at Magnolia, which is my fave restaurant in Charleston. But never had that there. (My DH makes them, and is sure they won't be as good as his! ) Next time....

Looking forward to more, GT.......

Went back to the hotel to meet Mr.GoTravel. Caught up with friends at Sweetwater Cafe across the street from The Charleston Place. We didn't eat but their breakfast looked good. Nothing exciting.

We left them, walked down Meeting Street to one of my favorite restaurants in Charleston, Jestine's Kitchen on the corner of Wentworth and Meeting Streets. Don't let the line around the block fool you, Jestine's is good old southern cooking with that soul food low country flair. I had Fried Catfish, okra gumbo, and black eyed peas and Mr. GoTravel had Pot Roast, Collards, and black eyed peas. Had cornbread and Coca-Cola Cake for desert.

http://www.hollyeats.com/JestinesKitchen.htm

By this time, we've eaten so much we decide to walk to The South Carolina Aquarium.

www.scaquarium.org

This is such a treat! We were blown away when we found out this was a State Park! Holy cow!

More on this later with my general observations.

As a native Charlestonian, now living in Maine, I was really excited by your enthusiasm for what really is a magical city! I felt myself totally revisiting the wonderful places you listed! I have a little inside scoop for you.

First, haven't you fallen in love with Pete Banis Shoes yet? One block down from Bob Ellis, as cool (if not a hipper) collection, and prices that make you smile instead of cringe! The locals will tell you that Pete Banis is shoe utopia. They are family run and in business for over 40 years.

Also, my family owns the Market Pavilion Hotel (which is FABULOUS!). They are not totally rookies. The have owned two other hotels in the city, and a couple of other restaurants in SC, but the Pavilion has been their jewel. The best part is that they are self-made and it is a complete family run business. The parents own, the son and daughter are in charge of management and marketing and a cousin is the head chef.
The very best part of Charleston, is that it is so amazingly cosmopolitan, and hip, but still very small-townish and charming. I thought that knowing the stories on these two establishments might reiterate the familiarity of Charleston. You'll find this connectedness all throughout the city. It adds life and warmth to the place.

Thanks for the fond memories!

GoTravel,
I must say that your post (which is just fabulous!) has really inspired me to want to go to Charleston. My boyfriend and I were considering going to Myrtle Beach after a few days in Hilton Head, but after reading your post I'm seriously considering going to Charleston instead. 2 years ago we spent an afternoon in Charleston and it was magnificent. I've always wanted to go back ever since and spend much more time.

After reading your post, I started looking for hotels but I'm afraid that many are just too expensive for my budget At least the ones that are located downtown or in the historic district. I'll have to keep looking though because I really really want to go now!

foodislove, thank you very much for correcting my information about the owners of The Market Pavillion Hotel.

I should have prefaced the remarks about the owner saying that my source for this information was the front desk person at The Church Street Inn.

It is a wonderful, impressive hotel.

I'm hoping to visit Charleston in late August and this is a great planning tool! Thanks for taking the time to share...

After Mr.GoTravel and I stuffed ourselves at Jestine's Kitchen, we decided to walk down Meeting Street towards Calhoun Street to head to the SC Aquarium. We decided to take the back streets and cut down Society Street towards East Bay. Wonderful beautiful houses. I'm sure the locals hate having people look in their windows but you just can't help to do this. One of the houses was an old church sans the steeple. Very cool.

Finally got to the SC Aquarium which is perched out on Charleston Harbor. Even though this is one of the best aquariums I've ever experienced, it also walked you through the three distinctive areas of the state of South Carolina; The Mountains, The Piedmont, and The Coast. I really learned a lot. I also figured out what a few kinds of birds that are in my backyard are called namely the Ibis.

The two story aquarium was filled with eels, shark, tuna, and other large fish as well as smaller one. This part really thrilled Mr. GoTravel as he is a dive master or master diver or whatever. He's going to start volunteering.

They also had a cool exhibit going on, "Secrets of the Amazon". Was this ever interesting! Poison Dart Frogs, Anaconda, parrots, pirahnas all brought out the 8 year old boy in my husband.

