Savannah to Charleston - 4 day weekend in October
Apr 21st, 2011, 09:40 PM
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Savannah to Charleston - 4 day weekend in October
Hi Guys
I plan to spend 4 days Friday 28 to Monday 31st October, arriving in Savannah late the evening of the 27th. I have 4 days to make my way to Charleston, where I take the overnight train to Washington, and continue on to NY.
- I will obviously need a car rental, any problems hiring in Savannah & dropping off in Charleston?
- What itinerary would you suggest?
- Any suggestions on places to stay
I plan to spend 4 days Friday 28 to Monday 31st October, arriving in Savannah late the evening of the 27th. I have 4 days to make my way to Charleston, where I take the overnight train to Washington, and continue on to NY.
- I will obviously need a car rental, any problems hiring in Savannah & dropping off in Charleston?
- What itinerary would you suggest?
- Any suggestions on places to stay
Apr 22nd, 2011, 02:35 AM
#2
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Yes very loaded question. Charleston people will say Charleston, Savannah people will say Savannah. It really doesn't matter. since you're only spending 2 days in each. I live outside Charleston.
So for Charleston, look at King Charles Best Western, Doubletree and Mills House, all in the Historic District.
With only 2 days, you should first take a carriage ride to get your bearings. Then choose what neighborhoods you'd like to re-visit. Many people like to visit plantations, but with such a short time I think you should concentrate on the Historic District only. There are homes that give public tours. Information here:
http://www.historiccharleston.org/
My favorite restaurants are FIG, High Cotton, SNOB, Peninsula Grill, Hominy, Jestine's and Atlanticville on Sullivans Island.
So for Charleston, look at King Charles Best Western, Doubletree and Mills House, all in the Historic District.
With only 2 days, you should first take a carriage ride to get your bearings. Then choose what neighborhoods you'd like to re-visit. Many people like to visit plantations, but with such a short time I think you should concentrate on the Historic District only. There are homes that give public tours. Information here:
http://www.historiccharleston.org/
My favorite restaurants are FIG, High Cotton, SNOB, Peninsula Grill, Hominy, Jestine's and Atlanticville on Sullivans Island.
Apr 22nd, 2011, 11:33 AM
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I have a bad habit of over-researching when i travel,and use several travel blogs for that purpose.We just spent 3 days in Savannah and loved it--- stayed at Planters inn at 165/night, so may be just a hair above what you want--very nice place right in middle of historic district,which is where you want to be.There are other lss expensive hotel nearby as well. This is where Tripadvisor.com comes in. They have specific blogs for Savannah,Charleston et al, that have great discusioons about hotels , what to do etc---you might troll thru that site and look at the info. I would definitely go on a half day tour on your first day.We used cathyscartours and it was a great way to get the layout of the city.There is a walking tour which is supposed to be terrific, but im not able to do that--youll see it referred to on the TA site. As for things to do, we loved the Bonaventure Cemetery--it was beautiful--all the houses are terrific to go thru, have ice cream at Leopolds for sure, we went thru the Cathedral, and just walked thru the 22 squares that are immaculate--just sit and people watch. As for food, again chowhound.com has an endless list of spots, we loved the Pink House for its charm and food--if you go, make a reservation in the old section. I luv breakfast,and theres a place called Hueys that has great beignets, and Clarys from the book, which has execllent cheese blintzs
Apr 23rd, 2011, 05:23 AM
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> I will obviously need a car rental,
> any problems hiring in Savannah & dropping off in Charleston?
No "problem" in the sense that it won't be allowed. It's just that the car company will charge you a lot to do that. A car is not necessary in either city; indeed, trying to find a parking place in either place will make having a car more of a hindrance than a help. You may just want to take the train, which goes direct between them.
> Our interests are food/wine, history (civil war
Definitely take a ride out to Fort Sumter, where the South began the War with their military aggression. Also visit the Charleston Museum, which has a special exhibit recalling the events 150 years ago. If you're in Charleston on a weekend, take a look at the Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel (it also killed more Confederate sailors than Union ones, but that's part of the story).
