Help on lodging S.C. beaches (Charleston, Sumter: truck rental, rentals, condos)

[momof2dfw]

I am in the process of booking our vacation right now. Any places to stay, things to do, places to eat that one would recommend? Places to avoid? We want to stay on the beach when possible and do NOT like mega high rise hotels/condos. We prefer the smaller places. Here is the places we plan on visiting. Thanks

1. Fly into Mrytle Beach and stay for 2-3 nights
2. Drive to Charelston for a few nights
3. Drive to Hilton Head Island for a few nights
4. Drive to Savannah for a night or two
5. Stay another few nights somewhere along the beach in Georgia and then fly out of Jacksonville.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by sc29928

Let me suggest the short term rental company of a personal friend. Call Vince Eck at Trident Villa Rentals @ (843) 785-3447. He exclusively handles villas at Palmetto Dunes and Shelter Cove Harbour. The units are great for weekend to week long stays. Rates are reasonable and service is homestyle friendly. You have beach access through Palmetto Dunes Resort, pools, etc. If you ever want to consider Buying a piece of Hilton Head contact Moderator cut: advertising removed. Also, enjoy Hilton Head. I read a totally false review of Hilton Head on this site. It is a resort town and that is how the locals thrive. The last thing they would do is treat a customer with any disrespect. We love the tourists!

Yep, I bet I read the same negative report and responded back that the op's views were totally wrong. We have been there once before two years ago and loved it, stayed at Palmetto Dunes . We liked it very much just looking to see if there is somewhere else that might work although the Hilton there was GREAT and I do recommend it. I love the way HHI is laid out w/ all of the communities and the strict building codes BEHIND the dunes, wish more places would do that.

[baylovers]

1. Fly into Mrytle Beach and stay for 2-3 nights

Alot depends on what you like and dislike... are you looking for touristy resort stuff or historical or artistic sites? I know you are not flying back out of MB but the best car rental rates are with Myrtle Beach Airport Car Rentals by Usave Car & Truck Rental for anyone else interested.

2. Drive to Charelston for a few nights

I always enjoy a nice walk around the Battery and through the streets of the historic district. The Charleston Museum is interesting and a trip to Fort Sumpter is recommended. Try Jestine's Restaurant on Meeting St for a good southern meal.

4. Drive to Savannah for a night or two

I would stay away from the Best Western on Bay St & MLK Blvd. Kind of dingy. I have stayed at the Hyatt on Bay St & the Marriott Courtyard, both nice but a bit pricey.... Mulberry Inn is decent too. Be sure to take a liesurely walk along River Street. Several good restaurants and bars down there.... loved the Chart House & always had fun at Spanky's. There are many nice historical places to visit and the gardens in the town squares are lovely. McDonough's on McDounough St is a decent locals pub. And I discovered Molly McPherson's recently, too. City Market has some decent shopping & eats, too. Buford's is a favorite of mine.

5. Stay another few nights somewhere along the beach in Georgia and then fly out of Jacksonville.

If you get a chance I would recommend a beach stop at Tybee Island, Ga. very nice. A fun place to eat is the Crab Shack, albeit touristy.

Have a great time!

[momof2dfw]

THANKS!!! We got a chance to see a teeny bit of Savannah a few years ago when we went to HHI. Not near as much as I WANT to see though. LOL!!! Back then we flew in really late and stayed somewhere right by the airport then the next morning (a Sunday) we headed down to River Street and found a great place to eat but I can not remember the name, they served brunch and beignets. Then we headed to HHI. On our way back out when we got to Savannah we went to Tybee but the lighthouse was closed (St. Pat's day) so I know we will have to go back and go to the top. Did not see much else then as we had a few other stops I wanted to make before catching our plane - Bonaventure Cem. and Wormsley Plantation. I do want to see more of it though w/ no nights in HHI (will have to go back to spend just some time there).

It looks like it may breakdown like this:
Myrtle Beach - 3 nights
Charleston - 2 nights
Savannah - 2 nights
Jekyl or St Simons Island - 3 nights

Not into being right smack dab in the middle of all the touristy stuff. Hubby likes lighthouses so want to see as many as possible (checking the dates/days they are open is VERY important I know). Last time we saw Hunting Island Lighthouse and the ones on HHI. Beaufort is neat and I want to spend more time there someday. Anyway, like some entertainment for the kids (12 & 8) along w/ beach/pool time. Don't want mega resorts or highrises. We typically stay in 1-2 bedroom condos/suites when we travel. Something nice but not over the top or dingy. No bed & breakfasts either since we will have the kids.

Keep the suggestions coming and MANY THANKS!!!! I'm writing down all of the places to eat for sure. We like to find the local places that are not the tourist spots for dining. Eating regional is our big thing when traveling so we avoid chains as much as possible.

[GoPadge]

Hi Mom!

One of my favorite restaurants in the Charleston area is the Bowen's Island Restaurant, located between James Island and Folley Beach at 1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412 (843) 795-2757. It use to be a dive, and you can find some great pictures here. From what I understand, they have reopened after a 2006 fire, I don't know what survived of the old atmosphere.

The light house isn't anything to write home about, but I'd also recommend you and the hubby check out Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island.

[momof2dfw]

Thanks. I'm a history buff and I will make it a point to visit Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie.

In Charleston would you stay IN Charleston or on one of the outer islands?

[GoPadge]

If it's in your price range I'd stay in the Battery in a B&B.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by GoPadge

If it's in your price range I'd stay in the Battery in a B&B.

With the kids????

[GoPadge]

I thought you said you were taking a vacation?

It's not everyday that you have to opportunity to stay in a city like Charleston. Regardless of children, I'd either stay in the Battery or Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island or Isle of Palms. Kiawah and Seabrook Islands are nice, but they are both a ways from downtown. There may be some hotels in Mt Pleasant, James Island or Johns Island with some nice views as well, but I'd recommend you heavily consider the historic or ocean front options.

[momof2dfw]

Originally Posted by GoPadge

I thought you said you were taking a vacation?

THAT vacation will be to a beach location and w/o any kids around. My "mom vacation". I like to do that one about a week or two before school goes back.