Paris Island and Charleston
 

Will drive from Virginia to Paris Island, SC for a Marine Boot Camp graduation, in November. Please advise about good lunch stops along the way, as well as great places for meals in both locations. We're looking for good but casual places (not chain restaurants) that feature local southern cuisine and seafood. Also, we've never been to either location so any advice regarding must see attractions is appreciated. We plan to stay in the area for about 3 - 5 days depending on what we find to do. Thank you, in advance, for your time and assistance.

That would be Parris Island which is near Beaufort, SC. The latter is what you should be Googling.

Will the new Marine have any "graduation" leave to join you?

If so, I would get her/him to a city like Charleston, Savannah, or Jacksonville for a few days of R&R in the bright lights. Beaufort is charming but it is in the boonies for a young person.

On the way down, there is plenty of Eastern North Carolina BBQ around Goldsboro, NC, but I would need to know more about your route and timing to make other recs.

Will you take 95 all the way to Beaufort? How far off the highway are you willing to go?

There are many things to see and do in Charleston and Savannah. Ackslander is right. Your Marine will want to get the heck out of town.

Summerton Diner is great. Cash only.
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/O...ummerton-diner

McCabes Barbeque in Manning SC is not far off the highway, but call first. They close when they run out.

Port Royal ( very near Beaufort and Parris Island) Smokin' Planks. The smoked shrimp sandwich is great. http://www.smokinplanks.com
Griffin Market, Wren's, Breakwater, Plum's and Saltus Grill in Beaufort.

Griffin Market is the best Italian restaurant south of NYCity. And a million dollar wine collection.

If your route is 77 to 26 instead of 95 all the way, please post back. I have some recommendations for that.

^^^^^ Me too.

Also, this website has great list for different places in Charleston. There are too many good restaurants to name in a single post.

Shoot! Here:

http://charleston.eater.com

We flew into Charleston, rented a car and drove to Parris Island. If things are still done the same way, you will receive info about graduation closer to graduation date but you might want to book hotel now. Hotels/motels closest to base had a 2 night minimum which was fine since we were able to watch parade practice and spend a few hours with our Marine touring the base.

Graduation is right after the successful completion of the Crucible so the recruits haven't had much to eat but have been pushed to physical limits. So our Marine was starved. They haven't had any junk food except for chips for 12 weeks, may have lost weight and haven't talked with anyone from home in all that time. Bring extra food favorites from home.

After graduation, Beaufort was a nice spot to stop for lunch. Beautiful park on the water. It was early October for us with perfect weather. Spent two nights in Charleston. The carriage tour was nice. Walking around was nice. I enjoyed the straw market. There's a stone pier with swinging benches which was a nice place to relax and listen. Our new Marine only stopped talking to eat. Home for a brief vacation before reporting for combat training. Then transfer to occupational training. I expect your Marine will be anxious to get home to see old friends.

dfrostnh, thank your Marine for his/her service!

That stone pier in Charleston with the swings is Waterfront Park. It is a lovely place to spend time. November weather is usually nice, but it may be chilly right on the water.