10 DAYS TO SPEND. HELP
 

We are driving south over Christmas. We will be leaving from DC on the 23 of December and are planning on heading toward Savannah. On our way back we want to stop in Charleston, then back to DC on Jan 2. It seems as if this may be too much time for just these 2 cities. Help us plan these 9 days.

What are your interests? Who is "we?" Two adults, or are there children traveling with you? Are you looking for hotel recommendations, restaurant recommendations, or sight-seeing recommendations? We'll need a little more info before we can help! :)

I lived in Charleston for decades and never got to everything.

What drew you to these 2 cities? What do you want to do?

Ah sorry. My husband and I ( we are in our late 60's). We love sightseeing, shopping, eating, and people watching. We love to walk but do not want to hike. We have never been to this area of the south, although we have spent time in Atlanta, and are anxious to go. We have 2 weeks over the Chritmas holiday and thought it would be a good opportunity to spend that time in the south. We would also like some suggestions on what may be open on Christmas Day...restaurants, movies etc. Lastly, perhaps recommendations on another place to visit between Savannah and Charleston since we think that this may be too much time for the se two cities.

I don't think it's too long at all. But if you want to add a place, Beaufort SC is a nice small town in between. The old sheldon Church ruins are worth a stop as is beautiful Hunting Island.

It's hard to know what will be open on Christmas Day. It changes every year. When Christmas gets closer check this link for availabilty:

http://www.opentable.com/south-carolina-restaurants

Both places are lovely at Christmas. Be sure to take a guided tour in each so you can know what you're looking at.

Thanks for the info..will check this out

Also, what area in both cities would you recommend to stay in. We would like a place where we can walk, shop, and enjoy the local color.

You might also want to stop in Wilmington, N.C. on your way down and/or continue down the coast S. of Savannah to St. Simons Island.

Wilmington is a pretty neat old southern city. St. Simons is on the marshes and has a very different feel from the others.

If your budget allows, consider adding this -
http://www.greyfieldinn.com/

The prices are all-inclusive. The inn is on a barrier island with miles of beaches and wild horses. JFK Jr got married in the tiny chapel on the island. That would be a perfect time of year to go.

I always recommend people stay in the Historic Districts of both. It is never cheap, but it's great to be able to walk out your door to the attractions, and take breaks when you want.

It will be chilly for swimming but the beaches CAN be pleasant enough for walks that time of year. Cumberland and St. Simons are always good recs.

I looked at your link, starrs, and that place is lovely. It has been added to my wish list. :)

Charleston is beautiful all dressed up for Christmas. My family and I loved the carraige ride. Our driver/guide was very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston and had a great sense of humor. I loved walking along the Battery to look at the elegant old homes.

Never been to Charleston, but I spent a week in Savannah a couple of years ago and didn't get to see everything I wanted.. plenty to do for a week. Or 4-5 days. I'd love to go back.

A friend of ours lives in D.C. and drove to Savannah once, he said it was seven hours to drive, I remember, straight through.