suzette
Junior Member
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Post by suzette on Jun 30, 2014 20:51:25 GMT
I am going to Charleston with my 5 sisters in September. We are not fancy eaters and not zoo / aquarium types. I was looking at Culinary tours, Harbor tour vs. Fort Sumter, maybe kayaking on Kiawah (we are staying on Kiawah Island). Any suggestions or good experiences that you had there? Will it still be warm enough to swim on Kiawah in early September?
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Post by songbird on Jun 30, 2014 21:03:17 GMT
It will still likely be sweltering here in September! LOL...definitely plan accordingly. There's lots of plantations, too, if you're into that sort of thing. Fort Sumter is good if you enjoy history. I really enjoyed the ferry ride there and back because not only was it a great view of the area, but we had dolphins swimming next to us and putting on a show. There's a decommissioned aircraft carrier at Patriot's Point also (where you leave for Fort Sumter). Downtown Charleston is really neat and has great shopping and food, bars, souvenir shops, etc. There's carriage rides you can take down there, too. I'm not sure how far you want to venture out, but there's lots to do here in the area!
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 17:23:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 21:47:52 GMT
I would definitely take a carriage tour. They tell such great stories. It's an entertaining way to learn about the history. Magnolia Plantation has very pretty gardens. (I've only been to Magnolia Plantation in the spring, so check to see what would be blooming in September).
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 17:23:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2014 22:06:48 GMT
If we ever go to Charleston, we're hoping to do one of these dolphin tours. |
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Post by Annie on Jun 30, 2014 22:57:10 GMT
Oh I'll be watching this for suggestions. I'm hoping to make it down there sometime late September or early October as well.
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Post by epeanymous on Jun 30, 2014 23:16:57 GMT
Kiawah is not far from Charleston, but it is not right in Charleston either -- if you are going into Charleston proper, be prepared for a little drive. My favorite things to do in Charleston are to walk around the downtown area (King St., etc.), to walk around the beautiful houses down on the battery, and to eat (although it sounds like you are not really looking for suggestions for restaurants). It should be warm enough to swim at that time of year, no problem.
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suzette
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by suzette on Jun 30, 2014 23:32:27 GMT
Thanks for the responses! I like the carriage ride idea if they are entertaining, we will have to do some shopping and walking around the city. I do like to eat, but as a group we just don't dress up and go out to high end restaurants. We do like to try fun local food, that's why I thought a culinary tour would be fun!
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Post by Crazyhare on Jun 30, 2014 23:39:15 GMT
The carriage rides tell you a lot about the city. I've been on a few and all have been worth it. Lots of history and stories you wouldn't get by just walking around.
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vapeanut
Shy Member
Posts: 13
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Post by vapeanut on Sept 8, 2014 3:27:57 GMT
Bumping this thread since I will be going to charleston in about 5 weeks with my mom, daughter, cousin and aunts - 7 in all for our annual Girls Week. Everyone is mentioning carriage rides. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as what company to use? I took a trolley tour in Savannah last year and we could barely hear over the traffic sounds. Very frustrating.
We will be staying in a house on Isle of palms. Anyone know the area and have suggestions for restaurants in that area?
Thanks
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Post by Patter on Sept 8, 2014 10:03:18 GMT
Don't forget to visit The Market in downtown Charleston. It's one of our favorite places to go.
And vapeanut, I am sorry but I don't remember the name of the company we use. There is a large barn across the street from the market that offers tours. That is who we use and we have always been pleased.
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 17:23:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 12:45:28 GMT
I agree..don't miss the market downtown!!
