My husband and I are planning a 4/5 days April get-away. Initially we wanted to go to Kiawah Island, but the Sanctuary is booked solid.

Next choice, Charleston but my DH says that after two days there's not much else to do and we should head to Hilton Head.

Personally, I would rather not move around as I am rather beat. Besides, I don't think it is really beach weather in April...although you'll let me know if I am wrong, won't you?

So tell me, is there enough to do in Charleston keep us busy for 4/5 days?

Thanks!

Gee seetheworld, this is tough - I could easily spend 4/5 days in Charleston, I only spent 2 full days there in the fall and it wasn't enough and am returning this spring -
but I think it depends on what you like -
shopping, quaint area, great restaurants, lovely scenery, day trips to plantations, historic homes and tours, museums..... and all I felt within a short walking distance - easy to navigate -

personally, I could spend 4/5 days there, knowing it meant a relaxing arrival that I didn't have to beat a path from checking in to getting on the street -
a relaxing day trip to a plantation without feeling crunched on time, - I like having longer than a 'long weekend' in places because it gives me the option of lazy breakfasts reading the paper, an afternoon siesta after a lesiurely lunch with a magnificent view and some wine (something I don't get to do at home), - doing one of those tourist things that is 'off the beaten path' that people usually don't have time for - not having to rush so I am exhausted or my feet sore every day ! - so those are the reasons I could find enough to do in Charleston for 4/5 days and why I am going back !

Have you seen Go T's report on Charleston
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34567869

and here is mine if it helps:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34705265

Yes, you can. If you want to punish yourself, spend them in Hilton Head.

Thank you escargot. I have seen GoT's report but I will give yours a read. I guess the dilemma is that my husband has been to Charleston a few times on business. So, in a way, I guess he feels that it won't be *new* to him. I, on the other hand, have never been. I think he has a longing to be on the beach, hence the suggestion to go to Hilton Head.

Gretchen, is Hilton Head that bad? We used to go to Myrtle Beach quiet a bit -- how does Hilton Head compare to MB?

Sorry...quite a bit -- although I do need some quiet.

I believe you could stay for days in Charleston. I also think HH is a beautiful place for beach time. Myrtle Beach is a bit too touristy for me. Beach weather in April in SC could go either way. It's 72 in Columbia today - spring is here, but there have been "cold" Easters. Check out www.discoversouthcarolina.com for ideas and send off for free brochures.

Yes, you can absolutely spend five days happily.

Has hubby seen the plantations?

What about the boat tours of Ft. Sumter?

What about the fabulous South Carolina Aquarium?

Has he seen the Hunley?

Have you taken a sailing tour of Charleston Harbour?

Go quiz hubby and get back to me. If he answers yes to just two of these questions tell him I'll call the restaurant of his choice and buy him a bottle of wine or a pair of cufflinks from Ben Silver.

GoTravel-- Can I ask my wife those same questions? Darn... I'm surprising her! In all seriousness, you've been most helpful with my Charleston planning. I should be buying YOU the bottle of wine.

Aggod part of April (1st half, I think) has home and garden tours in Charleston, which are exceptional. Charleston and immediate surroundings (like plantations) are easily worth 4-5 days, with mostly perfect weather, mild but not yet hot.

My effor-0-start with "a good part of April"

If your husband is wanting a "beach" type place, why not get the best of both worlds by staying on Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island? We had the most relaxing vacation ever on Sullivan's Island in October. It is close enough to Charleston to eat, shop, etc, but it also has the beach. Even if it's too cool to swim, you will probably have days warm enough to sit out on the beach.

LOL, GoT, I think you are off the hook. Without even asking him I'm sure I know the answer...I mean the guy spends 16 hours in the office when he is there -- I doubt he has been on the water -- restaurants, yes.

He mentioned something about flying out of the County airport on a regional (small 30 seater) jet otherwise the trip gets too long with a layover, etc. Yikes, a 30-seater - I hate those!

Isle of Palms or Sullivan's Island? Thanks for the suggestions, Betsy.

We'd be going the third week in April, so the weather should be warming up nicely by then.

Oh, and BTW, he also threw Bermuda into the discussion...

Actually, poolside will be warmer than the beach because the wind blows off the water and the water temps are still in the 60s at that time. Even if it is 80 on land the cold wind off the beach will freeze you.

I think Sullivians Island/IOP is wonderful. My family is having our family reunion there in October but there is even less out there than downtown.

ccgegg, a bottle of Le Crema Pino Nior at SNOB will be fantastic thank you

Dear seetheworld:

Charleston is one of my favorite cities...stop at the Visitors Center and pick up the "Walking Tour" book. There are several different walking tours, enought to keep you busy for a day or two. Take the horse-drawn carriage ride for interesting historical tours. Ferry to Ft. Sumter, go antiquing on King St., eat lots of wonderful food! Unless you golf, there's not much on Hilton Head, even though I enjoy Hilton Head also.

Hmmm, getaway . . . but the perceived problem is not much to do in Charleston after two days. I don't mean to be rude, but the real problem is not understanding what a getaway means. I know because I bear about 10 years worth of scars as a middle manager.

Absolutely stay the whole time in the Charleston area and explore the many great suggestions listed above.

lol, not to be rude, beachdweller, but only 10 years of scars as a middle manager? You haven't lived.

Not to worry, we are heading to Arizona for our getaway!

So after all this, no Charleston at all?I'll check the Phoenix questions.

seetheworld, I am glad you didn't take offense. And yes, ten years was enough to wise me up, make me find a way to slow down and notice the world happening.

Have a great time in Phoenix (I love the American southwest!)

As a born/reared SC gal in the Charleston area, you can't spend enough time here! There's always plenty to see/do and there's more than just the downtown scene, too! Hilton Head is glorious shopping & golfing and tons of traffic. That's it for HH!

As for beaches--Sullivan's and Folly are the local spots. Don't even consider IOP--very touristy! Too crowded.
Check out Magnolia Gardens and Middleton if you've never done that. Beaufort is beautiful if you want a day trip, too. Or, McClellanville (sp?) and Georgetown in the other direction.
Historic part of Summerville, only 30 min. from d'town is great, too. (where I live). If you need good eat spots or other info, email me!