My sister, Mom, and myself are going to Charleston for the first time in mid-May and are going to visit either Magnolia or Middleton Plantation. Wondering which is preferred and why? Also, we are staying downtown and won't have a car. Is there some sort of a shuttle or will we have to take a cab or what?

If you're going to choose one, I would choose Middleton - you can spend a lot of time there, have lunch at their tavern and explore the grounds. There are "tour bus" adventures that leave from the "downtown" area - your hotel can direct you (some tour buses will pick you up at your hotel). We found it more adventageous to rent our own car and were able to visit more than one plantation in a day at our own pace. Charleston is a very "walkable" city and you won't have far to go to any "central" location. Where are you staying? The Planters Inn is nice.

We are staying at the Embassy Suites near the Visitors Center. We were thinking about purchasing a "Heritage Pass". It included admission to Middleton, Drayton Hall, and 3 of the downtown historic homes. Transportation is not included however out to the plantations. We assumed that the 'tour bus'charge would include the admission fee so didn't want to pay that twice. We thought maybe there would be some sort of shuttle but maybe not. A rental car for a day is a possibility we had just hoped to avoid that.

My vote is for Middleton Place as well. We were there the first week of April, and there were still lots of camellias blooming as well as azaleas at their peak. The food in the restaurant is wonderful. I had shrimp creole over cheese grits, and it was divine.

Magnolia is beautiful, too. It has that much photographed bridge and loads of azaleas, but it is more back and forth pathways than Middleton's enormous landscaped gardens. There are lots of other flowers, of course. You won't be disappointed at either place.

If you're staying near the visitor's center, you're in luck in reference to signing up for tours and getting information. It should always be your first stop in Charleston. They sell ticktets to the tours and several "pick ups" begin and end there. The only disadvantage of staying there is that you're several blocks away from the market area where most of the in-town sights are located (including the carriage rides and home tours, and the market itself). Also the better restaurants are in the market area. Since you're considering the Embassy Suites, have you considered the Renaissance? It's probably about the same price and a bit closer in. Otherwise, expect a long walk or a taxi ride into the market area.

We chose the Emb. Suites mainly based on the good rate - $116 - and the fact that my mom can sleep in the next room. She's a very loud sleeper! (I love her dearly though). I've read a little bit about the trolley. Is that the same as DASH? Doesn't that stop at the Visitors Center? We are hoping so. Does anyone know if public transportation goes to Middleton or Magnolia?

Definitely Middleton, agree with above posts. We were not impressed with Magnolia.

Hi Bunz,

Definitely would recommend Middleton over Magnolia, although both are very good.

Following is a link to the Post & Courier's Tips for Tourists page - good info on Visitor's Center, plantations, DASH, etc.

http://www.charleston.net/visitor/tipsfortourists.shtml

I just know that you'll love this beautiful city! We're fortunate to live on Isle of Palms and get lots of out-of-town company - I never hesitate to accompany them on their sightseeing jaunts.

Enjoy!!!

Carol