My husband and I are planning an anniversary trip in late September for 4 days. We are debating between Savannah, GA or Charleston, SC. Which is more fun and interesting for sight seeing, history and, of course, restaurants?

If you've not been to either, pick Charleston.

I too would choose Charleston over Savannah but w/the time you have & the close proximity you could probably visit both. Much history & good food in both. Please disregard the last moron, perhaps he should leave a real e-mail address if he wants to place rude comments on the board.

Sue:

I'm sorry you have to wade through such trash to get an answer to your questions. It appears as if "continental" doesn't have enough going on in his or her life and has to be crude to get his or her jollies.

At any rate, I've just returned home from a trip to Charleston, SC; Savannah, GA and Asheville, NC.

I've been to Charleston several times. I have a son who goes to school there. It was my first time in Savannah. I liked it but I think I'd recommend Charleston over Savannah.

Charleston has more history and very enjoyable tours....walking and otherwise. Lots of things to see, if you're into seeing historic homes and plantations. Even if you're not, it's nice to walk around South Battery.

There are nice places to stay on Bay Street, just north of Broad Street. If you stay there, you are within walking distance to very nice restaurants.

You are also right near the Waterfront park. You are also only a couple of blocks from the Market. King Street has a lot of very nice shops, and it's not a far walk from any place on Bay Street south of the Market.

I like the Vendue Inn (843) 577-7970. They have some very romantic rooms and the breakfast buffet in the morning is wonderful. If you choose the Vendue Inn, be sure to tell them it's your wedding anniversary.

We parked our car with the valet at the Venue and we didn't need our car again until we were ready to leave the city. Everything is accessible via walking.

If you want to stay out on Calhoun Street, we have stayed at the Holiday Inn, Historic District (843) 805-7900. It is also very nice....new, only opened three years ago. It is just so much further from some of the nice restaurants and shopping.

We never miss eating at Garibaldi's, 49 S. Market (843) 723-7153. We love the stuffed grouper.

Other restaurants we've tried that have been excellent are: The Charleston Grill, McCrady's, The Boathouse on East Bay Street and the Pennisula Grill. We plan to try Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B.) next time we're there. We heard good things about it but the wait was too long. I'd suggest reservations for all the places I've recommended. Poogan's Porch is a fun lunch restaurant. (Stay away from Hyman's....very touristy and the food is not good, regardless of how they advertise they're the #1 Seafood Restaurant in Charleston!)

If you want to go on a walking tour, Ed Grimball (843) 762-0056 is your man. He gives a very entertaining and knowledgeable tour as only one who has lived there all his life can do! Definitely call him in advance to schedule.

There are wonderful private carriage rides you can take in the evening which are romantic.

I hope you have a wonderful time there and I hope my information has helped you.

I liked Savannah too, but I find Charleston a little more romantic.

Margaret

As much as I love Savannah, I think everyone's right about Charleston being a better choice. Even though it's not in Charleston itself, I would recommend Cafe Suzanne in Folly Beach (a few minutes drive from Charleston). I've had some of the best desserts there, and you can finish your evening with a very romantic moonlit walk on the beach just across the street.

Another vote for Charleston, and I've been to Savannah as well. The restaurants are fabulous in Charleston.
Kiawah Island is nearby if you want to visit a scenic beach during your trip.
However, if you loved the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,you should go to Savannah.

I'll vote for Charleston too, and I lived in Savannah!

There is a wider selection of really good restaurants in Charleston, good antiquing and general shopping along King St, carriage rides among beautiful old homes plus the kitsch of the Market.

Charleston is more a city, more upscale overall. Savannah is its country cousin, and if that is more your style, you might want to take in what you can of Savannah one day as well. The squares are so pretty, the city shadier, Charleston still being in recovery from Hugo.

The drive between the two (two hours) makes a day's visit doable, and in a day you can get a pretty good feel for the historic district of Savannah. 4 days in Savannah would be too long. We used to go up to Charleston for shopping and just to have a getaway--an easy day trip.

I wouldn't exactly call Savannah Charlestons country cousin. Eccentric cousin maybe, but not country.