Beginner's Guide to South Carolina

The Heartland of South Carolina

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This territory of South Carolina includes its capital, Columbia, and is the industrial hub of the state. The Saluda and Congaree Rivers are found in this area and are important for recreation. Lexington is also in the heartland and is the fastest growing county of South Carolina. Important areas in the heartland are the Old 96 District, an area of deep woodlands around South Carolina’s freshwater coast on the west side, Olde English District and Thoroughbred Country, both known for horse trails and museums, and Santee Cooper Country, known as one of the state’s most popular recreational sites with Lakes Marion and Moultrie.

Low to average Rates:
• Baymont Inn and Suites-1538 Horseshoe Drive, Columbia: Eight miles from downtown Columbia, this is a reasonable place to stay with few amenities. $40-60 night.
• Days Inn-911 Bush River Road, Columbia: The Days Inn was newly renovated in 2006 and one to two room suites are available. Continental breakfast and usual amenities are offered. $58-90/night
• Ramada Limited Lexington-1015 Southlake Drive, Lexington: Expect the basics only here, but you do get a modem line in your room. $59-75/night
• Comfort Inn-2696 East Highway 76, Marion: Well, since this is the only hotel in this small town, you do not have a lot of options if you need to stay here! You’ll pay $77 to $96 per night.
• Country Hearth Inn and Suites-831 South Irby Street, Florence: Visitors can enjoy a cozy lobby with a fireplace and a small reading library here. The Inn is just south of downtown Florence and convenient to shopping, Timrod Park, Freedom Florence and other entertainment options. $65-75/night

High Rates:
• Best Western Executive Inns and Suites-1720 bush River Road, Columbia: Very close to the University of South Carolina, the state museum, and downtown restaurants and shopping. There is a hotel lounge, fitness room, modem lines, laundry services, and a pool at this location. You can actually get a room for as low as $60, but the rates go up to $130 per night.
• Clarion Hotel Town House Hotel-1615 Gervais Street, Columbia: This is a grand historic hotel in the heart of downtown Columbia. This hotel is beautiful and has many amenities. $80-270/night.
• Elloree Bed and Breakfast-Highway 6, Elloree: Gorgeous “old south” colonial home built in 1906; has extra amenities for a bed and breakfast, a pool and high speed internet for two. Also includes a complementary full breakfast. Rates are $79 to $99 per night.

The Coast

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The coast of South Carolina is primarily the south eastern part of the state-from Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the upper south eastern part of the state to Hilton Head down in the lower part. South Carolina is famous for its beautiful beaches from Myrtle to Hilton Head.

Low to Average Rates
• Comfort Inn-2450 Boundary Street, Beaufort: Indoor/outdoor pool and complementary breakfast. Very reasonable rates at $50- $80 a night.
• Best Western Sweetgrass Inn-1540 Savannah Highway, Charleston: This hotel is just outside the Historic District of Charleston. No special amenities, but a more reasonable rate than those in the district. Rates start at $60.
• Days Inn- 9 Marina Side Drive, Hilton Head: The beach is three miles away and a huge putt-putt course is next door. This Days Inn has high speed internet and a heated pool. Reasonable rates starting at $50.
• Country Inn and Suites- 3516 West Highway 501, Myrtle Beach: This inn is located just minutes from the beach and offers expected amenities. Rates start at $40, but can go as high as $210.

High Rates
• Best Western Sea Island Inn-1015 Bay Street, Beaufort: In Beaufort’s historic district, this hotel offers normal amenities like fitness area and pool, but no free breakfast or other extras; it’s on the beach. Rates are $120- $130.
• Holiday Inn-125 Calhoun Street, Charleston Historic District:
This luxury Holiday Inn was named the “best hidden gem in the world” by Tripadvisor. It is in walking distance of many sites and restaurants in downtown Charleston. It is noted for its beautiful décor. Rates are $100- $320/ night.
• Andrew Pickney Inn-40 Pickney Street, Charleston: Circa 1860 home of Andrew Pickney and meticulously restored to original state. You will love your continental breakfast served on the rooftop garden terrace overlooking the Market Area and the Charleston waterfront. A special experience for $90- $240 per night.
• Crowne Plaza-130 Shipyard Drive, Hilton Head: Crowne Plaza hotels and resorts are known for their class and this one is no different. A beachfront hotel, it is located in the gated Shipyard community of Hilton Head, near the lighthouse. Has all you would ever want! Rates range widely from $120 to $420 per night.
• Kiawah Island Golf Resort-12 Kiawah Beach Drive, Kiawah Island: Very ritzy accommodations and many recreational options at this elegant resort! It boasts five championship golf courses and a tennis resort that is ranked number one by Tennis Magazine. Certainly this exclusive resort offers a grand experience. Rates: $120-$720.

Conclusion

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Of course this is a very limited list of accommodations available to you in the great state of South Carolina. Where ever you go in this historic and beautiful state you will agree with one of the South Carolina license plates, “Smiling faces, beautiful places.”

