Hello, I am planning a bachelorette party (not mine) for the spring and am trying to decide between Nashville and Charleston. We'll be about eight people. I was thinking that we would do Nashville, but now am not entirely certain. Most of us will be in town for two days, but I personally expect to add an extra day on to see some cultural sights. (In Nashville, Jackson's home has my interest, while Sumter in Charleston looks promising). Would appreciate any thoughts as to how the two cities differ and also any activities (including typical tourist ones) that are well-suited to larger groups. Dinner suggestions also are always welcome!

Charleston really has SO much to do and in a very "concentrated" walkable beautiful city. Dining is out of sight. And a lot more than Sumter!! LOL
Don't know the time of year but there is also beach availability for Charleston --you could even rent a house and then have the sights of Charleston nearby.

I've been to both, and they are quite different.
Charleston is more compact, sedate, & charming, and has more history & good food. Summers can be brutal -- I wouldn't recommend a visit in July or August. Fort Sumter is interesting only to history buffs.
Nashville is more of a party town, with more music & drinking. It's a must stop for country music fans.

Both have great hospitality and shopping opportunities.

If you want to party, go to Nashville. If you want to slow down and enjoy quiet walks down historic streets, go to Charleston.

Ummm, from the folks I know you can party in Charleston too!! LOL

In Spring, flowers in Charleston are the most beautiful I have ever seen anywhere. Wisteria drips like necklaces from the trees. Azaleas and bulbs cover the ground. Just up the coast is Brookgreen Sculpture Gardens.

Thanks for this helpful feedback! I should clarify, I have been to both cities (including Nashville quite recently) and am just trying to think about which would be more fun for our group. We are thinking about late March / early April for our trip.

Your comments are helping to focus my thinking as between compact city / beach and party / cultural. The bachelorette party is for my younger sister -- she's 26. Joining us will be 3-4 of her friends, her twin sister and my Mom. We're definitely interested in cultural things -- I was half-joking about Sumter as I know it's for nerds. @Gretchen, are there some fun historical tours of the downtown that don't last too long that might be fun?

But we will also be looking to party (at least on one night) and do like our drinks. Quite a bit. See Exhibit A: Trip Report: An Intoxicating Birthday Day-Trip in Napa

@Gretchen, what are some of the more fun nightlife spots that you've heard good things about in Charleston? @Paul, I know the nightlife is great in Nashville.

Out of curiosity, which of the two cities do you think has better food?

@Sassafras -- Thanks for your suggestions as well! A sculpture garden could be a perfect relaxing activity after a fun-filled night out.

Thanks again for all of your suggestions!

I've never been to Nashville, but I'm betting you can great food in either city if you do your homework. Charleston has great iconic restaurants on every corner it seems. I'm sure that there must be places to party in Charleston. Maybe these links will be helpful:

https://charleston.eater.com/maps/be...arleston-ideas
Charleston Bachelorette Party Guide Part One - Hosting & ToastingHosting & Toasting

If you end up choosing Nashville, The Southern had outstanding food. It was recommended to us by locals, and it was so good, we ended up going back a second time. The filet served with jalapeno grits were fabulous!

Welcome | The Southern of Nashville

@Suki -- THANK YOU! These links are tremendously helpful! You're completely right, I think, about the food being great in both cities. Thank you for helping to provide direction as I embark on my homework!

@Tenthumbs -- Hello again! Thank you for this recommendation. Jalapeno grits sounds like something I would like to acquaint myself with!

Thinking about this decision for the last week has been a lot of fun. I'm absurdly indecisive, so still making up my mind, but at least now I know how the Olympic committee must feel!

Are folks flying in? Charleston has good SW flights.

I visited Nashville over Thanksgiving 2017 and had a great time. As soon as you mentioned bachelorette party, I thought of this from my notes:

"There are all sorts of tours, including one where everyone pedals. One such passed by with 12 tipsy gals singing "Shake it Off"!"

A real music vibe (country to popular).

DH and I loved Charleston but I kinda think you have a lot of fun in Nashville. Let me know if you want my TR--I'm a 71 y.o. fogie so it might not be of interest. I stayed in Union Station Hotel fwiw.

Have a great time.

I visited Nashville over Thanksgiving 2017 and had a great time. As soon as you mentioned bachelorette party, I thought of this from my notes:

There are all sorts of tours, including one where everyone pedals. One such passed by with 12 tipsy gals singing "Shake it Off"!

A real music vibe (country to popular).

DH and I loved Charleston but I kinda think you have a lot of fun in Nashville. Let me know if you want my TR--I'm a 71 y.o. fogie so it might not be of interest. I stayed in Union Station Hotel fwiw.

Have a great time.

Nashville seems better suited for a bachelorette party to me, but both are nice cities to visit. There's tons of history in Charleston, so if you end up there, definitely book some time to see the sites (Sumter, Rainbow Row, Magnolia Gardens).

As does Nashville. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts! After much deliberation, we've decided to take more of a party approach to the weekend and opted for Nashville. I am excited as well because I think it's got just the right cultural offerings -- we have a few Johnny Cash fans in our group!!

@TDudette -- thanks for your trip report. It was a great read!

Now it's time to plan the party! I'm sure I'll be back with questions!

Good luck and enjoy!

A big thank you to everyone who weighed in helping me to choose Nashville. We had the party there this weekend and it was a great choice. So much to see, so much laughter . . . such a great city. Will try to do a trip report if I get a few minutes this week!