Hi, My husband and I are trying to plan a vacation for late April/early May to either SC or NC -never been to either. Just to Savannah for a couple days. Trading a timeshare for one in either Edisto Island, SC or maybe Outer Banks area of NC. A quiet time to spend on beaches, exploring quaint/historic places, shelling, fishing/swimming (will it be too cold still?). Would like to see Charleston if near that area, but not interested in spending too much time in a city. Probably take a couple longer day trips, but don't want to do excessive driving. So have choices in Edisto Island or the Outer banks. Which would be better that time of year and for what we're looking for?

OBX will likely still be a bit cold & breezy. The farther South, most likely the better if you intend on getting in thw water any. I have no knowledge of Edisto itself, but would choose that if only for teh likely better weather possibilities. Check here for typical water temps - http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/satl.html

Edisto is quiet, almost rural. It's about an hour from downtown Charleston; an hour and a half from Beaufort; two hours from Savannah. Many opportunities for day trips.

The beach is nice but has had some erosion in recent years. Ask the resort about the condition of the beach.

Several good restaurants but not more than three or four in the area. The water will be much warmer than the Outer Banks in May. Also generally calmer and better swimming.

In summary, Edito is much quieter than the OBX; fewer activities but better beach and swimming.

Depending on where you are coming from OBX is "out there"..A long way.

we're coming from Minnesota, so I thought it would be much warmer down there at that time. Maybe we'll go to Edisto then, at least we'll be between Savannah and Charleston and which should be nice. I always think of the book Prince of Tides (which I think is based on outer banks of NC?) and think it would be nice to see that area. Just looking for something laid back and relaxing.... Maybe get ideas for a retirement location!

Edisto is Pat Conroy turf.

Edisto IS Pat Conroy. Go to Edisto. Not because of PC. It is just easier/prett9er/different.

Edisto is one of the last unspoiled beaches on the Atlantic coast. No boardwalk, no hotels, no boomboxes, no one on the beach most of the time. The island's campground has massive palmettos that grow almost to water's edge. Erosion has taken its toll, sadly. Plenty of fishing, even crabbing if you want.

Not really Pat Conroy, who focused on the Beaufort area, but close in spirit.

A couple of places to eat -- I like Sunset Grill for lunch, fried oyster salad is marvelous. Go on an island guided tour by minivan -- a nice introduction to Edisto.

Unfortunately, the best shrimp place is now closed, but I'm sure there's shrimp off the boat along the docks.

A kayak trip through the rice fields is another great adventure. You'll have to go off island for that (but no too far). A day trip to Charleston wouldn't be amiss. And maybe one to Beaufort.

I don't know where OBXGIRL is on this post, but she should be here.

I've been to Edisto, and you should think of it as quiet and laid back. However, the Outer Banks is also quiet and laid back that time of year.

I'm partial, since I grew up on OBX, so I vote for OBX.

Coming from MN, I'd say either will seem warm to you and NC and SC are close enough that there won't be a huge difference in the temps.

Either way, have fun!

We went to the outer banks in mid-May 2 years ago and stayed in Corolla. We had been several times before but always in September. We were surprised how many of the restaurants aren't open before Memorial Day. The weather was fine for us, though, and our friends did a little beach time. If you want to do day trips, I would think SC is a better bet - both Savannah and Charleston are great cities for history.

OBX is a terrific place but coming from MN it will add HOURS to the trip.

You might consider Fripp Island. You can visit Beaufort, very quaint nice town on the way. Fripp is Pat Conroy territory! It's quiet and beautiful.

Either one would be a good choice.

Which timeshare in the OBX are you considering?

As already mentioned, compared to MN both places will probably feel warmer. Daytime air temps in the OBX will range from the 60s to the 80s.

Quaint/historic places: OBX has lots of good local history. Roanoke Island, Hatteras Island, Wright Brothers, and lighthouses come to mind. Good meandering in natural surroundings: nature preserves, bird sancturaries, national seashores.

Fishing/swimming: Water temps are pretty chilly. I wouldn't swim. Other family members have been known to go for it. It's a good time of year to surf cast because the beaches aren't at all crowded. There are a couple of charter companies running that time of year (it's still preseason).

Shelling: Completely dependent on what the ocean serves up. Sometimes it's a treasure trove, other times there is very little.

The OBX probably has a larger and greater variety of restaurants.

If Charleston has allure (and I think it's a great place), then I'd give the edge to Edisto Island. I disagree that the OBX will take you HOURS out of your way. Flying or driving time to either place is relatively equidistant.

Good luck in your choice and happy travelling!

I love the Outer Banks, but that time of year you are likely to have nicer weather if you choose a lower South Carolina island. Hilton Head, while not as rustic as Edisto, has a wonderful "tropical microclimate", and we've been swimming there in outdoor heated pools in February. If you want to stay close to Charleston, Edisto and Fripp are both close enough for a visit, but Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are both right outside Charleston. Wild Dunes is a resort, and I'm not sure if they have any timeshares you could trade for, but it would be worth a look.
Coming all the way from Minnestota, I think you should consider a beach/mountains combo, and try and also take in a side trip to Asheville and Biltmore House. I think you'd get the best of both worlds that way!
Enjoy your trip wherever you end up-
Laura

Thanks for the responses. I did end up booking the timeshare in Edisto. I think OBX is going to have to wait for the next trip.

I'm really looking forward to this trip I'm sure we won't be disappointed!

Actually Beaufort IS Pat Conroy...

As a resident of Charleston and a frequent visitor to OBX and Edisto, I say there is no contest here. I don't think you can even compare the two. Edisto is very tiny, with very little to do, unless you travel elsewhere. OBX has way more variety to choose from, so much more to do. That's my vote anyway. OBX. No contest.