Sources:

http://www.worldlicenceplates.com/usa/US_SCXX.html
http://www.sc-coast.worldweb.com/WheretoStay/

What does South Carolina Have to Offer?

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South Carolina stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean with over thirty-one thousand square miles. Although not a huge land mass, the fortieth in size out of the fifty states, it offers several tourism locations worth visiting:

• The Low Country and Resort Islands: The center, southern point of South Carolina, this is one of the most beautiful areas of the state. Gorgeous white beaches and quiet marshes make one of the top resorts of the state, Hilton Head.
• Historic Charleston: A port city, Charleston ranks as one of the most historic, quaint cities of the south. It is a must-see of the state.
• Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand: A fabulous spread of 60 miles along the Atlantic Coast and several resort locations form one of the most popular summer tourism spots of South Carolina.
• Thoroughbred Country: Once known as a resort for America’s elite, such as Goodyear, Astor, and Vanderbilt, this area still has a quaint spot with a restored 19th-century Inn, unpaved roads, and equestrian stop lights.
• The Up Country: The area at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• The Old 96 District: This is the area around the Savannah River which melds into lakes and streams is called the “Fresh Water Coast.” It is filled with history, open country, and opportunities for the sportsman. This area is filled with state parks. It is the western coast of South Carolina.
• The Olde English District: This area is named for the English settlement which was there in the 1700 as well as all the Revolutionary battles fought there. It is steeped in English traditions.
• Pee Dee Country: The unusual name for this area comes from the Pee Dee Indians who lived in the valley here. It is filled with rivers and fields.
• Santee Cooper Country: This is almost the center of the state. In the middle of this area are Lakes Marion and Moultrie. It is one of the state’s most celebrated recreational and sports sites.
• Capital City and Lake Murray Country: Lake Murray spreads into this area and golf courses and museum abound.

One Day Itinerary of South Carolina

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• Charleston: Only one day to spend in South Carolina? Charleston is one of your best bets! Charleston is a “must see” of the south. It offers history, quaint southern city life, and beautiful beaches as well. If you have only one day, you will probably want to stay in the city and experience its rich heritage.

o You will want to start your day with a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city. You will get an overall taste of Charleston in an old fashion manner.
o Make your way to the French Quarter, founded by the French Huguenots; the area has become a famous arts area. There are over thirty art galleries within walking distance!
o Visit the Heyward-Washington House on Church Street. The home of Thomas Heyward, Jr. is Charleston’s Revolutionary War House. Heyward was a Charleston Patriot and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington also stayed in this house in 1791 during a tour of the nation.
o If you are really interested in the history of this great southern city, you can also visit the Nathaniel Russell house only about a block away. It is a beautiful home from the 1800’s surrounded by lavish gardens. It is considered a national historic landmark and is considered one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. You will get lost in another time among the fantastic antiques and the “floating” staircase.
o For more historical interest, go to Charleston’s High Battery, a park with Revolutionary War cannons and guns. There is also a water fountain, known as the “little angel” as well as a beautiful view of the ocean. Evening strolls here are especially popular.
o Take a leisurely walk along the Ashley River as well. Some of the most outstanding southern homes tower over the water’s edge, creating an incredible site to enjoy.
o Make sure you hit the Old City Market, an open market in Charleston. You will find everything from jewelry to toys to locally made Gullah baskets. It is a rare experience to ramble through the sales stands in the open air, viewing sites of the city along the way.
o Ending your fun-filled day at the fabulous 82-Queen Street restaurant will top it off perfectly. Southern Living magazine has ranked this restaurant “Best City Restaurant” three years in a row. You’ll enjoy some of Charleston’s low country cuisine and get the great taste of the low country south.

Three Day Itinerary of South Carolina

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• Day One: Charleston is such an integral part of South Carolina with War history, southern charm, plantation homes, homes of famous Americans, that it must be included in any trip to “get a taste of South Carolina.” So, make the above one-day itinerary plan a part of your expanded three-day trip.
• Day Two Options:
o The beach in Charleston would be a great option for day two of a three-day trip to the area. Charleston has dreamy beach resorts such as Kiawah Island, Seabrook, and Wild Dunes. Elegant resort rentals, challenging golf courses with breath-taking views, and many activity opportunities, make these resorts idyllic.
o If you do not really want to pay the top prices of these resorts, stay at Folly Beach. You will love the serenity after being in the city all day. It is the closest beach to historic Charleston. Check into the Holiday Inn, the only hotel on the beach. You’ll get to spend the second day swimming, collecting shells and walking to the light house. Some say it is the best beach of South Carolina! Have lunch at the Folly Crab Shack. You’ll be sure to relax in its fun atmosphere of tall bar tables and hammock chairs! For dinner you may want to go more upscale at River Café with French cuisine or keep it casual with pizza at the Pie House. Either way, they’re all easy to find in this small, quaint beach town
• Day Three: At the close of day two, head back to historic Charleston for a romantic experience at a Victorian bed and breakfast in the Historic district. You will feel that you have walked back in time as you unload your things in your own Victorian get-away at the Battery Carriage House. You will have your own private entrance into a room full of antiques, a brass or iron bed, quilts and pine floors. Spend a leisurely morning there, enjoying the beginning of your day out on the piazza. For day three take in the famous aquarium in Charleston. Also, head to Patriots Point Maritime and Naval Museum to tour the USS Yorktown, a naval ship which was a part of D-day and amazing maneuvers in the Pacific. It became known as the “ship that would not die.” Then take the boat out to Fort Sumter and tour the site and the museum to learn all about the complex events that lead to the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter.

