Travel help in the Carolina's
Oct 1st, 2011, 06:50 AM
#1
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Travel help in the Carolina's
My husband and I are planning a get away the second week of October. We are planning to fly into Greenville SC on a Tuesday, drive into Asheville NC and visit the Biltmore and some of the surrounding area on Wednesday and Thursday. Since I have always wanted to visit Charleston and Savannah I am toying with the idea of a quick flight (or should we drive?) to Charleston (or would Savanah be better?) and spend Friday and Saturday on the coast. I would love opinions on these ideas. I realize this is a short amount of time in each area but we are really just wanting to get a flavor and can always come back to explore areas that we like. We have never been anywhere close to the Carolinas so please, please let us know what is a must see. We are not hikers, love the beautiful scenery for a minute or two but we both tend to be a little ADD.
Oct 1st, 2011, 07:09 AM
#2
It's just 4 hours from Asheville to Charleston. Drive.
With just two days I'd spend it in Charleston. If you move more days to that part of the trip you could drive to Savannah and spend a day/night there and fly out from Savannah.
With just two days I'd spend it in Charleston. If you move more days to that part of the trip you could drive to Savannah and spend a day/night there and fly out from Savannah.
Oct 1st, 2011, 07:26 AM
#3
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Thanks so much for your reply...drive it is!
Since we are so unfamiliar with the area would you suggest moving days and spending more in Charleston? I love architecture, hence my pull to the Biltmore. Can we do justice to Biltmore in one day? I am interested in the historical homes in Charleston and my sweet husband is being patient and willingly (sort of) coming along. We are just so unsure wether to spend time in the mountains and small towns surrounding Asheville or heading off to Charleston. Suggestions?
Since we are so unfamiliar with the area would you suggest moving days and spending more in Charleston? I love architecture, hence my pull to the Biltmore. Can we do justice to Biltmore in one day? I am interested in the historical homes in Charleston and my sweet husband is being patient and willingly (sort of) coming along. We are just so unsure wether to spend time in the mountains and small towns surrounding Asheville or heading off to Charleston. Suggestions?
Oct 1st, 2011, 08:56 AM
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I agree with my buddy starrs. Drive. It's easy.
You're coming during primetime in the mountains, so, if you don't have accommodations you may want to book immediately with anything you can find.
I live in Charleston, so I know more about it than I know about Savannah. October is great here, and the beaches are close to the city. Stay in the Historic District so you can walk right out your door in the mornings. Look at Mills House and Doubletree. If you'll give me your food preferences, I can make restaurant suggestions.
You're coming during primetime in the mountains, so, if you don't have accommodations you may want to book immediately with anything you can find.
I live in Charleston, so I know more about it than I know about Savannah. October is great here, and the beaches are close to the city. Stay in the Historic District so you can walk right out your door in the mornings. Look at Mills House and Doubletree. If you'll give me your food preferences, I can make restaurant suggestions.
Oct 1st, 2011, 09:07 AM
#5
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Ohh thank you! I am getting so excited. I was just looking at hotels and hoping to stay in the Historic District but the hotels I checked were $400 a night WOW! I will check into the Doubletree and Mills House. If we did have to stay further away to get closer to a $200 rate will we have a problem finding a place to put the rental car while we explore? Can you tell me how you would go about exploring the Historic District? Where should we start? What should we not miss? Our food preferences are easy...good food, nice atmosphere, local favorites. My husband is a meat and potatoes guy but seafood is always a plus. THANKS!
Oct 1st, 2011, 09:41 AM
#6
Okay, based on what you've said I'd do this -
Tuesday - fly into Greenville and drive to Asheville (about an hour). Spend the rest of Tuesday driving around the area. Maybe even stay in Hendersonville and Brevard.
Wednesday - go see the Biltmore House and explore Asheville and the surrounding area some more.
Thursday - drive to Charleston (about 4 hours) and explore Charleston. #1 stop = carriage ride around the city.
