Charleston SC?

[tiredturkey]

Has anyone been? What are the must-see places? Where to stay, eat, what to avoid. Planning a mid-October week with DH. We both love history, architecture, art, antiques, etc. I'm looking forward to your advice!

[NoNamePerson]

I am also planning to go in the fall. Can't offer up anything yet. My son spend two years there after Hurricane Hugo and the only thing he said to me was "Mom as much as your love New Orleans, you will love Charleston - it is a "clean" New Orleans. So much to see and do. We are also planning to head to Savannah for a few days on the same trip.

[Deleted]

You will love it! Most of the hotels in the historic district are really nice. Great walking tours, carriage tours.
Can't remember restaurant names as I have not been there in a couple years but lots of great ones. Great architecure,( beautiful kind of weather beaten) gardens, antiquing. I'm so jealous of you guys. Way overdue for a Charleston fix! Maybe next year.
Have fun!

[grits]

I went twice in 90, and again in 91.  I enjoyed the historic market downtown.  I went to free concerts, art shows, tours, and many other things.  I think I need to go back.  Just be aware that it has a high crime rate.  Also, check bedbugregistry's website.  Charleston had a problem with them in the past.  I enjoy it most in the spring, and again in late May to early June.  There is a huge arts festival then.  A lot of the events are free to the public.  Also, there is one at the same time that is geared towards families.  On weekends, artists would set up on the sidewalks, and you could pick up really nice art for very little money.

[chiver78]

I'm told that Isle of Palms (on the ocean) is stunningly beautiful.

I will most likely be heading there myself at some point this year, too. the plan right now is to spend a week, so I'm latching onto this thread for suggestions too. thank you!

[grits]

The Isle of Palms is nice.  Folly beach is okay.   There are several historic sites around the city, and outlying areas.  Several beautiful colonial mansions are open for tours.  There are beautiful parks.  The historic churches are open for tours.  If you go during Spoleto/Piccolo Spoleto, different groups put on free concerts and things.  I saw a group of college students put on a great humorous play in a city park.  All around me were artists with their work on display.  I remember one Piccolo Spoleto event was Bee Hive Jive with 60's music.  I wish I was going.  I've been thinking about going back for about 6 years now.  Oooo Martha Graham was there.  She was so fragile looking.  She looked like an ancient porcelain doll. She was 96 years old.  There was a fast food joint right across from the historic market.  It was built to resemble an old time ice cream parlor.  They had the most delicious raspberry caramel chocolate ice cream.  I went there twice in 3 days for ice cream.  Okay, I'm starting to drool.
Charleston is 2 hrs drive from Savannah, Ga.  You can do a ton of stuff in the area.  I would recommend that you contact their convention and visitors bureau.  I have stayed down near the historic district, and in North Charleston.  It is a short drive.