DH and I came are back from Charleston. We had a great time. The weather was perfect-60's-70's during the day, low humidity, gentle breezes. Dropped to the the low forties at night which was rather chilly, but no problem. Saw some wonderful sights, ate in really good restaurants: Old Village Post House, Poogan's Porch, Magnolia's and SNOB. The Elliot House Inn was great. Excellent location, helpful staff, nice amenities (we loved bicycling around Charleston). Many of the choices I made were based on the excellent information I got here on Fodor's. It was just a great weekend!

I guess we were there at the same time annie. I was staying at a house on IOP but came into town to shop and dine. What did you have at Poogan's Porch? Where did you bike? I was riding out on IOP but Charleston streets didn't look too bike friendly. At which hotel did you stay?
I was there for a five o'clock wedding on Sat at a Middleton Place on the Ashley River. Lovely place, but it was very chilly! I checked out the Middleton Inn and the rooms are quite nice. Very large, great bathrooms and a fireplace in the two rooms I saw.
Gorgeous city, isn't it?

We definitely were there at the same time. We were at Middleton Place on Saturday afternoon, and were watching them set up for the wedding you attended!
I had the tornedos at Poogan's-delicious! My husband had fried chicken stuffed with some tasty stuff. Nice dish, but not as good as the filets. We biked all over Charleston on Monday. Up and down Meeting St, King St. We went to the visitor's center, College of Charleston, the Battery. We did many of the so called walking tours by bike. Not so necessary, but as we were riding anyway, we just did the tours that way.
We stayed at the Elliot House Inn, and were very pleased with it.
Charleston is a wonderful city!
Hope the wedding was wonderful, despite the chill.
Annie

The wedding was gorgeous. The groom was my godchild, his bride is wonderful and perfect for him. It was a great day.
thanks for your report.

Charleston is one of my absolute favorite places!!! I'm feeling the need for a long weekend there.

I've biked around the historic area many, many times. It's much better than trying to drive and park around there. There is alot of traffic, particularly on the main streets. But, I've never had a problem. The last time I was there and has a bike I pretty much stuck to the side streets though. I know the downtown area pretty well so it's not a problem for me. And the traffic is not as bad.

Also love IOP!!! This spring I stayed on Kiawah Island for the first time. It is beautiful. A little further from the historic area than IOP. Not unreasonable though.

Sooosaly, we rented a condo on Kiawah in September - our first visit to the area. How did it compare to IOP? We would like to return and perhaps visit another island.

Annie: so glad you enjoyed Charleston and the Elliott House. Poogan's is one of my favorite restaurants...I actually have lunch there at least 2 times a week...can't get enough of their fried chicken salad!

Next time you come to Charleston, you should bike across the new Ravenel Bridge...if it's a clear day the view is spectacular!

Middleton is one of the most popular places for weddings in town...the bridge is one of the most photographed bridges in the country...it is absolutely beautiful in the spring when all the flowers are in bloom.

Again, so glad you enjoyed my hometown and we hope to see you back real soon!

Maggi, I stayed at 6 31st Ave. on IOP. Rental agent is Resort Quest. It is a huge property (all of the groom's family stayed out there) in top condition. Hard to improve on the location, I could walk or ride anywhere. Great ocean views and even some views of the new bridge from the back side!

Maggi, Kiawah & IOP are totally different. I like them both though. IOP is like an old beach town. There aren't alot of condos on the island. Mostly beach homes. Alot of small, 1950's beach homes, although alot of them are being torn down and huge homes being built in their place. There is limited access development at the end of the island. It's maybe 20 years old??? There are condo's in there. In addition to homes. The name of it has slipped my mind. Right next to IOP is Sullivan's Island. Another old beach town area. I don't really know of any condos on that island, but I might be wrong.

Maggi: Island Realty (www.islandrealty.com) is a good rental company for IOP and Sullivan's.

Sooosally is spot on with KI and IOP being very different. IOP is definitely more of a local's hang out and beachy. I have very fond memories of skipping school and going over to IOP...before the IOP Connector was built, it was pretty much a day's outting to get over there, hang out for a little while and then trek back home.

Definitely give that side of Charleston a try on your next visit. With the new Ravenel Bridge, you can be in Charleston in 20 minutes (a big difference from the 45-60 drive from KI).

Appreciate all of your responses! Actually the one thing I didn't care for so much on Kiawah was the overabundance of condos. I'll look into the islands you all mentioned. Thanks alot.

Bicycling was pretty easy, we were never overwhelmed by the traffic. We obeyed all rules, as we would if we were driving.
Travel-girl: Poogan's Porch is just a couple of doors over from Elliot House, so it was really convenient. I can see why you like eating there.
We actually drove over the Ravenel Bridge to go to Mt. Pleasant and Patriot's Point. It is a great looking bridge, very unique!
cmcfong: While we were still on the grounds of Middleton, we saw many guests arriving. Perhaps, we say you
Glad the wedding turned out so well.
We loved Charleston!

What fun to think of us passing so close.

Did you get a chance to see the bride and her attendants arriving in the horsedrawn carriage? Stunning sight... the girls were freezing, but stunning. She was a beautiful bride.

cmcfong:
It is fun to think that we were so near each other! I did not see the bride and her attendants. I would have loved to see that! All I saw was some of the guests being driven in golfcarts, and others walking. What a beautiful place to have a wedding. It was getting pretty chilly, though.