There are four plantations. I would recommend stopping by either Middleton or Magnolia (I haven't been in the winter so can't comment on garden conditions at that time) and then stopping at least briefly at Drayton Hall. Overall, my favorite is Middleton. The area around the house is more scenic than Magnolia, it has demonstrations by blacksmiths, etc., and there is a nice restaurant. Magnolia is slightly better for nature (birds, gators, turtles). You could easily spend half a day or more at either, but I found Magnolia a little more time consuming (boat tours, tram tours, swamp walk). If you have seen the movie the Patriot, you will have seen Middleton as the headquarters of General Cornwallis. Drayton Hall is well-preserved, and the guided tour is interesting, particularly if you like architecture (it is the only main house along the Ashley River not burned by Sherman's troops); it is not furnished at all. I find the house quite photogenic. Drayton, Middleton, and Magnolia are within a few miles of one another on the same road. There is a fourth over around Mt. Pleasant; Boone Hall has a famous avenue of oaks used in movies and mini-series and a row of slave cabins. In general, Boone Hall is less interesting than the others and seems costly, not to mention a bit out of the way for many visitors. I have two Charleston travelogues on my site at www.oneeyed.homestead.com, where I talk about visits to all four plantations.

Thanks everyone for the great info.

Well our time is short until we leave for our much anticipated trip to Charleston. I can't thank everyone enough for all your great advice. This is our first real vacation in several years and we know that we will enjoy it. Our family spends time in our home state doing a little Civil War reeacting as Union Artillery and we are looking forward to exploring the history of Charleston. We are just hoping that the locals don't take exception to a couple of Yanks sightseeing in the "Holy city". Take care and thanks again!!