Savannah has some interesting history on the American Revolutionary War, so don't miss that.
> any problems hiring in Savannah & dropping off in Charleston?
No "problem" in the sense that it won't be allowed. It's just that the car company will charge you a lot to do that. A car is not necessary in either city; indeed, trying to find a parking place in either place will make having a car more of a hindrance than a help. You may just want to take the train, which goes direct between them.
> Our interests are food/wine, history (civil war
Definitely take a ride out to Fort Sumter, where the South began the War with their military aggression. Also visit the Charleston Museum, which has a special exhibit recalling the events 150 years ago. If you're in Charleston on a weekend, take a look at the Hunley, the first submarine to sink an enemy vessel (it also killed more Confederate sailors than Union ones, but that's part of the story).
Savannah has some interesting history on the American Revolutionary War, so don't miss that.
Apr 23rd, 2011, 06:16 AM
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If it is affordable, I would drive between Savannah and Charleston so as to see:
Hunting Island State Park:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fb...5&l=8e624dd017
...and nearby Beaufort, loveliest small town in the South (scene of The Big Chill, Prince of Tides and The Great Santini). Beaufort is about an hour from Savannah, the Park is about 25 minutes further.
I'd take a day to meander between the two cities. En route you could also, if you start early but without pushing yourself unduly, visit EITHER Charles Town, a fascinating historic site on the outskirts of Charleston OR historic Drayton Hall.
Basically, other than that you are choosing between spending an extra night in Savannah or an extra night in Charleston.
As much as I love Savannah, where we spend 2 winter months annually, I might opt to stay there just the nights of Oct 27 and 28. You can see a lot of the town in your 1 full day, though extra time would be better, obviously.
On the morning of Oct 29, I'd do the driving trip to the places above, reaching my Charleston hotel around 6 PM in the evening.
You'd then have two full days of sightseeing in Charleston (30, 31) before departing on the night-train, in the evening of Oct 31.
If you choose to take the train instead, give yourself the extra day to visit Savannah. (IE: Take a late train on the 29th or an early train on the 30th)
Hunting Island State Park:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fb...5&l=8e624dd017
...and nearby Beaufort, loveliest small town in the South (scene of The Big Chill, Prince of Tides and The Great Santini). Beaufort is about an hour from Savannah, the Park is about 25 minutes further.
I'd take a day to meander between the two cities. En route you could also, if you start early but without pushing yourself unduly, visit EITHER Charles Town, a fascinating historic site on the outskirts of Charleston OR historic Drayton Hall.
Basically, other than that you are choosing between spending an extra night in Savannah or an extra night in Charleston.
As much as I love Savannah, where we spend 2 winter months annually, I might opt to stay there just the nights of Oct 27 and 28. You can see a lot of the town in your 1 full day, though extra time would be better, obviously.
On the morning of Oct 29, I'd do the driving trip to the places above, reaching my Charleston hotel around 6 PM in the evening.
You'd then have two full days of sightseeing in Charleston (30, 31) before departing on the night-train, in the evening of Oct 31.
If you choose to take the train instead, give yourself the extra day to visit Savannah. (IE: Take a late train on the 29th or an early train on the 30th)
Apr 23rd, 2011, 08:44 AM
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+1 on Beaufort--to me,id drive--with all your spending on the trip,a car rental saves you lots of time vs taking train, plus you can see a number of veru interesting towns on the way,and change your itinerary on the fly to do soemthing unplanned, like maybe drive down to the Cumberland ferry and hike the Island--its pristine barrier island
Apr 23rd, 2011, 04:07 PM
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Apr 23rd, 2011, 06:01 PM
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I don't know about local but definitely locavore cuisine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57626432606484
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57626432606484
Apr 23rd, 2011, 11:03 PM
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Thanks guys, that's great advice ... rental car was about $144- as opposed to $44 for the train but I think it might be worth it, as I would like to get out and see things other than historic centres and main towns.
Great advice, and thanks again. I am following your advice.
God bless
Len
from Australia
Great advice, and thanks again. I am following your advice.
