Savannah versus Charleston?
Feb 2nd, 2005, 05:18 AM
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Savannah versus Charleston?
Last time we visited Hilton Head (w/two children) we took a day trip to Savannah and loved it. Lots of history, charm, and good food. As we were only there for a day and missed Lady & Sons (which I'd like to try) we've been planning on spending another day in Savannah when we are in the area again this summer. However I recently read comments that some prefer Charleston to Savannah (which I believe is only a bit further from Hilton Head). What does Charleston have to offer a family w/two littles ones for a day?
Feb 2nd, 2005, 07:13 AM
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Snowrooster I do not know what Charleston offers little children, probably the same as Savannah. You should visit Charleston some day. It is exciting. In no way is it as lovely as Savannah. Did you know that the Mercer House is now open for tours? Last time we visited Savannah we took the house tour, it was really breath taking. We met Jim William's sister in the gift shop and had a nice chat with her. She is a splendid lady. For the fun of it you must bring the kids to Clareys cafe. Keep an eye out for the nut with flys attached to his clothes!
Feb 2nd, 2005, 07:34 AM
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We actually went to Mercer House for a tour, but the next one didn't begin for an hour or so and we couldn't hang around and wait w/the little ones. We ended up touring the Owens-Thomas House instead which was wonderful. The lady (and she was a true lady) who gave us the tour had grandchildren the same age as hour children and was just fabulous with them - she gave us a private tour so they got special attention!
We ate at Mrs Wilkes which was a lot of fun as well - how can you miss with such a full table?!? I want to try Lady & Sons next time but it will be hard to resist a repeat visit to Mrs Wilkes!
We ate at Mrs Wilkes which was a lot of fun as well - how can you miss with such a full table?!? I want to try Lady & Sons next time but it will be hard to resist a repeat visit to Mrs Wilkes!
Feb 2nd, 2005, 07:49 AM
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Snowrooster, Oh tell me about the food! When I come back from Savannah I weigh 300 pounds more! Sometimes we eat on River Street and have to lug ourselves up the narrow stairs on a full belly. River Street may be fun for children. In Charleston the Ft Sumpter boat ride may be fun for kids. There are plenty of good victuals to be found in Charleston also. A favorite place we go in Savannah is the Pink House. Maybe the kids would be bored eating there.
Feb 2nd, 2005, 08:03 AM
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Our kids love Charleston. It has a large new acquarium, Imax theater, and a pretty waterfront park. It also has the country's oldest museum. You can visit the naval museum, take the ferry to Fort Sumter, or a carriage tour. There's a great open-air market as well. Aside from the naval museum, which is across the river, you can walk to all these places. I know you'd only be there for the day, but there are beautiful plantations to visit also. One other place your kids would like is Charles Towne Landing, a state park close by. It has an animal exhibit as well as replicas of the first settlement and ship. Also a tram tour. Charleston is full of wonderful restaurants and shops, too. Hope you'll give it a try.
Feb 2nd, 2005, 11:57 AM
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well stated Randa....don't forget the carriage rides. I think that they are really fun, and a good overview of the city.
Hymans is kind of touristy, but a fun place to eat...There are many other places though too!!
Hymans is kind of touristy, but a fun place to eat...There are many other places though too!!
Feb 17th, 2005, 01:47 PM
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Go with CHARLESTON!!
Kids LOVE the Aquaruim, the Provost Dungeon (pirates were imprisoned there), Waterfront Park, Frankie's Fun Park, carriage tours, and ghost tours.
My wife and I visit Charleston several times a year and have done ALL the touristy stuff. Our FAVORITE all time thing to do is the walking tours - both history and ghost tours.
On Market Street there's a place called Bulldog Tours. They are wonderful. Best tour guides I've ever had the pleasure of touring with. You can read about them at www.bulldogtours.com.
Check out the Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Tour or the Dark Side of Charleston Tour - both were excellent.
Eat at The Boathouse and/or SNOB's.
Rent bikes.
Go to Drayton Hall.
WALK, WALK, WALK!!
