Ashville-Charleston-Beaufort-Savannah?
 

Our daughter and SIL are moving away to Ashville, NC in the spring. Husband and I (still working, Californians in our early 70's) will probably make at least one annual trip to visit them while we are still working as it is hard to get time away from work and we prefer international travel until then. But would also like to do some sightseeing as we have never been to the Carolinas. First trip will be early October this year. Flying into to AVL and flying home from Savannah 10 days later (with 3 days visiting in Ashville) is this a reasonable itinerary? Drive Asheville to Charleston, SC for 2 or 3 nights, then Beaufort, SC for 2 nights (maybe driving through Hilton Head but not staying), then Savannah, GA for 2 nights. I know that is not alot of time, but we both work and have international travel already booked for this spring. On a future trip, we figure we will visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (No grandkids yet). We are more interested in history than resorts (don't golf) which is why I'm giving short shrift to Hilton Head.

LeslieC—

I have been to and appreciated all 4 you mention and think your trip idea sounds like a great way to spend 10 days! From the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the historic charm and cuisine of the coastal cities, I suspect you will enjoy!

Best wishes

Daniel

Were it me, I'd take one night away from Beaufort and add one to Charleston or Savannah. Or to reduce the amount of hotel changes, I'd spend a day in Beaufort when moving from Charleston to Savannah and add a night to both Charleston and Savannah. Beaufort is less than an hour drive from Savannah, so if you spend the day there and feel like you need more, it's a quick trip back.

And I wouldn't bother driving into Hilton Head. If you just want to see the beach/ocean, there are good options in Charleston and Savannah.

Three nights in Charleston would be better. I'd skip Hilton Head--it's all built up. Beautfort has lovely antebellum houses and trees dripping with Spanish moss and a fairly lively downtown. Eat fresh seafood. Twenty minutes away is 5,000-acre semi-tropical Hunting Island State Park which features miles of white sand beaches which remain pristine and uncrowded and miles of hiking trails.

You have good suggestions above. We really enjoyed our time visiting all of your destinations a few years ago and spent about as much time as you have allotted. I, too, would shorten your time in Beaufort to be able to add more time to Charleston (my preference) or Savannah. Have a great trip!

Everyone has said what I would also suggest including not bothering with Hilton Head. There are many prettier more interesting beaches to see. It will be a pretty time of the year also. You will enjoy exploring the east coast when you come!!

More time in Charleston. There is the city to be seen, and there are the neighboring plantations

https://flic.kr/p/9w43tK https://flic.kr/p/9w4aJr https://flic.kr/p/9w4dQX

Agree with all who've said, given your interests, don't bother with Hilton Head.

Since you're going to be returning to the area I'd also suggest leaving Beaufort out this time and splitting your visit evenly between Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah. Not b/c Beaufort is unworthy of a visit but b/c that is a lot of Lowcountry history and culture to absorb in a week. (I know some don't consider Savannah low country but I think that is semantics)

Thanks, everyone for your very helpful replies!

What obxgirl wrote.

Here is my TR for possible ideas for Asheville:

https://www.fodors.com/community/uni...le-nc-1665708/

As written above, you'll be returning for future visits!