The Aquarium is nest door to the Ft. Sumter Museum.

We tried to figure out where the Hunley was located but never got around to this.

Walked back to the hotel a different route but went the sidestreets. I can't tell you how charming this is.

Finally around 6PM we headed out of Charleston exhausted. We were in bed by 7PM and asleep by 7:10. Missed the Grammys.

Some random observations.

-There is an Applebees on Wentworth I never knew exhisted. The only way you would know it was there is by a discreet brass sign with their logo on a stone/brick wall. No other thing says Applebees.

-Andolinis Pizza on Wentworth. A true dive but great pizza and beer cheap.

-Kress & Co building on King Steet. This building is a testament to Charleston's dedication to preserve. This beautiful deco buiding houses a William Sonoma, a rug store, and some other things but the Kress & Company signs are still up as well as signs announcing the soda fountain.

-Charleston's sidewalks are all either flagstone/slate/limestone, brick, or a combination of the two. Don't wear shoes with heels or you'll bust your butt. I never saw a concrete sidewalk.

-Mr.GoTravel and I both wore (except when I went out at night) these walking shoes from Cole Haan and Nike. The soles are by Nike Air and the tops are by Cole Haan.

-You'll never own one of the beautiful pieces of architecture in Charleston even if you purchase the building. You have the privilege of caring for during a period of time but it belongs to history. Everything in Charleston is 200-300 years old.

-The weather was balmy all weekend even though they called for cold weather. Ocean temps kept us warm.

-Go to the Charleston Fire Station on the corner of Meeting Street and Wentworth. They have the old firetrucks on display. The horse drawn pump from 1898 is too cool as well as a ladder truck from 1944 and another truck.

-Walk the side streets and get off the main thoroughfares. This was such a treat.

-Charleston IS the most beautiful city in the United States. No contest. Street after street after building after building after cobblestone street after church after cemetary.

-See it from the water if at all possible. We used to sail out of Cannonsport Marina, Patriots Point Marina and City Marina all the time and you never tire of Charleston by water.

-Grannies Goodies is now a bar.

Thank you my fellow fodorites for forcing me to get out of my comfort zone and letting me experience Charleston as it should be.

What a great post! Thanks!
I am headed to New Orleans this weekend and was thinking the same thing as you - I need to go to a new restaurant, see new things, etc. I have learned of lots of restaurants just by reading from visitors that I can't wait to try! Of course, it is a bachelorette party, so most of my time will be spent on Bourbon Street! An oldie, but goodie!

Thanks so much, GoTravel, for all the great information on Charleston. We are going there for the first time in April. We were looking forward to the trip, but now we are excited!!! You said that you live close to Charleston - so do you have good information on Savannah also? We are planning to spend a couple of days in Savannah as well and need hotel and restaurant suggestions if you have some. Thanks for your great post!

GoTravel--- reading this was so much fun. I am taking my mother to Charleston in April and now I am so excited. Thank you for writing this...I feel like I could ask a million questions and get great answers. We are either staying at the French Quarter Inn or Harborview Inn...sounds like I can't go wrong there. Any tips on helping me to decide?
Also, the Rutledge Avenue tour--what are the homes and gardens like? Should we do some kind of boat trip? Anything else???

Now, that's an adventure! I can't wait to sit down with a glass of wine and read it.

I can't imagine your comfort zone, GT, as you seem quite comfortable wherever you roam.

GoTravel,

thanks for such an informative, personal, and entertaining trip report. This will be a great resource for everyone (us included, as we're a mere 2 hours away).

Thank you all for your very kind remarks. We did have a very lovely time and I'm going to take more day trips by myself.

Scarlett, you must do Charleston at least once. While I love Miami, Charleston has my heart.

OO, I can't think of what is across the street from Bob Ellis. I'm always to blindsided by being there I can't look anywhere but inside the store!

icee, his team didn't play but we watched the UVA/Miami game. Wahoowaa! The 'canes aren't doing too bad stepping up to ACC round ball!