Spend the night in the historic area if you can.
Friday - explore Charleston in the morning and then drive over to Savannah - (about 2 hours)
Friday night in the historic district of Savannh (several good option)
#1 stop in Savannah - take a walking tour of Savannah with Dirk of Savannah Rambles - the BEST guide I've had anywhere AND he specializes in architecture tours
http://www.savannahrambles.com/
If you can fly back on Sunday, spend another night in Savannah.
Fly out of Savannah if possible. If not, drive back to Greevnille on the morning of your travel day.
If you have to drive back to Greenville, flip-flop Savannah and Charleston. That way you'd definitely be in Savannah on a weekday and go to lunch at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House -
http://www.mrswilkes.com/
Tuesday - fly into Greenville and drive to Asheville (about an hour). Spend the rest of Tuesday driving around the area. Maybe even stay in Hendersonville and Brevard.
Wednesday - go see the Biltmore House and explore Asheville and the surrounding area some more.
Thursday - drive to Charleston (about 4 hours) and explore Charleston. #1 stop = carriage ride around the city.
Spend the night in the historic area if you can.
Friday - explore Charleston in the morning and then drive over to Savannah - (about 2 hours)
Friday night in the historic district of Savannh (several good option)
#1 stop in Savannah - take a walking tour of Savannah with Dirk of Savannah Rambles - the BEST guide I've had anywhere AND he specializes in architecture tours
http://www.savannahrambles.com/
If you can fly back on Sunday, spend another night in Savannah.
Fly out of Savannah if possible. If not, drive back to Greevnille on the morning of your travel day.
If you have to drive back to Greenville, flip-flop Savannah and Charleston. That way you'd definitely be in Savannah on a weekday and go to lunch at Mrs. Wilkes' Boarding House -
http://www.mrswilkes.com/
Oct 1st, 2011, 09:44 AM
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More questions...hoping to get this booked today! The more we look into this trip the more I am wondering if I am giving enough time to Charleston. I am able to book the Double Tree on Friday only and the Mill House on Thursday and Friday but not on Saturday. If you think we will need more than two days I will add Thursday to Charleston and cut our time in Asheville area. Current plan is to spend Tuesday and Wednesday in Asheville at the Biltmore. Thursday either check out the Asheville area or drive to Charleston. Spend Thursday night outside of Charlotte. Explore Historic Charlotte on Friday and spend the night at one of these hotels. Saturday night I guess we will stay close to the airport. The more I plan the more confused I get. This is a problem with last minute trips!
Oct 1st, 2011, 09:51 AM
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Starrs, love your plan. I didn't see it before my last post. Do you think that we will feel too rushed to add Savannah? Any suggestions on Savannah hotels? My husband just left to run an errand, when he comes home and finds out I added another city to his "relaxing getaway" LOL
Oct 1st, 2011, 10:06 AM
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I love Asheville and visit every chance I get. I have been to Biltmore many times and I never get tired of it. However, it you love old architecture, spend more time in Charleston. Mills House is right at the corner of Queen and Meeting Streets- a perfect jumping off point to walk around the HD. starrs is right. Take a carriage ride first thing (they leave from the Market, a 3 block walk from your hotel). The carriages go on a lottery so you line up, get on, and go where it takes you. The drivers don't know which route they'll get, but they are all great. You can get acclimated and pick out places you'd like to revisit.
The Edmonston-Alston House is wonderful and open for tours:
http://www.edmondstonalston.com/
Walk around the Battery and visit shops on King Street. Prepare for sticker shock in the antique stores
Charleston has world class restaurants and some can be pricey. Husk, which is right across from Mills House was just voted by Bon Appetite as best new restaurant in the US. It's tough to get reservations, but they make bacon there. So if you can't get in open your window and sniff. 82 Queen is right there and has great traditional lowcountry food. FIG, SNOB and High Cotton are also on my favorite list. SNOB has good lunch for @ $10 on weekdays and High Cotton has brunch on weekends. Jestine's is less upscale but very traditional. It's popular with tourists so go on off hours if it looks good to you.