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Post by gajitldy on Sept 8, 2014 12:46:07 GMT
Don't forget to visit The Market in downtown Charleston. It's one of our favorite places to go. And vapeanut, I am sorry but I don't remember the name of the company we use. There is a large barn across the street from the market that offers tours. That is who we use and we have always been pleased. I think all the carriage companies are very good. Also the Market is only open on Saturdays and should be a priority IMO. They have some unusual things and local food. my favorite city. Wear sturdy shoes or sneakers as some of the streets are cobblestone and sidewalks are uneven. Have a blast! Diane |
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by MerryMom on Sept 8, 2014 12:48:31 GMT
I am not sure if this is something you would like, but when we went to Charleston this past spring, we went to The Citadel and watched the parade (it was free and we enjoyed watching it). We also toured the campus. Citadel parade schedule |
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 17:23:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 12:51:58 GMT
Acme Lowcountry kitchen in isle of palms is my favorite place to eat and it's very casual. On our least trip to IoP we went there three times.
Other than that, we just do the beach.
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janeliz
Drama Llama
I'm the Wiz and nobody beats me.
Posts: 5,641
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Post by janeliz on Sept 8, 2014 12:55:26 GMT
Bumping this thread since I will be going to charleston in about 5 weeks with my mom, daughter, cousin and aunts - 7 in all for our annual Girls Week. Everyone is mentioning carriage rides. Does anyone have any recommendations as far as what company to use? I took a trolley tour in Savannah last year and we could barely hear over the traffic sounds. Very frustrating. We will be staying in a house on Isle of palms. Anyone know the area and have suggestions for restaurants in that area? Thanks Acme Lowcountry Kitchen and Sea Biscuit Cafe on IOP, and Dunleavy's Pub, Poe's Tavern, and SALT at Station 22 on Sullivan's Island. |
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Post by buddysmom on Sept 8, 2014 14:15:02 GMT
We were there a few weeks ago and did a free walking tour.
They are becoming very popular in many cities in the US and Europe (also did one in Paris a couple of months ago.)
You just pay them a nice tip. There were only about ten of us on it so it was not crazy busy and the guide was very knowledgeable and personal. (You can check it out on Tripadvisor)
It was about 2-3 hours and a great overview of the city.
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Deleted
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Oct 7, 2024 17:23:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2014 14:23:35 GMT
I was just there in June.
If you hit the market, find the vendor selling the sweet tea and lemonade. The sweet tea is worth the 5 bucks, and I can't stand tea. It was SO HOT in June, I can't imagine September. There were several carriage tour companies in that area. If you want to be frugal check out groupon or trip advisor for discounts.
I ate at the wharf restaurant one night, I don't remember the name. The she-crab soup was ok, but the crab cake (off the app menu) was to die for. Seriously, I could have skipped the soup and just had another crab cake and been very happy. Lovely view of the water and nice service too.
THey have a free trolley that runs through downtown, but it sounds like you're going to be driving in the city at least. I've vacationed on Folly Beach which is nice, the pier is a nice stroll and they have a restaurant there. You do have to pay to park, but it's all day parking if you're spending the day on the beach.
Charleston is one of my most favorite cities- enjoy!
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suzette
Junior Member
Posts: 59
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Post by suzette on Sept 11, 2014 2:12:29 GMT
We spent the day in Charleston today. I booked a harbor tour on the Carolina Queen and a carriage ride with Palmetto Carriage. Both tours were very good, full of history and fun guides. We shopped at the market, walked the battery and ate at the Crab House for dinner. It was a nice day.
We are staying on Kiawah Island in a house rental. I rented the house through VRBO and are happy with it. We are close to the beach and love swimming in the ocean. We spent a couple of days on the Islands checking out the local beaches, Angel Oak, the winnery and distillery, Bohicket Marina which has dolphin tours, shops and bars/resturants. We liked Reds Ice House for casual drinks and dinner.
Earlier this his week, we went to Harrahs Cherokee Casino and stayed a few nights at the hotel there, we had a great time. The hotel is very nice and the people that work in the casino were very nice. We had some cocktails and got a little loud and rowdy, but they were joking around with us and let us have fun.
Overall, it has been a great trip.
