Charleston and Savannah

Lots of leafy squares and the cobbled riverfront street is busy after dusk.

And take a ghost tour of Charlestown. Most haunted city in America.

(Charleston and environs home to the Gullah culture. Nearby, though they might require a car - Hilton Head, Parris Island, the S.C. river roads, Moncks Corner)

(isn't Circle Pines, the camp at least, in Michigan?)

I nearly applied to SCAD after visiting Savannah, but my gf didn't think she could find work there. Savannah is the nicer of the two, Charleston has a weird middle-aged feel to it. However, there's not much to do at night in either place (ghost tours, anyone?). That said, the food is much, much better in Charleston. I think Georgia is a beautiful state to drive through. I realize that sounds like a back-handed compliment, but really it's not.

It's a small city, or a large town, whichever way you want to look at it. I was there in January and the weather was...fine. Maybe a bit chilly at night, but otherwise the temperature was cool and errrrr, temperate. Def. worth a couple of days' visit, though, believe it or not I was looking at living there (well, studying at SCAD) a couple of years ago...

*stops imagining Charleston and Savannah = perfect socialite debutante names*

My family lives down that way, both cities are worth a visit. Savannah is slightly easier to navigate, but Charleston is really stunning if you can avoid crowds. Lots of antique stores and galleries. It was all very, "oh, look- this inlayed mahogany sideboard is only $23,000. Bahahaha!"

Is the whole of each city walkable?

While I can see avoiding the extreme heat/humidity months, are you missing out on the experience if you go when it isn't at least hottish? Like early to mid-March?

If you were going to fly round-trip to one city, and train (drive?) to the other, which would you fly to? It sounds like Charleston is worth more time?

I like the location of Charleston better as it is right on the ocean. The Ft. Sumter tour is worth it, I suppose. Walking along the battery and looking around in the historical area of town seems more geared to shopping than history, but it's quaint and nice. The eateries in Charleston are better overall, and it's got better night life. I think both cities have plantations that you can tour, but Charleston has more choices. Charleston has better beaches in the area, too.

I'd fly into whatever city is cheapest. I can't remember how far the cities are to drive between, even though I've done it a few times (not more than 2 hours?) If you go in March it will be great weather--Savannah's St. Pat's Day is an enormous drunkfest, so you might want to avoid that holiday. You will miss nothing if you go in March, unless seeing blooming flowers is really important. The Spanish moss and gorgeous old trees in Savannah will still be there.

You can see each city in a day, although a casual weekend for each is nice.

Also, while I'm not really one for organized tours, I'm not sure what there is to do in Savannah.

That said, Savannah intrigues more, mostly aestheticallly. And I think what I really want to see is one of the Georgia coastal islands. Sapelo seems like the most interesting (read: wild) one that isn't too far away. Cumberland is evidently the best but is twice the distance (unless you're coming from Jacksonville?).

One thing I'm missing - it seems that palm trees are omnipresent in Charleston, but not to be found in Savannah. Does this have to do with ocean proximity or a planting regime or what?

Well, I did.

The new Cooper River Bridge in Charleston should be opening next month and replacing the rotting Grace Memorial Bridge and its less mediocre counterpart, the Silas Perlman.

What is SCAD? I've never heard of it until recently.

Maybe you're just seeing Atlanta area girls?

So I'll be there in a couple of hours. (There being Charleston.) Visiting my aunt and uncle for a few days! Will keep this thread in mind?

My comment about Gareth upthread five years back is now rendered moot, as he has asked over many more obscure places over the moons.

What was with my question mark. Of course I'll keep this in mind.

I am going to Hilton Head in a week to hang out at my rich aunt's "summer home"

southern ILXors what do I need to do/see in the surrounding area....

how far is that from charleston? my dad & stepmom moved to charleston a few years ago, and my visits have been pretty boring aside from eating out and seeing a couple of jazz groups.

no idea how long it takes to get anywhere from Hilton Head really... aunt said Savannah was nearest so I thought at the very least we could go into town to get some soul food or something

I've not been in years, but Savannah is such a great town. It truly is.

So, will be in Charleston starting tomorrow for a few days -- anyone around? Will be busy with a lot of family stuff most of the time but there is probably room for an afternoon drink and chat somewhere!

ate some of the best bbq of my life last week at a place about 40 miles north of charleston called sweatmans. it's in a big house out in cornfield in the country w/ a live oak in the front yard. real pretty area and worth the drive if you're into that sort of thing.

looks like I may be in SAV at end of Sept, will have to visit Johnny Mercer's grave

you MUST go here (provided you don't mind family-style dining)

http://www.mrswilkes.com/

well I'll be down there w/ a couple dozen ppl, so we'll see!

actually it turns out we're planning on Friday lunch there.

i'll be in charleston for a weekend at the end of the month. it's pretty and has good food but seems really boring?

Going to Savannah for the first time in a couple of weeks. Thoughts? Anyone been there recently?

I was there in 2010. Perfect city to do a lot of walking in. It was just an overnighter, though, so I didn't get to explore as much as I'd have liked.

If you haven't booked a hotel yet, stay at The Thunderbird Inn.

was there the same year. Flannery O'Connor house is worth a visit.

don't eat too much at Mrs Wilkes'.

I totally missed that the Flannery O'Connor house was something I could see! Thanks.

We're hitting Mrs. Wilkes on the first day. Will keep your advice in mind.

Savannah was very cool. My dad hadn't been there in 20-odd years and he was amazed by the changes downtown. Had some amazing food and some out of control allergies. Rather different climate than Dallas.