For Charleston, March, April or May. Which month to visit?
 

I am in the beginning to put together a trip to Charleston and Savannah. It will be our first time there.

Which is the most temperate time to be Charleston? Also, when are the flowers at their best?

I know, every first-timer asks this question.

Also, any recommendation for a centrally located b & b with king beds would be great. I'd consider a hotel, but I assume that one is assured the famous Southern hospitality at a b & b. If anyone here had a warm experience at a hotel, I am interested in those. I am trying to budget the hotel to under $200/nt.

My initial itinerary is:
Fly to Jacksonville and Spend one night in Jekyll Island.
Day 2: Tour Jekyll Island and depart for Charleston
Day 3: Charleston
Day 4: Charleston
Day 5: Depart for Savannah with a visit to Beaufort along the way.
Day 6: Savannah
Day 7: Savannah
Day 8: Depart home

I might consider spending more time in Beaufort and Jekyll Island depending on the places we decide to visit.

Weather is a crapshoot. The azaleas will bloom anywhere from February to April. It depends on how early the warm weather comes.

Your budget depends upon what week you hit Charleston and Savannah. You've pretty much picked peak season and Charleston hotel rooms are very expensive compared to the national average.

Both towns have a plethora of B&Bs that epitomize the 'southern experience' so we can probably help you a little more if you ask about specific hotels.

Beaufort can be seen in a couple of hours tops. I wouldn't take any time away from Charleston and Savannah for Beaufort.

Forgot to add, the weather can be anywhere from 55 to 85 from February through April. You will not know until right before you leave.

The ocean water, which will be cool, is what moderates the air temps that time of year.

You'll definitely want to skip Charleston the first weekend in April and in May from about the second weekend on. The Cooper River Bridge run is the first weekend in April and college graduations and Spoleto drive up hotel prices in May.

One more day in Charleston, and one less in Savannah.

Usually the last two weeks of March (after the St Patricks Day festivities, March 17)) and the first two weeks in April are the best for the flowers in Savannah. Charleston is just a tiny bit later than Savannah. It's hard to judge exactly.

If you are interested in music, The annual Music Festival will be going on in Savannah started March 15.

http://www.savannahmusicfestival.org/schedule.php

Also, the azaleas will be spectalucar at Middleton Place in Charleston, around the first of April. See http://www.middletonplace.org/

I was thinking of staying at Middleton Place. How far is it from downtown Charleston?

Also, considering King George iv or Elliott House.

Any suggestions?

Where would you stay at Middleton? It is a good little drive--not what I would call a place to stay in Charleston. The beauty of Charleston is that it is a walking city like European cities.