There are tons of others. If you do some googling and find something that peaks your interest, let me know. Chances are I've been there, and have the hind parts to prove it.
I would caution you about staying out near the airport. It's not bad, but it can be noisy. The Air Force base (my place of employment) flies C-17s off the same runways as the airport. They are big and loud. There are few dining options and N. Charleston can be tricky. If your plane is not really early, stay at the Holiday Inn Express Mt Pleasant. It's right at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge , so you can hop on I26 and be at the airport in 30 minutes. I do it every day.
Don't panic. You will love all this believe me!
The Edmonston-Alston House is wonderful and open for tours:
http://www.edmondstonalston.com/
Walk around the Battery and visit shops on King Street. Prepare for sticker shock in the antique stores
Charleston has world class restaurants and some can be pricey. Husk, which is right across from Mills House was just voted by Bon Appetite as best new restaurant in the US. It's tough to get reservations, but they make bacon there. So if you can't get in open your window and sniff. 82 Queen is right there and has great traditional lowcountry food. FIG, SNOB and High Cotton are also on my favorite list. SNOB has good lunch for @ $10 on weekdays and High Cotton has brunch on weekends. Jestine's is less upscale but very traditional. It's popular with tourists so go on off hours if it looks good to you.
There are tons of others. If you do some googling and find something that peaks your interest, let me know. Chances are I've been there, and have the hind parts to prove it.
I would caution you about staying out near the airport. It's not bad, but it can be noisy. The Air Force base (my place of employment) flies C-17s off the same runways as the airport. They are big and loud. There are few dining options and N. Charleston can be tricky. If your plane is not really early, stay at the Holiday Inn Express Mt Pleasant. It's right at the foot of the Ravenel Bridge , so you can hop on I26 and be at the airport in 30 minutes. I do it every day.
Don't panic. You will love all this believe me!
Oct 1st, 2011, 10:07 AM
#11
Most of the time I go along with the Charleston OR Savannah - and that would certainly work for you. But given YOUR interest in historical homes you would LOVE a tour with Dirk. So, don't go to Savannah if you don't plan to do a tour with Dirk (very reasonable) but DO go to it and see another city and enjoy one of the best tours of your life. He'll customize if you want him too. Based on your interests, I know you will LOVE it!
Savannah may be cheaper too, so 2 nights in Savannah and 1 night in Charleston may be better for your pocketbook. I get rooms via Hotwire all the time in Savannah and I can give you a list to look at (at regular rates) or my best guesses on what's coming up in Savannah on Hotwire. I agree with the Charleston recommendations. I'm there mostly on business and have stayed at the Mills House a lot (a Holiday Inn property). If you can fly into Greenville and out of Charleston it won't be too much driving at all.
Two days in Asheville should be fine, especially #1 during the busy fall season and #2 your interested in the historic coastal cities.
Savannah may be cheaper too, so 2 nights in Savannah and 1 night in Charleston may be better for your pocketbook. I get rooms via Hotwire all the time in Savannah and I can give you a list to look at (at regular rates) or my best guesses on what's coming up in Savannah on Hotwire. I agree with the Charleston recommendations. I'm there mostly on business and have stayed at the Mills House a lot (a Holiday Inn property). If you can fly into Greenville and out of Charleston it won't be too much driving at all.
Two days in Asheville should be fine, especially #1 during the busy fall season and #2 your interested in the historic coastal cities.
Oct 1st, 2011, 12:11 PM
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I cannot thank you all enough for all of your help. This trip has turned 16 different directions in 6 hours! Husband not keen on adding Savannah this time but promised a return trip if we didn't make it there. We have booked airline (tough) and hotel res for two out of five nights! We had to flip flop in order to get res in HD. Trip so far:
Tues fly into Greenville. Arrive at 12:30 and head straight for Charleston. We have reservations at the Doubletree in HD for two nights!! We hope to make it to town in time for a fabulous dinner at one of the restaurants that you recommended. (I must make a note to get reservations when I get this trip booked)
Wed I will be up at the crack of dawn and ready to see Charleston...carriage ride first.
