spldrtn

Want to take my 80-year old mother on a special spring-time birthday trip. Thinking of either California coast - SF to Carmel to Santa Barbara, etc, or Savannah north to Asheville. (We live in California but I think my mother would love the southern trip, on which she has never been.) Mom's a fantastic traveler and loves to walk. Think she'd love the dogwoods and redbuds in the spring - any suggestions? Thanks in advace.

stumpworks73

Both are excellent journeys and offer great walking and sight seeing. You can't go wrong with either choice.

Timing for the dogwoods and azaleas in the SE is typically early to mid-April. You could still have some cool weather in Ashville at that time.

ksucat

spring time would mean April/May?
I love the SB-Carmel run but think it is better served in September while the weather is warm and the threat of marine layer is nill.
Savannah would be a lovely trip and since you both live in CA, I think a good Southern trip is in order.

Giovanna

Either would be a great trip. I live in the SF Bay Area and Carmel and Santa Barbara are favorites, but on a trip 3-4 years ago to Savannah and St. Augustine it was love at first sight. I have a file on Savannah I put together when planning our trip. If it might help you decide, e-mail me and I'll be glad to send it to you. [email protected]

We spent a week in Charleston, SC last September and it was a very special first visit there.

RVtraveler

What great alternatives!! I agree with stumpworks73 comments re Asheville being a bit cool in April. Coastal SC and NC are marvelous in late March early April -- dogwoods and azaelas are usually in full bloom. (Each year it varies a bit.)

You might consider travel from Savannah/Charleston along the coast to Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, NC and maybe see the marvelous spring gardens at Williamsburg, VA, which are usually prime in mid April. Keep in mind that at this season you can expect something you don't experience much in California -- we call it rain!!

clarkgriswold

Take the long trip across the country while she still can handle it (can she?)....as she gets older and still enjoys travel, she'll appreciate staying closer to home.

BarryK

If you go east, consider Charleston over Asheville.

BetsyinKY

Hmmm...I would consider Charleston over Savannah and leave Asheville in the picture. It might be somewhat cool in Asheville, but it's not going to be frigid, unless you're there in early April and they have a late spring snow. The average highs at that time of year are in the upper 50's/low 60's. The redbuds are usually in bloom by the end of March. I like the idea of Asheville along with a coastal city, so that you get the contrast of the mountains with the coast. Personally, I like Charleston better than Savannah. In my opinion, there is more to see and do and better restaurants, plus it's closer to Asheville. However, with either city, I think this would be fun trip to do with your mom!

starrs

Oh, I love both choices! If she's up to the travel, I'd take her east if she's not been there before.

March 25-28 is a great time to go to Savannah - for the Home and Garden tour.

suewoo

I agree. If you've never been to the lowcountry you really should come east -for the food if nothing else! The azaleas will be in bloom mid-March down here on the coast, later up in Asheville. I'd do both the coast and the mountains. Charleston and Asheville are not that far apart and it's two completely different experiences.

CarolinaMornings

I agree with Betsyinky about the weather in Asheville. Also your mother may enjoy seeing the Biltmore Estate and walk around the gardens and enjoy the Festival of Flowers which takes place in April. Consider staying in a vacation rental where you all will have far more room, bathrooms and space in general.

aimeep

you didn't say how much time you have for your trip. I think the lowcountry trip would be great if you've never been. I personally like Charleston better than Savannah (altho both are great). Charleston has its Festival of Houses & Gardens from March 18 - April 17 this year: historiccharleston.org
The city's historic district is very walkable, there's an incredible number of fabulous restaurants, 5 or 6 historic houses in town to tour, plus plantations just outside the city. If you had enough time you could consider doing both Savannah and Charleston and then go north to Ashville. We like Ashville a lot too, but I guess if I had to omit one of the three cities, I would drop Ashville. But all three would make a great trip if you have the time!