Foodislove, I hope I haven't offended you or your family, I do feel bad. The Market Pavillion is a spectacular hotel. I also love Pete Banis and have shopped there for years.

You wrote: "The very best part of Charleston, is that it is so amazingly cosmopolitan, and hip, but still very small-townish and charming"

You could not have summed my feelings up any better.

Tandoori, I never realized that I do have a high comfort level wherever I go. Very interesting observation that has never before occured to me. Thank you for pointing this out.

Lauralee, contact this tour guide: ExploreHolyCity@aol.com. She is the very best tourguide in Charleston.

Oh, GoTravel.........the hubby and I were going to try and sneak away for a long weekend in Florida or maybe New Orleans in March or April, but now I am SERIOUSLY thinking of Charleston.

It sounds fabulous. (I'm not sure, though.....should I use one of your hotel suggestions? WINK WINK - inside joke between me and GT).

GoTravel, as usual you are full of good information!

My husband has not been outside the city limits in over a year due to the nature of his job. Other than a business trip in March (his first in 14 months), he won't be able to leave town for a few more months, and even when he does leave we can't go far. We've been trying to think of fun places to go for a long weekend for when the time comes. We'd been considering Charleston, but after reading this, we're sold on it! I am thrilled, as I have never been there before!

Thanks for giving us something to look forward to!

GoTravel, what a beautiful and informative travel report.

I need to do what you did in Charleston in SF. It is true we tend to take out local cities for granted and not look at them as a tourist might.

I really enjoyed reading about Charleston, thank you for sharing your weekend.

Great report, makes me want to go to Charleston-- and your thread made it onto the banner page listing the interesting current threads.

Thanks so much for your comments on the Harbourview Inn! We're taking our first trip to Charleston next week and are staying there. I've been second guessing myself a bit on my hotel choice, but now I feel reassured.

GoTravel, what a fascinating report. Thank you for posting.

We can only spend one night there in March. Arriving Thursday around noon and leaving Friday at noon. Would you recommend such short visit to this lovely town?
If you were visiting again, what hotel you would HAVE to stay in?

Pat, you'll love the Harborview! Try and get a room with a view. If not, spend an hour or so in the front window of the lobby. The window is floor to ceiling and has deeply cushioned chairs placed right in front of it facing the harbor for this very reason.

On second thought, you may never get out!

laurelee, toss a coin. Honestly, that is the only way I would be able to decide between the French Quarter Inn and the Harborview.

BuffaloGirl, do I ever have a motel for you.....LOL!

ethel, when are you going to Hilton Head? There are certain time periods that Charleston hotels are expensive. Namely now through mid June. The Wildlife Expo is this weekend and then one thing after another until Spoleto.

Between Charleston and Savannah, weight toward Charleston. One day in Savannah is plenty.
We went to Charleston this week-end to go to the aquarium. It is really a great exhibit.

GoTravel,
The dates we are going to Hilton Head are 5/7-9 and then we have the rest of the week. I did a lot of looking around at the rates yesterday of the hotels you mentioned and some other hotels I got off Expedia and TripAdvisor, but they are kind of high for that week. Looks like we'll have to stick with Myrtle Beach and maybe put Charleston on my list of honeymoon destinations. It definitely sounds like a place that you wouldn't enjoy on a budget. I want to be able to enjoy all that the beautiful city has to offer without worrying about money.

Thanks again, GoTravel, for such an inspiring post. I wish I could do the same in my town (Lake Placid, NY) but it's kind of hard when you know at least 1 or 2 people every where you go. I think I might try it though, as I love to play tourist. Perhaps I can get a wig...

GoTravel, I really enjoyed reading your detailed report! My husband has stayed in Charleston on several occasions (at the Renaissance) for business. He keeps telling me that I should plan to go along on his next trip...I hope it works out, because it sound like a lovely city.

Wow! I finally got around to reading this, thanks for the excellent review. Can't wait to visit. Natalie

Woah GoTravel, just found this thread while doing some last minute research before our upcoming trip. And now i'm even more excited, especially to shop!! Also, do you think the flowers will be blooming?

