small Charleston-like towns to photograph (Summerville, Beaufort: YMCA, plantations, ferry)

[SamNC]

I am looking for towns like old Charleston to photograph. Other than Georgetown, any good ideas?

Also, for wildlife photography and plants/flowers, when is the best time to visit? I went to the plantations several times, but am curious when the best time to photograph wildlife and plant life are.

Also, are there any secret state parks/plantations/other places to go to which are not very well known? Middleton is very nice, but sometimes going to a lesser known place gives you less cliches, and therefore, better results!

[Rggr]

My guess would be that the best time would be in April or May. Beaufort is a nice town and is about an hour south of Charleston. On the way is the ACE Basin which is a beautiful area. You might also want to check out the Francis Beidler Forest. Neither are very far from Charleston (45 minute drive) and both offer unique opportunities. You can get tours through both.

[goosecreeker]

Summerville, first week of April
Summerville YMCA Flowertown Festival

If you are into adventure, a half hour north of Charleston is the Cape Romain NWR, and in it Bulls island, a photographers dream, Little known place because it is only accessible by ferry. I've seen storks, loggerheads, gators, terns,..... Lot's of walking though bikes are allowed some places.

Bulls Island

[luvnthebeach]

McClellanville is a quaint little town, very photogenic!