Joan

We are driving down to Universal Studios and Disneyworld in October and will stay in Florence overnight. There are several hotel chains. Has anyone stayed there?
We would appreciate any experiences fellow travellers may have had there.

Brian in Atlanta

I'm afraid I can't help you directly with your question, but there is an amazing place to see just north of Florence on I-95 just south of the NC border. You may have see the billboards (which reportedly start in Maine) advertising Pedro's South of the Border. It started off years ago as a place for people to stop on their way to Florida and has gotten completely out of control. Everything is Mexican-flavored cheese. There are numerous hotels, lots of shops, maybe even some sort of amusement park and a giant sombrero in the sky that you can dine in. It's southern commercial excess at it's best. I think there's even a radio station you can turn to to get info (ads) when you get close.

Look for those billboards. Some are quite funny.

Diane

I assume you're coming down 95 -- we've done it many many times. We usually stop at Santee, SC -- there are a lot of inexpensive places to stay. The Cotton Planters' Inn (I think) was pretty nice. To be honest, they all seem the same (and the exits pretty much all have the same choices!). There seem to be a number of places for golfers' packages, bass fishermen, etc. Just got back from Orlando, myself (flew this time, for a convention). We had several functions at the parks -- the GM Test Track at Epcot was a highlight, and Universal's Islands of Adventure was incredible. (Don't miss the Spiderman 3D ride. And the Incredible Hulk coaster was amazing. If you've ever read Dr Seuss to your kids, Seuss' Landing will make you smile-a-mile.) Universal's Citywalk seemed to have a lot going on at night for grownups. We bounced around Pat O'Brians (looked just like New Orleans and the hurricanes were lethal), Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (nice laid back band). We only caught the end of the last show at the Motown club, but the group looked wonderful and sounded great, too. I was with a group of folks from age 25-50. Since several of us have husbands who DON'T DANCE we made the most out of our chance to enjoy ourselves. The Bob Marley reggae club was tops. The live bands at all these places were first-rate. (And we were there on week nights!)

cass

Santee is sort of a "find" for I-95 travellers -- lots of motels, mostly chains, but all fairly nicely set up and a couple of very pleasant restaurants. I'd recommend it -- not exciting or sophisticated but reliably nice.

South of the Border is kitsch/honky-tonk/tacky/gew-gaw/gimcrack center of the earth. If you come in at night in the fog, you'll see the glow for miles but won't be able to see the off-ramp or drive-ways because you'll be blinded by the lights.

It's skin-crawlingly cheesy and chintzy -- perfect if what you want most in life is 1. a bunch of weapons; 2. lots of fireworks (DON'T SMOKE THERE); 3. a trunkful of sex-toys; 4. plastic jewelry; and 5. paintings on velour.

Joan

Thanks for the help. South of the Border sounds like a hoot!

Anne

I don't know what your interests are, but if dancing and outlet shopping aren't your 'thing' you might consider coming about 40 more minutes south of Santee to Walterboro. Doesn't look like much, but has lots of chain motels, Cracker Barrel,and other local eateries. Practically all of the main street (called Washington St.) is antique shops. Also close by is the South Carolina Artisans Center.

Diane

Wow! How could I have forgotten to mention Cracker Barrel! I think we stayed in Walterboro at least once or twice. That Santee-Walterboro stretch of 95 seems to be convenient for people driving down from DC/Philadelphia/NY. I know I'm ready to stop by then.

Carol

Hi Joan,

Wow, you brought back some really bad memories for me! We lived in Florence in the early 70's and I would highly recommend you just pass thru and head down to Santee OR Walterboro (I'd pick Walterboro).

South of the Border is definitely ticky-tacky. Florence is just pretty bland.

Too bad that Charleston is so far off the beaten path--cause you'd love a night here!

Enjoy your trip....