Thanks so much for a most excellent trip report!

I'm wondering if Pat in Michigan can give us a posttrip report on the Harbourview Inn-I'm curious to hear the details.

Wonderful piece of work, GoTravel! Mr. Xrae and I are heading to Charleston tomorrow evening for a long weekend. We are staying at the Ansonborough Inn, and I look forward to sharing my reviews on the inn and the dining after we return.

Hi,
GT I have a question...my husband and I are staying in Chs for one evening only with our 1 year old son. What hotel do you recommend? I dont see him doing well (our son) staying in a single room hotel room with mommy and daddy- he is too aware. Therefore, that means that mommy and daddy have to go to bed at 7pm also. This is just a stopover en route to HH for a week with the whole family. We decided to fly instead of drive with a 1 year old. Do you think that one of the outer islands might be a better choice ie; wild dunes etc.. thanks.

The Doubletree is an all suite hotel and that would give you and your husband privacy.

This thread and the recent trip report by ellen griswold are my weapons to convince the Yankee that we need to go to Charleston soon.

Thanks so much GT.
Booked one eve at Dbltre. $300.00 bucks but well worth not having to go to sleep at 7pm when the little guy does. It's a two room suite. This way, my husband and i can hang out and at least watch tv and have some vino.
thx again.

What a great report - and oh, does it make me want to get back to Charleston!

FYI for Ethel, and others, with
$$-hotel concerns, these are the downtown C. hotels that come up at Bidding for Travel:
4 Star Renaissance Charleston

3 Star Francis Marion Hotel (no longer affiliated with Westin) LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW
Doubletree Guest Suites Charleston LINK TO HOTEL REVIEW
Embassy Suites Charleston
Mills House or Holiday Inn Mills House LINK TO HOTEL REVEIW

Wanted to add a couple of updates:

The Website for the Rickshaw or Charleston Pedicab is: http://www.charlestonpedicab.com/pages/755472/index.htm

Ate at Fleet Landing Restaurant (www.FleetLanding.net) and while the views are unsurpassed, the hotel is on the water on the old Navy pier, the food is kinda dismal. We will try it again because we ate there over a really busy weekend and they have not been open that long. You must at least go for a cocktail.

We stayed at The Best Western King Charles Inn and it was really a very nice hotel. Downtown on Meeting Street, the hotel is of a much nicer caliber than the Best Western brand. Beautiful lobby and pool area.

www.KingCharlesInn.com

The Vendue Inn (www.VendueInn.com) is one of the most fun places to go and party in Charleston. The outdoor rooftop deck is two stories and always has a rocking band. Just down the street from the Harborview Inn and the views from the rooftop are stunning. This is a Charleston must.

Hi GoTravel, when OWJ and I went past the Best Western in Charleston we too thought it look very lovely. I was surprised, not the typical Best Western we have in CA certainly. And needless to say it is in a great location. Thanks again for making our trip so wonderful!

ttt for Charleston travel.

Thanks so much for a wonderful report! The travel bureau for Charleston shld hire you!
We'll be spending 2 nights in Savannah and 2 nights in Charleston in early March. Was thinking of saving Charleston for a longer 3 night wkend and hanging out golfing in Hilton Head instead but this post changed my mind. can't wait!
I'll be using these suggestiosn and looking for your input on Savannah things to do too! Thansk Go Travel!

Excellent Report!!!

ttt for myself. Thanks GoTravel.
Is it too hot to visit Charleston in July? Should we wait until October/November?

Wow, what a trip report! I just printed out this entire itinerary! My husband & I will be attending a wedding toward the end of May in Charleston, being held at Charleston Place, but we're looking for somewhat cheaper options! Right now I think the Doubletree may suffice. I was thinking Holiday Inn Historic district but see it is quite a few blocks further away than many other hotels? (I am a NY'er and am used to walking city blocks, so "far" is relative!)

The Holiday Inn is sort of away from things. The Mills House Inn which is a Holiday Inn is in a much better location. The Doubletree has the best location if you aren't staying at Charleston Place.