Thursday more exploring of Charleston in the morning and then start moving towards Asheville.
Friday Biltmore day
Saturday suggestions?
More time in Charlotte? Thought it would be best to get to the Biltmore before weekend.
Tell us what you think...Thanks!
Tues fly into Greenville. Arrive at 12:30 and head straight for Charleston. We have reservations at the Doubletree in HD for two nights!! We hope to make it to town in time for a fabulous dinner at one of the restaurants that you recommended. (I must make a note to get reservations when I get this trip booked)
Wed I will be up at the crack of dawn and ready to see Charleston...carriage ride first.
Thursday more exploring of Charleston in the morning and then start moving towards Asheville.
Friday Biltmore day
Saturday suggestions?
More time in Charlotte? Thought it would be best to get to the Biltmore before weekend.
Tell us what you think...Thanks!
Oct 1st, 2011, 02:53 PM
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Starrs, no, I meant Charleston. My head is spinning! I have 4 of the five nights booked now and will take some time off to decompress. We booked the Doubletree in Asheville. I really wanted to stay at the Inn at Biltmore but I would have to give up HD in Charleston to do it. I think we will be fine not stay AT the Biltmore this time. I really want to thank all of you for helping me out. I am really excited to explore this part of the country. I have been west. I have been north and northeast. I have been south and southeast, but never to this area. I am excited.
Thanks again. I will be back later to think about dinner reservations...Yum!
Thanks again. I will be back later to think about dinner reservations...Yum!
Oct 2nd, 2011, 01:43 PM
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Hoping you all my still be around today. Suewoo, we live in central Oklahoma. Most of our traveling the past few years have revolved around football games that tend to be in the west.
Surprise, surprise, I have more questions. I am assuming we should make reservations if we want to have dinner in some of the nicer restaurants. My husband has informed me that this will be a jacketless vacation - khaki pants and tennis shoe vacation this time. Will we have a problem in any restaurants. I am thinking perhaps we can do lunch in some? We will be arriving our first night around dinner time where would you suggest we go since I hate to make reservations that evening?
Surprise, surprise, I have more questions. I am assuming we should make reservations if we want to have dinner in some of the nicer restaurants. My husband has informed me that this will be a jacketless vacation - khaki pants and tennis shoe vacation this time. Will we have a problem in any restaurants. I am thinking perhaps we can do lunch in some? We will be arriving our first night around dinner time where would you suggest we go since I hate to make reservations that evening?
Oct 2nd, 2011, 02:02 PM
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We love Fig restaurant in Asheville down near Biltmore Entrance. There is a relatively new restaurant in the downtown called Curate - I won't go on and on about it, but the Chef has am impressive background. It might be something you would like to try.
There are many cute shops, art galleries, restaurants, wine bars, etc.. in the downtown area that you can easily spend a day there. I just returned from Asheville a week ago after going to Biltmore to see the collection of Tiffany Lamps (I think they are now gone). We did everything in a day there. I would suggest driving to Grove Park Inn on the other side of Asheville for a drink in the lobby and a seat by the fireplace - truly magical!
I think anyplace in Asheville and you can get away without a jacket! I am not sure about Charleston.
I think your trip plan is fantastic. Have a great time!
There are many cute shops, art galleries, restaurants, wine bars, etc.. in the downtown area that you can easily spend a day there. I just returned from Asheville a week ago after going to Biltmore to see the collection of Tiffany Lamps (I think they are now gone). We did everything in a day there. I would suggest driving to Grove Park Inn on the other side of Asheville for a drink in the lobby and a seat by the fireplace - truly magical!
I think anyplace in Asheville and you can get away without a jacket! I am not sure about Charleston.
I think your trip plan is fantastic. Have a great time!
