Driving through the Carolinas in April
 

We will be spending 2 weeks the end of April driving from Savannah to Charleston to Asheville. I had hoped to see a variety of things; historical, coast, etc., so had thought we would stay in Myrtle Beach for two nights before going to Asheville. But I've read some real negatives about Myrtle Beach. Any ideas for interesting places in lieu of Myrtle Beach. We love, history, art, scenery.....we live in Nevada desert so love to be near the ocean whenever possible.

On a visit ot Georgia years ago we spent a day touring historic vacation "cottages" (mansions) of the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, etc on Jekyll Island, lovely scenery and neat history from the end of the Victorian era.

Twenty minutes south of Myrtle the beaches are much less crowded. I would suggest Pawleys Island, the oldest vacation resort in the South east ofr some of the beaches closer to Charleston. There are many interesting sites in the Georgetown and Charleston areas where the plantations and there gardens will be gorgeous in April. Revolutionary and Civil War sites abound as well as some of the most delicious seafood restaurants. You're picking a wonderful time to visit.

I liked little Beaufort SC. It has a lovely park behind the main street stores and restaurants which borders the harbor. We stopped for lunch and enjoyed the park. One man was netting shrimp. On our way south from Charleston, we chose an inland route and there wasn't much at all to see...but you get a good understanding of why the area is called the Low Country. Charleston is wonderful. I would like to go back in the spring. Make sure to take a carriage ride thru the historic district. There's a great pier which covered seating areas where you can find a swinging bench and enjoy the view. Cherokee NC was very interesting. You should read some history before you visit. It was a sad part of American history. re: Trail of Tears. Make sure to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is probably one of the most beautiful drives in the country.

p.s. If you enjoy history you may want to include a visit to USMC Parris Island which is outside Beaufort SC. It is a busy place when graduations from boot camp are held. Watch the raising of the colors in the morning. The museum is open to the public <BR>http://www.parrisisland.com/musem.htm <BR>You will probably have to reserve early to go on the tour. Family days are held on Thursdays when the families get their first chance to see their new Marines after 12 weeks of boot camp. Graduation is held Friday morning.

Kay, I go to Myrtle Beach every year. It is pretty touristy but I enjoy it. There's so much to do for everyone. Another option could be Hilton Head Island about 45 miles north of Savannah. We went there last year for a week and loved it! It is really a nice place. Have fun wherever you go!