August in Charleston?
 

I'm from New Jersey, which gets pretty hot and humid in the summer.
I'd be interested to know how Charleston compares, as I'm considering a trip in August.

Also recommendations for a good hotel(outdoor pool a must) are appreciated. Currently thinking about the Embassy Suites, as we will have a 9 yr old and a 19 yr old with us.

Would 3 days be enough for Charleston touring, since we'd like to combine our trip with a visit to Litchfield Plantation on Pawley's island.

ANY feedback is greatly appreciated.

We're also considering Montana...all depends on high high airfares go!

I am also from NJ and Charleston/Savannah area in August is many times worse. Think sauna. I went for a walk in Savannah mid-afternoon at that time of year and when I returned to the hotel the staff inquired if it was raining out - I was that soaked with sweat.

ljv, think "sub-tropical" humidity and about 5 degrees hotter than Jersey that time of year. We're talking sauna here! :) I believe I'd go to Montana in August!

It's not impossible--and I'm from CA with practically NO humidity. Plan your excursions well, stay at a place with a pool. Here's how we've done it (three years in a row): Gullah Tour (a/c small bus, excellent tour, see all of downtown sites); Aquarium and IMAX fill a late morning to afternoon; drinks at the Pavilion Terrace (one of the few places that can catch any breeze that's out there); boat out to Ft. Sumter (there are a couple of "dinner cruises" including a sailboat but we've never done it); playing in the fountain at Waterfront Park; NAPS!!! Followed by strolling. Drink lots of water!

Tell me what you think is "litchfield Plantation on Pawley's Island". It is a real place, but it is not a plantation tour, like there is in Charleston. It was the original plantation, and is in Pawley's Island--on the mainland. Then Pawley's Island is also a beach with a wonderful historic district since this is where the rice planters came from Charleston to escape the malarial mosquitoes.
Pawley's Island also has the Litchfield Golf and Beach Resort which is a large beach development--also at Pawley's Island.
If you wanted to come to Litchfield for the beach there is Brookgreen Gardens there--beautiful gardens, and also a zoo for the youngster.

I would add that Litchfield Plantation is still there--the original beautiful plantation house and grounds. But it is a B&B (I guess you would call it). You can stay in the plantation house. They also have a beach club house on Pawley's for guests' beach use.

The heat index with be between 95 and 110. The humidity will be above 85% and the air quality will be a lot less putrid than N.J. In Charleston, you won't have the ozone alerts that you get in NJ and around NYC.
The Boardwalk Inn on Isle of Palm has a nice pool and its on the beach. Its 20 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Check out the website and tripadvisor for pics and reviews.
Will

ljv, coming back to say ... if the heat & humidity in NJ really bothers you in Summer, then I would not do Charleston then because it will be almost certainly be worse. BUT if you are not that bothered, then by all means, give Charleston a try. Sensitivity to heat is a very individual thing (bothers me, not my DH.)