Happy Travels,
Jack Austin
Huntersville, NC
Kids LOVE the Aquaruim, the Provost Dungeon (pirates were imprisoned there), Waterfront Park, Frankie's Fun Park, carriage tours, and ghost tours.
My wife and I visit Charleston several times a year and have done ALL the touristy stuff. Our FAVORITE all time thing to do is the walking tours - both history and ghost tours.
On Market Street there's a place called Bulldog Tours. They are wonderful. Best tour guides I've ever had the pleasure of touring with. You can read about them at www.bulldogtours.com.
Check out the Charleston Ghost & Graveyard Tour or the Dark Side of Charleston Tour - both were excellent.
Eat at The Boathouse and/or SNOB's.
Rent bikes.
Go to Drayton Hall.
WALK, WALK, WALK!!
Happy Travels,
Jack Austin
Huntersville, NC
Feb 17th, 2005, 01:54 PM
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Feb 17th, 2005, 05:36 PM
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I agree with Randa. When we were there years ago with our then-young kids, the visitor's center had a scavanger hunt thing for kids where they went in search of places, filled in answers and got a prize. The carriage rides are wonderful. The naval museum is great for kids....the aircraft carrier, submarine, etc. My kids were bored with the Fort Sumter ride, by the way. They LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the market!! I think formerly slaves were sold there (sad) but now it's baskets,etc. for sale. Covered, but open air, etc. Be sure to let them climb the cannonballs at Battery Park.
Feb 17th, 2005, 06:42 PM
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I don't think you'd go wrong in either place, to tell you the truth. I love them both but it's like comparing apples to oranges. In Savannah, my two children loved watching the freighters go by on River Street. In Charleston, they loved splashing in the pineapple fountain.
From Hilton Head area, though, it is a considerably longer drive to Charleston so you might want to take that into consideration. Either way, either place, you'll be glad you visited. They're fantastic cities!
From Hilton Head area, though, it is a considerably longer drive to Charleston so you might want to take that into consideration. Either way, either place, you'll be glad you visited. They're fantastic cities!
Feb 17th, 2005, 07:48 PM
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Savannah.
But I wouldn't pick Savannah based on River Street. I fear that most people who vote against Savannah don't get far off River Street.
I've been to Savannah at least four times this year and am still discovering new sights on squares I hadn't seen before.
The walking tours are wonderful. I had the best tour guide on a carriage ride last week - as well as a wonderful guide a few months ago on the Old Savannah Trolley Tour.
The reawakening of Broughton Street offers new shopping that didn't exist a couple of years ago.
Garibaldi's and the Pink House have been wonderful on the past two trips - and the tavern in the ground floor of the Pink House could not be beat with drinks and appetizers on a couch in front of the fire, listening to piano music.
Funny - I asked the same question of SC guests at our table at Mrs. Wilkes a couple of weeks ago. Guess where they were from? Charleston!
But I wouldn't pick Savannah based on River Street. I fear that most people who vote against Savannah don't get far off River Street.
I've been to Savannah at least four times this year and am still discovering new sights on squares I hadn't seen before.
The walking tours are wonderful. I had the best tour guide on a carriage ride last week - as well as a wonderful guide a few months ago on the Old Savannah Trolley Tour.
The reawakening of Broughton Street offers new shopping that didn't exist a couple of years ago.
Garibaldi's and the Pink House have been wonderful on the past two trips - and the tavern in the ground floor of the Pink House could not be beat with drinks and appetizers on a couch in front of the fire, listening to piano music.
Funny - I asked the same question of SC guests at our table at Mrs. Wilkes a couple of weeks ago. Guess where they were from? Charleston!
Feb 18th, 2005, 06:09 AM
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Now why would someone who is a tourist call a restaurant touristy? Do you poll the people waiting in line to eat there?
People often mistake Justine's Kitchen and Hyman's with being touristy but after talking to management of both places, you would be surprised to know that Hyman's business is just as much local as tourist and Jestine's Kitchen is mostly local based.
