Charleston & Savannah next Spring (2010) - But When
 

I'm looking at planning a trip from Ft Lauderdale to Charleston (about 3 days) & Savannah (about 2 days) for next spring but not sure when.

We'll either fly from FLL to one and back from the other or drive stopping for a day in St Augustine in one direction and somewhere else in the other.

I'm trying to go before it gets too hot/muggy but the main priority is probably when there's least chance of rain.

I guess some holidays should also be avoided. Correct?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

If you're into this sort of thing, the annual Spoleto
Festival is at the end of May and first part of June in Charlseton. A really terrific series of events. I attend every year. You can probably google Spoleto and get something.

I would not worry about rain in Charleston. It's on the coast and rain showers spring up all the time. There usually brief and then the sun comes out. I've actually seen it rain on one side of the street and nothing on the other.

To avoid crowds and busy times, you will not want to visit in February during the Wildlife Expo (usually the second weekend). You'll also want to avoid the weeks around Easter. Accommodation rates do increase.

Unless, you have your heart set on the St. Paddy's Day parade in Savannah, I'd avoid that week in March.

Hope that helps.

I can't speak for the local weather that time of year, but if you're at all interested in home and garden tours, a good time to go would be during one of these tour events, organized by the Historic Charleston Foundation. Here's a website that gives the schedule for the Spring events, held this year from March 18-April 17.

http://www.historiccharleston.org/ne.../festival.html

A few years ago I timed my trip to Charleston so I could do one of the Fall home tours, and I enjoyed it. It was so interesting to see how people live in and decorate these historic homes, after visiting many of the museum homes. And of course, one of the things Charleston is famous for is its gardens.

I just looked this up for Savannah, too, and its annual Tour of Homes and Gardens event is March 25-March 28.

http://www.savannahtourofhomes.org/

Have fun planning your trip!

If you are really sure you are going to make this trip, you may want to snag an airline ticket ASAP on the new American service between Charleston and Miami. Begins next month I think and the introductory prices are great -- less than $100 each way for non-stop flight.

Check with AA. All other flights must go through Atlanta or Charlotte.

I would go in the spring--late March early April. Flowers will be in bloom and it will be pleasant temperatures.