The Carolinas, first trip suggestions
 

We are planning to fly into Asheville North Carolina and spend 3 nights there and then drive to the South Carolina coast for three more nights before heading back and flying home out of Asheville.

Two forty/fifty something adults and two older teen girls who want beach action. What would you suggest for itinerary and ideas to stay, do and eat? Things I want to do are Biltmore, possibly white water rafting "guided", but never been to the Carolinas so need some help.

In regards to Asheville, and besides Biltmore, I would spend at least a few hours driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, the area is known for its beautiful waterfalls. If you start out early in the day, you could drive part of the parkway, then head south to visit Dry Falls and others in that area and then head toward Brevard. Whitewater Falls is the highest in the eastern U.S. Looking Glass falls, very near Brevard, is particularly attractive. If you want to do any hiking, Rainbow Falls is another great one.

As for beach options, two older teen girls would probably love Myrtle Beach, but my favorite spot on the coast is Charleston, where you can visit the beach along with one of the country's best towns.

Are there pretty good beaches in the Charleston area? Had thought that would be a pretty cool place to go, but most of the posts talk of Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach for swimming, sunbathing etc.

I haven't been to Hilton Head. From what I have heard others say of it, it is a good compromise between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, but it still "ain't" Charleston. On the whole, Charleston's beaches are not as nice as Myrtle Beach's, but they are pretty good. I have spent several days at the beach there on two trips and had a good time (Isle of Palms). The difference is that my kids are a whole lot younger than your's, so it depends on whether they just want a nice beach or a beach with a whole lot going on. For me, if I were planning a beach vacation, I would think of Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach first. I consider the beaches as a big bonus in Charleston. Believe me, Charleston makes up for any difference in the beaches.

With only three days, drive to one of the Charleston beaches, specifically Wild Dunes on Isle of Palms.

The Charleston beaches are the shortest drive for you, closer than either Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head and they are wonderful.

Wild Dunes is a first class resort with stuff to do for all ages. Trust me, once you visit, you will want to return.

Interstate 26 (I-26) is pretty much a straight shot from Asheville to Charleston. It should take you under 4 hours.

Although I live in Myrtle Beach (and love it), I concur with GoTravel. From Asheville, and with only 3 nights at the beach, head to Charleston's wonderful IOP beaches. It's a relatively easy drive into Charleston, and Dan is right about Charleston being one of the best towns in the entire U.S.

And what a great one-two punch you'll have: Asheville (with its beautiful Appalachian setting) and Charleston. Arguably the best of both carolinas.

And as for white water, the French Broad River runs near Asheville (and while it's not Deliverance-style white water), canoeing it would be a nice, convenient introduction to mountain rivers. If you want more action, you could head further west to the Nantahala River (lots of great white water there, depending on the time of year & water level).

Thanks.... hopefully it sounds like it could be a great trip.

Hi 4khansen, I was in Charleston for the first time this last April. GoTravel certainly added a lot to our trip. Charleston is so beautiful. And oh the food!! We did not do the beach action but I feel assured that both of you and your older teenagers would love Charleston.

Are you committed to flying in and out of Asheville? Our daughter went to camp further sw into the mtns there for 4 years, and it's a drive that can seem a tad long. Can you do open jaw, & fly out of Charleston? Probably better plane choices from Charleston, also.
And - when are you planning this trip to occur? You're probably late for this year.

I am thinking about early June, probably 2nd week. We both teach and schools get out in Iowa Mid to Late-May and I thought kids might still be in school on the coast as they tend to go later into June.

As far as flying in and out of Asheville, we have reward points through Harrah's casino for some of the flights -- the only catch is that you have to fly in and out of a locality with a Harrah's casino. There is a Harrah's casino in Cherokee NC near Asheville.

4khansen: just something to keep in mind...Spoleto Festival takes place in Charleston May 26 - June 11 so hotels will be at a premium. Spoleto is a great time to be in Charleston but just be sure to book your hotel far in advance. Happy travels!

Yikes, skip staying in Charleston during Spoleto but outside (IOP/Wild Dunes) is fine.

Also - most of the area schools will be out by then... primary, high school and college.