God bless
Len
from Australia
Apr 24th, 2011, 04:41 AM
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It WILL be worth it. That train is slow as molasses.
Once you leave I95 and exit onto 17 (which is the route I recommend you take) look for the sign to Old Sheldon Church ruins. It's only a couple of miles off 17 and really worth a stop.
Once you leave I95 and exit onto 17 (which is the route I recommend you take) look for the sign to Old Sheldon Church ruins. It's only a couple of miles off 17 and really worth a stop.
Apr 24th, 2011, 01:54 PM
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I would rent the car in Savannah and drive to Charleston then drop the car off there. You can stop by Beaufort on your way to Charleston for lunch. You can also visit Middleton Place and Drayton Hall on your way to Charleston if you have time. Go to Crystal Beer Parlor, B Matthews and Belford's in Savannah to eat. Staybridge is a nice hotel in the HD.
The Staybridge Suites @ 301 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 912 - 721- 9000.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sb/1/en/hotel/savbl
The Staybridge Suites @ 301 East Bay Street, Savannah, GA 912 - 721- 9000.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/sb/1/en/hotel/savbl
Apr 24th, 2011, 06:07 PM
#13
I'll be in Savannah & Charleston late this week.
I rented a car from Budget for $55. Pick up in Savannah and drop of in Charleston. One day and i'll stop in a couple of plantations on the way in.
I liked that the Charleston drop-off is in the historic district. Savannah id a bit out.
I rented a car from Budget for $55. Pick up in Savannah and drop of in Charleston. One day and i'll stop in a couple of plantations on the way in.
I liked that the Charleston drop-off is in the historic district. Savannah id a bit out.
Apr 28th, 2011, 03:56 AM
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BTW, for your route to Beaufort:
I'd suggest you take the Talmadge Bridge into South Carolina and then Hwy 17 toward Hardeeville.
At Hardeeville, take I-95 for a few miles, then exit onto Hwy 170. Follow the signs to Beaufort.
(In other words, stick to the big roads, rather than attempting to take the shorter back-road route, away from the Interstate.)
The route I'm suggesting is, apart from a few dull miles on the I-95, faster and actually far more picturesque.
I'd suggest you take the Talmadge Bridge into South Carolina and then Hwy 17 toward Hardeeville.
At Hardeeville, take I-95 for a few miles, then exit onto Hwy 170. Follow the signs to Beaufort.
(In other words, stick to the big roads, rather than attempting to take the shorter back-road route, away from the Interstate.)
The route I'm suggesting is, apart from a few dull miles on the I-95, faster and actually far more picturesque.
May 1st, 2011, 08:47 AM
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I thougt that the marina variety store resturant in Charleston was great for breakfast.mostly locals you can check it on line. If you enjoy oysters check out
http://www.bowensislandrestaurant.com/
which is just a few miles from Charleston.
http://www.bowensislandrestaurant.com/
which is just a few miles from Charleston.
May 1st, 2011, 04:21 PM
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I've been to Savannah many times, but only once did I visit Charleston and it was almost 25 years ago! I do think splitting time between the two would be great if you won't feel rushed.
I've only stayed in hotels in Savannah a couple of times because I have friends that lived there. If you want to be on River Street, there is a Hyatt right on the river. If you want something a little more quaint, the Planter's Inn would be a nice choice. I've never stayed there, but have checked it out in person and it gets good reviews. My mother has stayed there several times (most recently last Thursday) and likes it very much. In Charleston we stayed at the Lodge Alley Inn and loved it. However, it looks like it may have been converted into timeshares, although I believe units can still be rented.
For food in Savannah, I second the recommendation for Crystal Beer Parlor. I've never eaten at Pink House, but it is highly rated and one of my co-workers had lunch there about 3 months ago and said it was fabulous. Many years ago Elizabeth on 37th was extremely good. It's in an historic old house and the food was excellent. I can't quite figure out if Elizabeth and her husband are still involved, but two brothers bought into the restaurant in the late 80's and seem to be front and center now.
