October is perfect. You should take a look at my travelogue at www.oneeyed.homestead.com. I am planning a second trip for this May.

Hi Beth<BR><BR>Glad you had such a great time in Charleston; I'm definitely going to buy a sweetgrass basket. If I can fit it in, I'd also like to do a Gullah walking tour; the culture sounds fascinating.<BR><BR>Dan, I printed your travelogue recently; you did a great job! As much as I like giving trip reports, I don't think I could have been as detailed as you were. I reserved a room (once my deposit gets there, that is) in the Governor's House from 10/1/02- 10/8/02. That gives me 6 full days, and part of one day, to enjoy the city. I thought I might try to shorten my stay to about 5 days, but that would've meant giving some things up, and who knows when I'll be back down there again? How's Claire doing?

to Alpha Girl :<BR><BR>I have not had much luck mountain biking around Charleston, but there are a few places. We biked on the Palmetto trail near Lake Marion and also in the Francis Marion Swamp at some trail also designated for Motocross (yikes!) I beleive there is some sort of greenway for the less than hammerhead types, but I don't have much info. Try MTBR.com for finding trails. If you find anything good, I would love to hear from you after you get back. We only live 3 hrs from Chas. and I think my husband would take me more if there was some place to ride.

Message to D:<BR>As it turns out, we could not get hotel accomodations for my birthday weekend in April, so we will going to Beaufort, SC instead. I have been looking through books for MTB ideas; I'll email you with info when we get back if you want. I hear Beaufort is very pretty, not as grand as Chas, but historic and charming nevertheless (and 1 hour closer to Atlanta). Thanks for the website address for trail info.

Alpha Girl:<BR>Yes, I would love to get a report! <BR>Were you trying to go this coming weekend? (Sat the 6th?) I should have mentioned that is the Cooper River Bridge Run weekend, the whole city books up like mad for that weekend.(it is a blast, though, and if you run at all, I highly recommend it - its a 10k) Beaufort is nice, there should be plenty to do and see if this is just a two day weekend with some MTBing thrown in. However, if you are making, say, a 4 day stay, it may get boring. In that case, I would consider calling some Chas hotels for last minute cancellations. Last year I was late making res. for the Bridge Run and had to let them ream me at Charleston Place for $279. Horrid, but if you have the means you might find something there.<BR><BR>Looking forward to hearing from you.

Betsy, Claire is doing great. She is a full-time job. I can e-mail you later and give more information about Charleston. It looks like I will be making a second trip to Charleston in May for a week, this time with Claire. I plan to see the Hunley, a few more houses, see a couple more plantations, take a carriage tour, and re-visit a few spots for Claire (she will love the ships). We may visit Savannah as well, which I haven't seen since I was about 7.

Glad to hear Claire is doing so well, Dan. I have 5 brothers and sisters, so they know about full time jobs!<BR><BR>I'd love to hear from you re: Charleston, when you get a chance; thanks! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the Hunley; when you get back, you'll have to tell us about it!<BR><BR>I've heard Savannah is a lovely city; have a great time!<BR><BR>Betsy<BR><BR><BR><BR>

We're heading to Charleston next week, our 3rd visit (have family there). We take a horse-driven carriage ride each visit, it's an enjoyable ride and the driver is full of historical info. The Ghost Walk was fun, would recommnend. If you like steak, High Cotton has a great filet mignon - pricey. The Nathanial Russell House and Aiken-Rhett House are great - 1 is being refurbished, 1 is untouched - interesting to see the difference. <BR>Enjoy!

My husband and I just returned from a vacation to Charleston for the first time. We have both relocated to Nashville from other cities and after my visit, I no longer want to return to Boston, I want to move to Charleston. Charleston is added to my top favorite places list along with San Fransico, Chicago,Sienna,Cortina, and Salzburg. A list with very good company. Charlston is sophiticated and cosmopolitian - you will enjoy it!!