humptynumpty

We have visited Savannah before and stayed in the city centre but visited some of the Low Country and loved it.

We are trying to plan a 2 week stay in the area between Charleston and Jacksonville. We would prefer to stay in one rental home with a budget of around $1500 a week and we need 2 bedrooms.

Our main motivation in travel is wildlife and so we really need a property which is on the water with its own dock. Good restaurants and shopping nearby would be an advantage.

We really do not like condos (as i think they are called) or golf courses.

Can anyone suggest the best area to stay within this area?

Have looked at St Marys in GA witha view to trips out to the barrier islands but are struggling to find house rentals. Does St Marys fit our remit?

Many thanks

Fodorite018

St Mary's does not fit what you are looking for. There isn't much there, both in terms of vacation homes as well as things to do. We used to live there and it hasn't changed much.

Hopefully some locals from nearby can help with better ideas.

bardo1

http://www.vrbo.com/349501

And a little about the nearby town:
http://www.brunswickga.org/

SAnParis2

There isn't a great place in between that won't have you drving...a lot. I would split my time between spending a week in Amelia island & another week in Charleston. That will also allow you time to easily explore St. Augustine as well as places in between like Savannah. I'd start w/vrbo.com.

TDudette

What about Beaufort SC area?

humptynumpty

mms

I am suprised about St Marys it looked perfect but on closer inspection it does look very small.

Bardo

That house is exactly what we are looking for and I will research Brunswick

SAnParis

I konw about the driving last time we flew into Washington, drove down the mountains to Ashville and dropped down to Savannah. We then drove back up through SC/NC to Washington and had a great time. This was before our son was born. To be fair on him I don't think he gives a damn whether a dolphin is in SC/GA/NC. I am very aware that 5 hours travelling a day with a 5 year old will be holiday suicide. A week in south GA then a week in north SC would make a lot of sense.

Are there any wild barrier islands near Charleston?

Somebody suggested Edisto, how developed is it?

humptynumpty

TDudette

I remember two Beauforts. We stayed in B NC for a week and it was the best time ever. We drove through B SC briefly and can't remember much about it. That day is a little hazy but I seem to remember lots of the above said condos/golf courses or was that Hilton Head?

TDudette

Hmm, I visited a gorgeous part of B SC. And yes, it is near Hilton Head and some other islands. Will google B NC as am not familiar with it. Have a great trip!

SAnParis2

There are two Beauforts & they are pronounced differently. From Amelia or St. Marys you can visit here - http://www.cumberlandisland.com/
Many of the islands around Charleston are resort/golf oriented w/Hilton Head likely being the worst of the lot (IMHO). I do like Kiawah & Seabrook & have heard good things about Daufuskie, but have never visited there. http://www.sciway.net/city/daufuskieisland.html http://thedaufuskiecompany.com/

suewoo

TDudette, I think you might mean Hunting Island. It's a state park and it's undeveloped. There's camping there and some rustic cottages.It's one of my favorite spots in SC.

Dafuskie is accesible only by boat. I haven't ever been but it's on my list.

There are 2 undeveloped islands just north of Charleston, both also accessible by boat and, since they aren't developed, there's nowhere to stay. They are Bull's Island and Capers Island. They are both beautiful and the bird watching is outstanding. There's a ferry that goes to Bull's from Cape Romaine. You don't give our dates, so remember, if you do this during summer months it will be hot, you'll need insect repellent and the gators will be awake and active, lol!

suewoo

And SAnParis 2, there's a Beaufort in SC and one in NC. You are right, they are pronounced differently.