I'm not a huge Paula Dean fan, as I think she's a little over the top and overdoes her southern accent. Her restaurant, Lady and Sons also gets very mixed reviews. I think a much better choice would be Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House (not a BH any more) for a true southern lunch. You will be seated at a large table, with strangers!, and the food will be served on large platters and passed around just like you are at home! Prepare to wait in line outside for a table though!
I've only stayed in hotels in Savannah a couple of times because I have friends that lived there. If you want to be on River Street, there is a Hyatt right on the river. If you want something a little more quaint, the Planter's Inn would be a nice choice. I've never stayed there, but have checked it out in person and it gets good reviews. My mother has stayed there several times (most recently last Thursday) and likes it very much. In Charleston we stayed at the Lodge Alley Inn and loved it. However, it looks like it may have been converted into timeshares, although I believe units can still be rented.
For food in Savannah, I second the recommendation for Crystal Beer Parlor. I've never eaten at Pink House, but it is highly rated and one of my co-workers had lunch there about 3 months ago and said it was fabulous. Many years ago Elizabeth on 37th was extremely good. It's in an historic old house and the food was excellent. I can't quite figure out if Elizabeth and her husband are still involved, but two brothers bought into the restaurant in the late 80's and seem to be front and center now.
I'm not a huge Paula Dean fan, as I think she's a little over the top and overdoes her southern accent. Her restaurant, Lady and Sons also gets very mixed reviews. I think a much better choice would be Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House (not a BH any more) for a true southern lunch. You will be seated at a large table, with strangers!, and the food will be served on large platters and passed around just like you are at home! Prepare to wait in line outside for a table though!
May 25th, 2011, 07:25 AM
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In reference to the Charleston portion of trip - we've just returned from another visit to that great location. We would also suggest the Best Western King Charles Inn. Centrally located in the Historic District with comfortable,nice,safe accomodations/very helpful,friendly staff/walking distance to great restaurants,shopping,etc.
Restaurant suggestions: We had excellent meals at 82 Queen, Poogan's Porch, Hank's. Enjoy drinks/appetizers on the roof of the Market Pavillion bar for a good view of the harbor while relaxing.
For historical content: Take a carriage ride to get an overview of the Battery homes/Rainbow Road/old Charleston.
(Approx. 1 hr). Take a tour of Ft. Sumter/visit The Hunley 1800's submarine for Civil War History. Of the plantations, we enjoyed Drayton Hall (original mansion) much more than the others advertised (mainly gardens; not original homes).
For fun: Since you may be there the evening of Halloween (Oct 31st) it would only be fitting to include a ghost walk tour! We enjoyed it, but I would book in advance as that weekend will probably be a popular one for that activity. Bulldog Tours was a good one...
Don't miss: At Market St, purchase local Pralines & Benne Wafers (sweets). VERY tasty! Local favorites also include sweet tea (and sweet tea vodka w/lemonade, if so inclined!) Local seafood is great, such as shrimp & grits, she-crab soup or gumbo.
Have fun!!!
Restaurant suggestions: We had excellent meals at 82 Queen, Poogan's Porch, Hank's. Enjoy drinks/appetizers on the roof of the Market Pavillion bar for a good view of the harbor while relaxing.
For historical content: Take a carriage ride to get an overview of the Battery homes/Rainbow Road/old Charleston.
(Approx. 1 hr). Take a tour of Ft. Sumter/visit The Hunley 1800's submarine for Civil War History. Of the plantations, we enjoyed Drayton Hall (original mansion) much more than the others advertised (mainly gardens; not original homes).
For fun: Since you may be there the evening of Halloween (Oct 31st) it would only be fitting to include a ghost walk tour! We enjoyed it, but I would book in advance as that weekend will probably be a popular one for that activity. Bulldog Tours was a good one...
Don't miss: At Market St, purchase local Pralines & Benne Wafers (sweets). VERY tasty! Local favorites also include sweet tea (and sweet tea vodka w/lemonade, if so inclined!) Local seafood is great, such as shrimp & grits, she-crab soup or gumbo.
Have fun!!!
