Coming from central Virginia and would like a long weekend in a southern city. We are aged 50ish, and are looking in early April. We can fly or drive. Was thinking of New Orleans or Charleston SC.

I also have some Marriott and Hilton points which could help keep costs down by staying at one of their properties.

So, do you have a favorite southern city which has some sightseeing and stuff to do and also a favorite hotel in that city ( maybe if it is a marriott or hilton-bonus for us).
Thanks.

We love Charleston! We have not stayed in Charleston proper but other Fodorites have great hotel advice.

Stick to Charleston, SC, and/or Savanna GA. It is long way from VA to N Orleans and I think both of the above cities have more to offer.

There's a Hampton Inn just next to Marion Square in Charleston. The Marriott Courtyard is at the corner of Calhoun and Meeting. Embassy Suites is in the old Citadel building. The Doubletree Suites are right off the market and right in the middle of the HD.

For that short a trip, I hink you need to stay in the HD. Otherwise you'll spend too much time driving in and parking.

We have stayed at the Doubletree Suites in Charleston and it is very nice and you can walk everywhere from there. You will love Charleston-so much to see and so many great restaurants. We walked, walked, walked.

I just checked flights for a random period next month -- did you say when you are going ? -- and from
RIC to CHS is going to cost you about $400 plus per person RT and ca eat up at least half a day each way since there are no direct flights. It's about an 8 hour drive from Richmond if you can find the time, almost twice as long each way but cheaper, especially since you won't need a rental car.

My wife would fly; I would drive. It was ever thus.

Pilgramage in Natchez can be interesting.

Thanks everyone! Checking prices. I found that we have a US air companion ticket for 99. So, the plane ticket would be one plus a 99 dollar charge. The rental cars in charleston are not high at all, about 150.
We can fly early in the morning on a friday and leave on a monday afternoon.
Is Kiawah island worth visiting? DH mentioned that. I believe he is not sold on Charleston yet.
After some research, New Orleans is probably not our kind of town. We are not late night party people and we both avoid spicy foods! Haha!
I think Charleston would give us a nice weekend away. Oh and we were thinking early april. Weather should be warm.

The weather will be nice. It's a busy time, so book soon. Flowers will be blooming.

Kiawah is lovely but private. You can't get in unless you stay there or make a reservation at one of the restaurants.

Have any of you stayed at the Hampton Inn Historic District? I can use my points there. Doubletree is pretty booked up and their point rooms are too high.

Got the plane tickets! Going to Charleston! Have the Hampton reserved. Now to hear all about good restaurants!

ackislander, I would drive if I had a week, but with only the long weekend, I was able to get a morning flight and arrival and a night flight home and of course with only one ticket costing 99!

suewoo, I think we may try to have lunch on Kiawah on our last day and check out the island.

Thanks so much all of you!

Have stayed at the Hampton. Good choice. There are other beach areas--Wild Dunes. Are you thinking for another time? You will have plenty to fill your time. Don't forget a plantation.

There are nice beach areas closer to Charleston. Like Gretchen stated, Wild Dunes is nice. It's also gated, though. The beach on Sullivans is very nice. If you go to the south end you can see the harbor and Charleston. You can see dolphin from the bridge connecting IOP to SUllivans especially if you go early or around sundown. I'm not sure that Kiawah would be that interesting unless you're looking at property. Big houses and trees.

I agree, if you just want to see the ocean/beach, limit your drive time and go to Sullivan's, and have lunch before or after at one of their little village restaurants.

FIG!! Go to FIG. Get reservations ASAP as they go quickly.

We had Christmas dinner at Magnolia and it was wonderful.

DH's favorite place we have been so far is MacIntosh. I liked it but liked FIG better. Go to Rarebit for a cocktail...and go to the rooftop bar at the Market Pavilion.

If you choose to go to Kiawah Island, eat at the Sanctuary for lunch at the Jasmine Porch. If you choose Sunday (which I would), then reserve for the Sunday Brunch also at the Jasmine Porch. It's incredible, and that one meal will fill you up for the entire day. After lunch then walk out to the beach--it's right there.

On your way back into town visit one of the plantations on the West Ashley river-- Magnolia Plantation, Drayton Hall, or Middleton Place.

Sounds like great advice!!!! Will check into going to a closer beach for an afternoon. DH is a beach person.

Janet! My foodie friend! Thanks! I will check out FIG ASAP! LOL I was reading trip advisors restaurant menus last night! Have you ever eaten at the Grill225? I liked their menu and I liked Macintosh too. I don't remember reading Figs, but will check them out today!

Will also check out a plantation! Do you all recommend getting trolley tickets? Is it ia hop on hop off type of thing where you can go all around town?

Gretchen, glad the Hampton is a good choice. I was shocked that a Hampton inn was 400 plus a night.

Well, it must be high season and something going on!! It wasn't that much by any stretch.
The trolley is right next to the hotel. It takes you to the historic district.

Fortunately we have some hilton points so not so bad! LOL I found most of the prices for the first half of April to be in that range at majority of the hotels. So, it must be high season, warm, but not sweltering hot yet.

Any must sees in Charleston? I have yet to do my research on what is there besides charm and good restaurants.

http://travel.nationalgeographic.com...ston-traveler/

This is not a typical plantation; it is preserved, not restored. We liked it a lot.
http://www.draytonhall.org/visit/visitor_info/

Beautiful grounds and gardens
https://www.middletonplace.org/

Used this for a tour:
http://www.freetoursbyfoot.com/charleston-sc-tours/


Fort Sumter tour
http://www.nps.gov/fosu/index.htm

We also did a bus tour, not something we normally do, but we were with folks that wanted to and it was actually a great overview of the city, saw things we wouldn't have; I can track down the name if you are interested.