Savannah/Charleston

Two cities, each with their own charm. We were in Savannah for 3 nights, Sept. 14-15-16 of 2003, then in Charleston for 3 nights. I posted the Savannah part on the Savannah board.

CHARLESTON

We stayed at the Vendue Inn and had wonderful accommodations--a spacious bedroom with king bed, desk, easy chair and an armoire containing a large-screen TV. There was a separate sitting room with a couch, easy chair, center and side tables, and a smaller TV. This was where we would spend an hour or two after walking all morning or afternoon. Full Southern breakfast was served daily. During the day, pitchers of iced tea, lemonade and water were always available just up the steps from their music room. Between 4 and 6 p.m., wine and cheese with crackers was available. Between 8 and 10 p.m., fresh baked cookies and milk and kahlua were available.

We arrived around lunchtime and before checking in, we stopped to have lunch at Gaulart and Maliclet Cafe, a great little place on Broad St. For about $7.00 I had Seafood Vegetable soup, French Cheese and French Bread and a glass of white wine! I had just spent $7.00 on a glass of wine by itself a couple of nights before!

During our stay, we walked the battery completely--an absolute must to really know Charleston. We strolled through the City Market on more than one occasion and browsed all the items for sale. Watched the ladies making sweetwater grass baskets. Took a carriage tour by Palmetto Carriage Tours. Bought a print from one of the galleries. Toured the Edmunton-Alston House in the battery, which has many original furnishings. A must-see.

Of course we walked Meeting Street with all its shops. Saw the Aiken-Rhett House. This house is unique in that it has not been restored. It is a taped cassette tour that allows you to tour the house at your own speed. The tour includes the carriage house and slave dwellings, warming kitchen and cooking kitchen, which are separate from the house itself.

While in Charleston I was able to find a great Photo store, where I asked them to take my full compact flash cards and burn my pictures to a CD so I could erase the cards and start fresh. It was well worth the $8.95.

Comparing Charleston and Savannah (as so many do on the boards) is like comparing apples and oranges. They both have their own feel. Savannah is more laid back and intimate. Charleston has high-level shopping, though I, for one, do not go on vacation to go shopping. I do feel you need more time to do Charleston. We didn't even get to a plantation because we wanted a relaxed vacation, with time to freshen up and relax from time to time. The Vendue Inn was a great location, right down the block from the river, where we sat for a half an hour or so just watching the boats go by.

All in all, I took 385 pictures between the two cities, so I have some great photos to look at.



DINING

Dinner at Charleston Chops Wednesday. Excellent fair. DH had a Rib-eye steak and I had Osso Buco and parmesan risotto. We had a lovely and leisurely meal while we listened to the piano player for almost 2 hours. No one rushed us. I realize it was a Wednesday and the place had plenty of tables open, but it was a great experience for us. I made several special requests and the piano player always obliged. He had quite a repertoire--from classical music to show tunes.

A lunch at Sermey's Corner was very good--Chicken and vegetables over mushroom ravioli.

At Poogan's Porch we had a great Shrimp Gumbo over Saffron rice for lunch.

As mentioned above, Gaulart and Maliclet Cafe is a great buy for lunch. I believe they also serve dinner.

We had an OK Shepherd's Pie at Tommy Condon's. Probably the least memorable meal of our entire trip.

For our last night, dinner at 82 Queen was wonderful: Grilled Grouper with Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, Apple smoked bacon, Capers, and Red onions. We were too full for dessert. Shucks.

Nice report. Like you, we had too-short a time of it in Charleston, which was a city that we really fell for. Can't wait to return and your report just heightens that desire. Doesn't sound like you visited the Charleston Experience or whatever it's called in the Customs House downtown...it's the kind of thing we usually don't do (thinking it's a bit touristy), but we enjoyed it and it helped set the scene for us.

We just got back from our Savannah/Charleston trip last night and I agree on your comparison of the two cities-- like apples and oranges. I can't imagine having to choose between one or the other.
In Charleston we also stayed at the Vendue Inn, which couldn't have been better. It was so comfortable that I slept like a baby and felt like I was staying at a good friend's house. The location is excellent (within walking distance of all the good stuff), the service is great, and the place was very clean. Upstairs at the rooftop bar we had a view of the city, watched the sunset and listened to the best bluegrass music. I would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Yes, Bunny, the Vendue was absolutely great. I felt as comfortable as if I were in my own home.

We stayed at Vendue Inn as well -- we had been driving back from Florida (my mother's funeral) and stopped at the South Carolina Welcome Center on 95. Ended up with a special rate of $99. Totally loved the place and would go back in a minute.