Cha'lston

Allen and I are going to Charleston, South Carolina for part of the first week of September to celebrate my birthday! (Kim is coming to visit us for the second part!)

I am RIDICULOUSLY excited about this trip. Realistically, we should be saving the money but sometimes you just need to get away. So we're driving to Charleston and staying in a nice but inexpensive hotel to save money (I'd like to thank my grandpa for instilling a love of Hampton Inns--and waffles--but that's beside the point). We plan to visit Allen's family home on Wadmalaw Island and then pop over to the Firefly Vodka distillery (Sweet tea vodka? Yes!). We also hope to spend some time on the beach just relaxing and of course see the sights!

To get prepared for our upcoming trip, I found this great Southern Living article about "Charleston on the Cheap" I thought I'd share with ya'll.

Charleston on the Cheap
Take our tips for some low-cost ways to enjoy this South Carolina coastal treasure.

Let's cut to the chase. Charleston, being a prime tourist town, isn't known for rock-bottom rates. Location and atmosphere come with a price, and it's usually a bit high. However, there are some bargains to be had. We checked in and checked out a few places in or near the historic district, and here's what we came up with. This is not a comprehensive list, just a sampling of savings.

But before we get started, here are a few general tips.

When making reservations by phone, inquire if they are offering any specials. Don't hesitate to ask, "Is that your best rate?" You'll often get a better deal.

Many places roll out special winter packages, which may include a carriage ride, admission to the South Carolina Aquarium, or tours of local plantations.

Weekday rates are often cheaper than weekends, sometimes by $50 a night.

Check the Internet sites. You might find last-minute specials at significant savings.

Less costly lodging: The newly renovated Days Inn in the historic district is a good deal $119 double occupancy on weekdays. It's nothing special, but you can't beat the location. Call 1-866-683-8411, or visit http://www.daysinn.com/.

For charm-per-dollar, it's hard to top the Andrew Pinckney Inn. For atmosphere it has an elegant, West Indies feel, with a courtyard and a plant-filled atrium. Take breakfast out on their rooftop terrace. Rates range from $89 to $279. Call 1-800-505-8983, or visit http://www.andrewpinckneyinn.com/.

Heart-pine floors and mahogany furnishings make the Hampton Inn on Meeting Street a cut above the chain hotel crowd. It's in a prime spot too--across the street from the Charleston Museum and the Visitors Center. Their winter special ($145 night/double occupancy) includes a carriage ride. Call 1-800-426-7866, or visit http://www.hamptoninn.com/. (Sarah's note: This is where we're staying!)

Steals on meals: Jestine's Kitchen, a little cafe a few blocks south of the Visitor Center on Meeting Street, offers Southern cooking at a good price. It's hard to beat their fried oyster po'boy ($7.95). (Sarah's note: My cubicle neighbor recommended this as well, maybe we'll have to try it out!)

For a little more panache, the chic Hominy Grill gets top marks. What's good here? Their sautéed chicken livers, shiitake mushrooms, and red bell peppers all on angel hair pasta ($10.95) has to be one of the most surprisingly scrumptious concoctions we've ever tasted.

What to do: Start at the Charleston Visitor Center, where you can hop the trolley into town or out to the Aquarium Wharf, imax theater, South Carolina Aquarium, and Fort Sumter Interpretive Center. For information, contact the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-868-8118 or http://www.charlestoncvb.com/.

"Charleston on the Cheap" is from the November 2002 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.
Mark G. Stith

image: TripAdvisor

What are your suggestions for activities in Charleston?