jan

February is the only time off I can take a vacation. Would that be an ok time to visit Charleston and Savannah? And would a week be enough to see both cities?

me

I live in Hilton Head which is between the two cities. Savannah you could do in a day or two, Charleston could keep you busy up to 3. Charleston is beatiful and pretty nice and getting modern since Hurricane Hugo. You can always see the sites and then golf or relax. Great restaurant there too...The new Cypress is really cool and the Charleston Grill is to die for! Savannah is pretty along the riverfront and some of the older homes but alot of it is run down and Charleston is much more restored. Feb will probably still be chilly but unless your from Florida it will be better than where you are coming from. It has been colder the past 2 winters but I have seen many dayd to reach the mid 70's that time of year. Maybe you should try Hilton Head...gorgeous (and Charleston).

jan

Thanks for responding. Actually, I'm from Arizona so it may be colder in your area than where I'm from. But I don't necessarily consider that to be a minus as long as there's no snow. What about Beaufort SC as an additional part of the trip? Thanks, jan

Kate

Last yr we flew into Savannah and stayed 3 or 4 nights then drove to Charleston for 3. It's not a bad drive. We stopped in Beaufort for lunch and a quick tour (wish we spent more time there). In Savannah, we stayed at a B&B and the guy there recommended we visit Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski outside of town. My husband is a history buff and really enjoyed the Forts. In Charleston, he took a Civil War walking tour and is still talking about that! I'm glad we visited both Sav. & Charl. They are different but there is plenty to see in both cities. I recommend the visitor's center in both cities for a good orientation and the Charleston museum across the street from the visitor's center is fascinating.
As for the weather, we were traveling in April. The week started out quite nice but the last couple of days in Charleston turned windy and drizzly - I had to buy a light weight parka.

me

I am not crazy about Beaufort, but older people are. If you like antiques and a real small town atmosphere...go. There really isn't much to see there. Charleston ...now that is the place.

Carol

Since I live in the Charleston area (Isle of Palms) I would highly recommend at least 3 days in the area. However, Savannah and Hilton Head area DEFINITELY worth stopovers. Both are fantastic places to visit.

Out of all 3, however, Charleston has the most historic and outstanding places to visit.

Check out:

http://www.charleston.net

Click on Tips for Tourists for a printout of all the plantations, sites, carriage rides, etc. Also, you can check out the Preview section of the Post & Courier for all of the activities going on the week that you'll be here.

Enjoy...

rav

Just wrote a long reply - hit something wrong...and lost it. But the short answer is...no one can tell you which city is 'better'. They are both southern, lovely and distinctive...and you won't know which wone you prefer until you have visted voty. They are both jewels, in different ways. Give yourself at least two nites in Savannah..and three nites in Charleston, and prepare to WALK a lot. Our preference was Charleston, tho we very much liked Savannah, as well. Do try to see Fort Pulaski - it's moving. And Tybee Island (20=25 minute drive) is a nice change of pace. Enjoy!

L

I assume you're doing research on past Fodors postings ... if you do, you'll find a mother lode of information, especially suggestions by Olive Oyl who used to reside in Sav. and knows this terrific small town quite well. So, do scan back 6-12 months or so, and you'll have enough for a lifetime of trips to S & C. Ciao

Tannya

My Mother and I went to Savannah last February. We were there around the 15th. The weather was great to me. I live in Naples, Florida and love to get away from the heat. We arrived on Thursday mid day and stayed until Sunday. I felt like it was enough time to see the sights of the city and we also went to Tybee Island and also the cemetery that is mentioned in "The Book". Savannah was wonderful and our Inn was perfect. The Foley House. We had some of the most fabulous food there. Sapphire Grill, The Pink House, Elizabeth's on 37th. We toured some beautiful old homes.
Anyway, weather wise it was in the 50's so warm up suits and tennis shoes were perfect. A jacket at night if you are out much.
Have a wonderful visit.
Tannya

Arabella

Two Meeting Street is a darling B&B in Charleston. It always gets raves.

Wayne Livermore

I think that the Beaufort Inn is a great place to spend a night. The food there is terrific. The chefs were just featured at the James Beard house in NYC 2nd Week of Aug. Also Parris Island is nearby if seeing some Marines would appeal to you. they have a free tour.

et

consider flying into Savannah and flying out of Charleston or vice versa and if it isn't too expensive...that way you can spend a day or two in Savannah, mosey up the coast stay in HH, visit Beaufort...then 1/12 hours more you are in Charleston...if you are a city person...HH is bucolic..

Sandra Fiorentino

We have been to both Charleston and Savannah and the previous writer was correct, they are both worth visting and slightly different. My husband and I just returned from Savannah and had a wonderful time. We stayed at the President's Quarters which I highly recommend. Had the most wonderful food of any place (other than maybe New Orleans). Be sure to eat at Mrs. Wilkes, Lady & Sons, Pink House and the Crab House on Tybee Island. We thought Elizabeths on 37th was overpriced and not up to expecations. We spent 4 days and were busy every minute. Even though it seemed larger than Charleton, we walked everywhere (or you can take the free bus CAT). Tybee Island, Bonaventure Cemetery, Fort Jackson and Wormsloe were enjoyable too.

Julie

Just returned from Savannah vacation. Were disappointed somewhat in Savannah compared to visit in years past. Like some other cities, historic and regional shops that have been there for many years have been replaced by high-dollar "boutiques" who have the money for the high rents. Past renters who'd we'd have preferred selling are gone and with them, the appeal. The City Market is an example; we were very disappointed in it. If you are 25 years old, you'd like it. but it has no interest appeal to older people. We did eat at Lady's and Sons, located one block south of City Market on Congress Street and the food was wonderful, better than described in Fodor's! If you are looking for authentic southern cooking, you cannot beat this place! Also, if the cgance comes and you are able to get down to St. Simons's Island (about 70 miles south of Savannah, please do not miss BARBARA JEAN'S RESTAURANT!!!

Ginger

The weather that time of year could be anything along the southern east coast. I would like to agree with 'me' about Beaufort. However, we did have a fabulous meal at the Beaufort Inn - chef was French. You must have reservations! If you are a B&B person, I'd suggest the Two Meeting Street Inn in Charleston - beautiful. There is a new resort in Savannah - the Savannah Harbor. Best view of the city, and they have a boat that carries you across the river to River Street that runs until close to midnight. The Crab Shack has great steamed seafood. It is located in the middle of nothing off the road to Tybee. One might think it a dump at first sight. Elizabeth's on 37th is an elegant place to enjoy southern food with a twist.