suewoo

JoJo is right. Camden is very neat, but it's way out of the way. I'll just be straightforward-those small towns with high unemployment rates can have crime that you wouldn't expect. There's not much "cute" about that area. No offense to those who live out there, but it's not where I'd stay since you are so close to Charleston.

I understand your aversion to chain hotels, but if I have to do it, I always pick Hampton. Nice beds, clean into the corners, and good coffee. There's a new one on Unversity off I26. Think about overnighting there after your Congaree visit. If you can find something in town, take it.

You might want to consider Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner as well as long as you are out that way.

palmettoprincess

I would prefer to spend time in Charleston rather than Camden, but please don't think it is the crime ridden community that suewoo suggests.

BTW The unemployment rate for Camden is 7.9 on par with the Columbia area.

Still if I had three hours to spend in Camden or three hours to add to my trip to Charleston I would choose Charleston.

JoJoSiestaKey

palmetto, I don't think suewoo was saying that Camden is a crime ridden community but some of the other ones we were speaking of.

Camden is rich horse country and always has been.

suewoo

El.Oh.El. I didn't say nor do I think Camden is crime ridden, because it isn't. Far from it. But it isn't convenient for Congaree. PP, go back and read my post.

I think sometimes people think that they can stay in a small southern town and Andy and Floyd will come down the street, as will Scout. It's unfortunate for many towns that hard times have been doubly hard on them. I will stick to my rec: visit Congaree then drive toward Charleston.

wrenwood

This is our second trip to Charleston, and we will probably go back next December, so we don't feel the need to head into Charleston and stay someplace else for one night until our B&B is available.

Also, I don't think we would have time to visit Congaree on our drive from Roanoke if we have to pick up his sister at Charlotte airport. ~ 5 hrs from Roanoke to Congaree, plus airport, plus lunch, wouldn't give us much time to explore and hike at Congaree.

So anyway, I have come up with 3 choices for our overnight. Not worried about how convenient, or if it's a little out of the way or not, thinking more of a lovely place, and a good restaurant nearby for dinner.

So, any thoughts as to these places, areas?

http://www.kilburnie.com/ about 1 hr 45 min to Congaree

http://www.803elizabeth.com/ about 2 hrs 15 min to Congaree

http://www.bloomsburyinn.com/ about 1 hr 5 min to Congaree

JoJoSiestaKey

Your choices are Charlotte, Camden, and Lancaster.

I hate Charlotte traffic, Lancaster is a crappy little town, so I would go with Camden.

Honestly though Columbia will have better restaurants. I'd much rather eat at Motor Supply Company and stay downtown in The Vista.

wrenwood

Jojo, it must have been mental telepathy!

We booked at the downtown Hampton in Columbia ~ as you said, lots of restaurants, and it's only one night!

JoJoSiestaKey

Did you book the Hampton in the Vista? Good choice. Good restaurants downtown and Motor Supply Company has been my favorite for two decades.