Help me out never I've been to Charleston

My husband and i are thinking of coming for 4 days in Oct. and wonder what not to miss there.we are in our late 40s and like to see all the local stuff wondering about hotels if its better to be on the beach ?We like nice hotels that aren%26#39;t noisey we dont mind spending the extra it its great.What is different between Charleston and Savannnah?Do you know any thing about then Embassy suite by the airport or theWild dunes?

Help me out never I've been to Charleston

In October, you might have great beach weather, or you might not.

For four days and a first visit, I would suggest that you stay dowtown ... the closer to the historic center the better. Charleston is a wonderful city for walking and the historic district, with all the wonderful restaurants and sights, is quite contained. You can still take a day at the beach if the weather is fine.

The Holiday Inn Historic District gets good reviews and is more reasonably priced than some of the other downtown hotels. There are also a number of fabulous high-end hotels in the heart of the historic district. The prices tend to be high, but you might get a deal.

The area around the airport is OK, but not at all scenic. If you have a car and get a great rate on a hotel room, you might consider it, but it is not worth a visit in its own right.

Also, think about hotels in Mount Pleasant and West Ashley, which may be less expensive than downtown and may offer more amenities than the area around the airport. The West Ashely location would be convenient to the beautiful Ashley river plantations and to Folly Island or Kiawah Island beaches.

Wild Dunes is a resort at one end (the far end) of the Isle of Palms. You might also consider accommodations on Folly Beach. Both IOP and Folly are about 20 minutes from downtown. If you stay at the beach, consider renting a cottage or condo rather than staying at a hotel.

Let us know as your plans develop and we will give more specific suggestions.

Help me out never I've been to Charleston

I would definately stay in historic downtown. There are some very nice hotels and historic bed and breakfasts. Historic Charleston is a walking city and there is so much to do. IMO must do%26#39;s are:

-take a carriage ride tour

- take and evening ghost tour

- tour the mansions

- spend some time in Battery Park, maybe have a picnic lunch there

- check out the beautiful churches

- Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

You can also take a harbor dinner cruise (I have never been, but hear they are very nice).

There is a small Aquarium.

If you have time, take a plantation tour (they are on the outskirts of Charleston). If you want to spend some time on the beach, I would suggest Isle Of Palms for an afternoon. It is a very peaceful and clean beach.

When you get there, go the visitor%26#39;s center and they will have all the information on what there is to do and see. Definately get a map.

If you need any more info, let us know!

As mentioned above, there is so much to do in downtown Charleston - Market, carriage tour, great restaurants, the Battery, house tours, great shopping, bicycle ride around the city, antique/art shops, IMAX theater and aquarium, etc...

Hotels:

Vendue Inn - gives the southern Charleston charm and includes breakfast, afternoon reception, and cookies at night. Old hotel, but unique. Each room is different with antiques. Small, but charming. Check website www.vendueinn.com The suites are the ones with marble tubs etc... Has a rooftop bar that has view of the city - but you may want to make sure your room is not directly under it. Right near the pier. Great location!

Holiday Inn Historic - Reasonable price. Great location. Not a typical Holiday Inn

King Charles Inn (Best Western) - great location, free parking, has a restaurant for breakfast, afternoon reception. Rooms are standard hotel rooms.

Other ones that I hear are good:

Andrew Pickney Inn

Ansborough Inn

Hamtpon Inn

Embassy Suites

Depends on what you are looking for...

Restaurants:

Garibaldi%26#39;s on Market - call for reservation (window seat). Owned by Anson%26#39;s but more reasonable and adorable. Order their Flounder dish if you like fish. My husband%26#39;s favorite! Big full fish on your plate!

Bocci%26#39;s - Italian - Great restaurant, great food, great service!

Hyman%26#39;s - lunch or dinner - thing to do when you go to Charleston. Casual place.

Jestine%26#39;s for lunch - Meat and vegetables southern style

Fleet%26#39;s Landing on the water - lunch or dinner - inside or outside.

Poogan%26#39;s Porch

Tommy Condon%26#39;s

Anson%26#39;s - little more expensive

Restaurant at Planter%26#39;s Inn - excellent, more expensive

Have a great trip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!