South - Charleston, S.C. - Last Minute Destination?




esfox
May 18, 09, 2:47 pm
This couldn't be more last minute--sorry. I have an Airtran flight voucher that expires today, meaning I must book a single RT today to anywhere on its route map (pending availablity, of course.)

To those of us who've never been, Charelston's garnered an outstanding reputation as a top place to visit above many great cities, an underappreciated jewel.

Is Charelston a good destination for a 45 yo. single male who :confused:

-isn't a party/hanging out in bars type, particularly

-much prefers local culture, history, dining to most tourist traps. I get the feeling lots of the charm may be lost without a "sharing" partner, perhaps in comparison to other cities. (sounds weird, but...!)

-is fine w/ sun and fun for a few hours--a trip!

-enjoys "alternative" culture, e.g., small theater productions, performances...For instance, is there an "alternative weekly" (not a tourist or vacation stuff calendar) published in the city featuring lesser known interesting daily events and performances a little bit "off the radar"?

-prefers "local" experience during the day but sleeping in at least a moderate hotel

-truly enjoys history and learning but not a "buff" particularly.

I know I've probably included less important info and left out more applicable, but time's a-runnin' down. Any hints/comments gratefully accepted. Thanks!


MissJ
May 18, 09, 2:56 pm
Absolutely. I'm a native South Carolinian and former Charleston resident. It's easily one of my favorite places in the world.

Part of Charleston may be frequented by tourists but not many tourist traps. It's not a city of bright flashy signs and cheesy entertainment.

poohhead80
May 18, 09, 7:13 pm
This couldn't be more last minute--sorry. I have an Airtran flight voucher that expires today, meaning I must book a single RT today to anywhere on its route map (pending availablity, of course.)

To those of us who've never been, Charelston's garnered an outstanding reputation as a top place to visit above many great cities, an underappreciated jewel.

Is Charelston a good destination for a 45 yo. single male who :confused:

-isn't a party/hanging out in bars type, particularly

-much prefers local culture, history, dining to most tourist traps. I get the feeling lots of the charm may be lost without a "sharing" partner, perhaps in comparison to other cities. (sounds weird, but...!)

-is fine w/ sun and fun for a few hours--a trip!

-enjoys "alternative" culture, e.g., small theater productions, performances...For instance, is there an "alternative weekly" (not a tourist or vacation stuff calendar) published in the city featuring lesser known interesting daily events and performances a little bit "off the radar"?

-prefers "local" experience during the day but sleeping in at least a moderate hotel

-truly enjoys history and learning but not a "buff" particularly.


I reccomend Charleston, Savannah, and St. Augustine for a short trip. Even though they are not located far from each other, they all have different history. Not sure you have been to Savannah or St. Augustine.


poohhead80
May 18, 09, 7:21 pm
Opps. Airtran does not serve Savannah

However, you can go to St. Augustine from Jacksonville,FL (about 40 miles)

http://www.st-augustine-travel-guide.com/

“the oldest continually occupied European settlement in the continental United States”.

amerikajin777
May 20, 09, 6:46 am
I'm actually heading to Charleston tomorrow with my folks as well for a long weekend. I've heard that we should go to Boone's Hall and Ft. Sumter. I'd also love to get some suggestions on good (not too expensive) Seafood restaurants. I've been to Hyman's before and loved it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Especially, any suggestions for evening entertainment? Comedy clubs, improvs, small theater, ghost tours etc.?

thedoorchick
Jun 1, 09, 9:47 pm
Well, I am a little late to be a reply to the previous posts, but since I am browsing FT and came upon a thread about a city I've been to, I will add my two cents for posterity. :)

We stayed downtown so did not have a car and pretty much walked everywhere. We did to go Ft. Sumter, which IMO is definitely worth while. We also walked through the flea market area (I forget the name?). DH wanted some pics of the older houses so we wandered some neighborhoods for awhile with the camera.

We ate at Jestine's, which I can't wait to return to (Southern soul food; I had fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried okra, and cornbread. Wanted banana pudding but had no room for it). We also went to a BBQ place, Sticky Fingers, which was fine but didn't blow me away. And a little Italian joint whose name I don't remember but it was very charming.

I want to go back because since we didn't have a car we didn't get to any of the plantations (Boone Hall, etc). Also there is a lot of highly recommended food that we didn't get to try:

Charleston Grill
Peninsula Grill
Hominy Grill (am I seeing a trend here?)
SNOB
FIG



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