Gretchen

The beaches in SC are rarely "isolated". But as Sue says when they are uncrowded, they are heavenly. March is almost beginning to be prime beach time again.

palmettoprincess

The good news is the hotels that you have looked at have good cancelation policies. You can book one and then keep looking for better.

chs29445

The Home and Garden show does indeed start on the 17th.
The Doubletree is in the historic area. Right on Market St. They have valet parking(possibly self-park also) If you are planning to stay in the historic district you will not need the car.
The Embassy Suites is slightly further but right by the Visitors Center and as stated above there is a trolley to all sites.
The Marriott is outside the historic area Downtown on the river but has plenty of easy parking.
You will need to drive about 5-10 minutes but a little direction from the front desk and you should be ok if you chose this.
Have fun.

beba

I had not thought about booking and then keep looking, so that is an option too. Thanks palmettoprincess.

suewoo, which beach would swimming be acceptable at? (just in case the weather is fantastic, and don't forget that what you find cold I might find comfortable) Our water temps on our beaches, in the summertime are in the 60's so would your water be colder than that?

suewoo

All are great for swimming. The average temp for March is 57. I will not be in the water, lol.

Shar

Book now and keep looking is my policy. Often they have just a few rooms left and if there is no $ for canceling within their period of time, it makes sense to me....Besides when if you should cancel, you will make someone else happy.....

beba

Afraid that 57 is way too low a temp for me too ,lol. But perfectly fine for a stroll to admire the view.
Thanks to everyone for all their help..it has been very useful and I know I will thoroughly love my time in this charming city. I can hardly wait.

suewoo

Let me know if you have questions when you get here.

Gretchen

I'm not sure if you have ever seen the beaches here, but if not, you are in for a treat.

Gretchen

I'm not sure if you have ever seen the beaches here, but if not, you are in for a treat.

beba

Never seen the beaches Gretchen so definitely looking to see something quite lovely. I did look on line for some webcams of Isle of Palms and another beach (can't remember the name) and the waves were great for surfing ,they say , but that is not what I am looking for. I absolutely love beaches so to see something in that part of the country is something I look forward to. We do have some nice beaches where I live, but each beach is unique and has their own personality and I aim to find out what makes your beaches 'tick'.

And thanks suewoo for the offer of advice. I just may take you up on that. I am very eager to start this vacation! Not to mention leaving all this snow! lol

Gretchen

I would not call the SC beaches, surfers' beaches. Wide, shallow, nice for kids to play in the pools. Tiny waves. Wrightsville is the surfer's place.

Gretchen

you might read some Pat Conroy-like Beach Music- on the plane.

starrs

The soundtrack is nice for the car.

starrs

I just re-read Gretchen's post and realize my brain filled in with something that wasn't there.

The soundtrack of The Prince of Tides makes great driving music.

http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Tides-B...9037100&sr=1-2

suewoo

Indeed! OR as an alternative........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nry51NWQknM

Orlando_Vic

Here is a lodging recommendation: the Residence Inn Charleston Downtown/Riverview http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...own-riverview/

This is what makes it a good deal: free parking, free wi-fi, free hot breakfast, free evening shuttle to the historic district, plenty of room (full kitchen, living room, and separate BR) and a (free) light meal + adult beverages on weekdays. You are located about 15-20 minutes from the historic district.

I see availability for your dates and a room rate of $219/night . If you are an AAA member, you can get it for $186/night. Even if you are not an AAA member, join now and the 2-day savings will probably be enough to pay for your first year's AAA membership!

This qualifies as a real find, IMO.

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

chs29445

fyi beba- the Residence Inn that Vic is promoting is a fine property but across the river from Downtown- about a mile further than the Marriott you mentioned.

beba

I finally found a place for a reasonable price and it is downtown, which is where I really wanted to be. I chose the Doubletree on Church St I believe. Parking is not included and is about 20.00 a day so since I will be right down town I will only use the rental car for one day to see the beaches and some other sites before turning it in and then hoofing it around the historic district. I am happy with those results,and really want to thank everyone for their kind and helpful comments. I did consider everything mentioned, and very happy to get comments on the beaches from the locals .

Now I am just counting the sleeps until I get to see some sunshine and feel some warmer temperatures and soak up some of the famous southern hospitality. I expect that I will not be disappointed.

palmettoprincess

Y