If your dates fall over Spoleto (www.Spoleto.org or www.PiccoloSpoleto.com) you'll have a hard time finding anything. Huge Arts festival.

You'll love Charleston in the Spring!

ttt

Thanks GoTravel. We are coming down for two nights during Easter. I was on the fence about the Doubletree until I read that is is one of your usuals.

I've booked Doubletree, but I probably wouldn't without your recommendation. The funny thing is I didn't realize that it is a suites hotel. When you go to their website and look at room types, the first to pop up are individual rooms, suites are way down on the page. I went ahead with making the reservation and when asked to select room type the large suite was the same price as the individual room.

Doubletree needs to give you a cut and change their website.

topping for RainLaurel.

ttt

Thanks, GoTravel for your excellent reviews. I have traveled from sea to shining sea in the USA, UAE, England, and France... but have not spent time in Charleston. We will be there next month. One thing I will add is that my dearest friend resided in Charleston for years and she says the spa at the Wentworth Mansion is a must on the visitors list!

Thought I'd add another update.

Arrived on Saturday morning to The Planters Inn. Fabulous hotel and I had not stayed there in some time. Had a room on the corner of Market and Meeting but the sound proof walls and window shades blocked out ALL noise.

The Planters Inn is also the home to The Penninsula Grill.

Checked in early and the room was ready. Asked the outstanding bellman if there were any reservations available for The Penninsula Grill that night and he said 6PM and 10PM which were no goes for us.

Decided on Andolinis.

Room was outstanding with a king rice bed. All marble bathroom. Soft and soothing low country decoration.

www.PlantersInn.com
http://www.peninsulagrill.com/
http://www.andolinis.com/

Immediately dumped the bags and headed to Bob Ellis Shoes and their semi annual sale.

www.BobEllisShoes.com

Bought a Chloe bag and a pair of Prada platforms.

I'm broke.

Ran back to King Street Grille to catch up with Mr.GoTravel and almost pass out because their AC is broken.

From there we dropped off my purchases and went to Tommy Condons.

http://www.thekingstreetgrille.com/
http://www.tommycondons.com/cms_pages/

From there we went to the rooftop of the Market Pavillion and watched a thunderstorm roll through.

Headed back to the hotel to change for dinner.

Went to Andolinis and had a large pepperoni pizza and a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon. WooHoo we're pickin' high cotton now!

I make it through one half of a frozen White Russian at Wet Willies and I'm about to fall asleep.

http://wetwillies.com/

Was in bed asleep by 9:50PM.

Woke up the next morning and did my two mile run.

Showed, changed, late checkout later, Poogan's Porch for brunch.

I had a cup of She Crab (and it was the real thing not some cream based crab flavored muck) and the Crabcake Omlet. Mr.GoTravel had a cup of Gumbo and the Poogan's Breakfast with Fried Catfish. We split an order of buiscuts and gravy.

Huge mistake. Moan, groan, moan.

http://www.poogansporch.com/

From there walked over to the Fort Sumter Boat Tour and bought tickets for the 2:30PM boat ride and tour.

This is fantastic for families. It had been probably 20 years since either of us had done this and we found it hasn't changed.

http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/product.aspx?productID=2350

Got the 4PM Ferry back to make the 5:45PM showing of Spiderman 3 at the IMAX Theater.

It was great but too long.

Drove home.

The end.

Last two items, ate quickly last night at Toucan Reef which has an excellent location on the top floor of the building next to the Aquarium and it has gorgeous views of the harbor.

Food is crap. Avoid it at all costs.

Walked in, hostess was smoking a cigarette at the bar, waitress was in flip flops, all the tables were dirty, food was cold and bland.

It was the only place open close by where we could eat between the trip to Ft. Sumter and Spiderman 3 at IMAX.

www.IMAX.com

Most importantly, I stopped by Fire Station #2 on the corner of Wentworth and Meeting Streets to see the memorials to the fallen heroes. So heartbreaking.

Stop by if you get a chance.

ttt

Great reviews!

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