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Sept 11, 2014 3:33:05 GMT
Marking my spot. We plan to visit Charleston soon, too  |
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Post by cannmom on Sept 11, 2014 17:48:15 GMT
My DH and DS would say make sure to stop at Kilwins and get ice cream. It's right next to the market.
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Post by ScrappyJac on Sept 11, 2014 20:09:53 GMT
We went to Charleston at the end of Sept last year. The weather was actually gorgeous for our trip, warm but not sweltering!
We loved these restaurants: Husk, Pooghan's Porch, Hominy Grill, Magnolia, Kaminsky's Baking Co
Things to Do: Old Market, Carriage Tour, Marion Sq Farmers Mkt (Saturday), Rainbow Row, Waterfront Park, Citadel
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Post by CarolT on May 27, 2015 2:52:29 GMT
Bringing this back to the top... Dh and I are going in about a month for 3 nights. I grew up in the south, and we've been to Savannah several times, but never Charleston.
Any more suggestions for our trip? We're planning to do the sunset harbor sailboat tour and go to Patriot's Point. Other than that, we're open to suggestions for sights to see, activities, shops, and restaurants.
Thanks!
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Post by cherrie on May 27, 2015 3:21:05 GMT
Look up the crew from the tv show "Southern Charm"...now that would be a good time |
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AmeliaBloomer
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Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on May 27, 2015 3:45:38 GMT
We went this Christmas, so no real outdoorsy things and we skipped the plantations because the gardens wouldn't be lush. We thought the downtown and waterfront areas were charming.
We're big on history. Fort Sumter...a lot of historic house tours (the Joseph Maginault was great; the rest were meh.) We did a carriage tour (nice overview), a truly stupid ghost tour, and a walking tour about the Civil War. The military prison in the basement of the Exchange and Provost Building was interesting. Look for a Groupon for Patriot's Point (half price) and devote several hours to the ships.
Restaurants: In the downtown area, Cru Cafe was delicious and homey. The Glass Onion, casual and fabulous southern food, was a drive but worth it.
I'd skip the touristy City Market. There's a lot of retail on King Street - a few unique places, but also a lot of chains.
Have fun!
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mooneybeams
Junior Member
Posts: 66
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Post by mooneybeams on May 27, 2015 14:04:13 GMT
Poogan's porch and a Ghost Tour!
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Post by pastlifepea on May 27, 2015 14:17:51 GMT
Poogan's porch and a Ghost Tour! Oh my goodness! I love Poogan's Porch...I always get the Fried Green BLT. The ghost tours are fun. Not sure if they do it here, but in Savannah we did one where we rode around in a hearse. It was spooky but fantastically fun! Jestine's Kitchen is great food, if you can get in. Go early...they usually have a line. I'd like to but haven't gotten to go do a tour of the Hunley submarine. I think it would be fascinating. The city tours by bus are pretty nice and allow you to ride in air conditioned comfort while seeing the sights and being told about them by the driver. It's a good way to familiarize yourself with the city layout before driving around yourself. They usually stop on the battery and let you get out for awhile. They leave from the visitor center where there is ample parking. You can also buy a pass for the trolley at the visitor center and ride all around while you leave your car there. Wow....I miss South Carolina so much. |
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Post by lbp on May 27, 2015 14:39:56 GMT
I ditto the carriage tours. I would have totally missed the "earthquake bolts" in the houses had I not gleaned that little tidbit from the carriage driver! Visit all the historic houses they are beautiful and cool! September is going to be hot as Hades. I love Ashley Hall Plantation, it is worth the visit.
Magnolia Plantation has beautiful gardens and I think you can still take canoe rides there. It's been a few years since I was in Charleston.
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Post by GamGam on May 27, 2015 14:56:28 GMT
Since you are staying on Kaiwah, be sure and walk to the inlet between Kaiwah and Seabrook at low tide to watch the Dolphins "strand feeding". The rental office can give you more details, but this is a not to be missed event. The Dolphins feed as a group and circle and throw the schools of fish on the sand/surf and then chow down. It is a spectacle to observe.
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