Conclusion

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For a great taste of South Carolina, Charleston is a must. It makes your short one to three day visit simple by keeping it all local, but with various types of experiences. Charleston offers history, southern flair, beach experiences and more.

Sources:
www.Discoversouthcarolina.com

South Carolina: One Week Itinerary Overview

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South Carolina for a week? Lucky you! What a fabulous vacation awaits as you take in city and beach life of this great southern state. You’ll experience her culture and history as well as “get away from it all” for a while. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or as a family, this one week itinerary will be great for you. Since Charleston is the “must see” city of South Carolina, it will be the focus of your trip.

Where to stay

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Since Charleston is such a tourism city, there are plenty of options when it comes to vacation housing choices. My recommendation would be to “plant” at the beach and then travel in to the city on certain days. But, if you prefer, you can always shake it up a bit and stay in the city a few days and then at the beach during the last half of your exciting trip. Here are some places to check out:

• Folly Beach-Holiday Inn: This is the only hotel on Folly Beach! You will only be about fifteen miles from the city, yet you will be at a quiet, unique beach!
• Seaside Inn or Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms: These two options are on either end of the “luxury scale.” Seaside Inn is adequate, but does not offer much in the way of “extras.” You might not even get a television! But, it is oceanfront. The Wild Dunes Resort, on the other hand, is overwhelmingly luxurious. It has three pools, one is an indoor pool.
• Charleston has many Bed and Breakfasts in the beautiful plantation-type homes there. For a romantic experience at a Victorian bed and breakfast head to the Historic district. You will feel that you have walked back in time as you unload your things in your own Victorian get-away. You will have your own private entrance into a room full of antiques, a brass or iron bed, quilts and pine floors. Spend a leisurely morning there, enjoying the beginning of your day out on the piazza. This Bed and Breakfast is convenient to many important historical sites in Charleston as well as a variety of dining options.
• Francis Marion Hotel at Marion Square: Located in historic downtown hotel is only one block from King Street shopping, some of the best and most trendy in Charleston.
• Best Western Sweetgrass Inn-Charleston: For a lower-budget lodging option, try the Best Western Hotel. It is only three miles from Charleston’s historic district and costs only about $89.00 a night.

The Plan

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Of course, this is just an outline for your week in Charleston. You make adjustments as necessary. Be sure to check the weather for the week of your visit and plan your beach fun for the clear days. You are the boss!

• Day One: Travel days are always tiring, so day one and the last day will be lighter activity days. Get settled into your hotel or bed and breakfast and freshen up. This afternoon would be a good day to take in South Carolina’s amazing aquarium. It is located on Calhoun Street, not far from downtown Charleston. Cost is $15.00 per adult and $8.00 per child. Some hotels offer discounts for the aquarium, so make sure to ask! If you want to take in an IMAX movie, check it out. Then, you can take the trip to Fort Sumter, said to be the location of the first shot of the American Revolution. There is also a Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center where you can learn all about the events leading up to the war. If you choose to do all of these activities, there are combination prices that will help defer costs. Then, plan dinner right there at Fountain Walk at one of the casual, water-front restaurants. Stroll around after dinner visiting the specialty shops and art galleries of Fountain Walk. You might want to top it off with ice cream from Wholly Cow Ice Creams and Coffee Beans.

• Day Two: Today is “history day” only it will be a lot more fun than history in school! Charleston is an absolute treasure grove of historic sites.
o A good beginning is to take the carriage ride tour of downtown Charleston with “The Old South Carriage Company.” The tour will not only give you a taste of the old south as you ride in an open carriage behind horses, but the drivers inform passengers of the history of significant spots all along the way.
o Visit the Heyward-Washington House on Church Street. The home of Thomas Heyward, Jr. is Charleston’s Revolutionary War House. Heyward was a Charleston Patriot and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. George Washington also stayed in this house in 1791 during a tour of the nation.
o Also visit the Nathaniel Russell house only about a block away. It is a beautiful home from the 1800’s surrounded by lavish gardens. It is considered a national historic landmark and is considered one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. You will get lost in another time among the fantastic antiques and the “floating” staircase.
o Make your way to Charleston’s High Battery, a park with Revolutionary War cannons and guns. There is also a water fountain, known as the “little angel” as well as a beautiful view of the ocean. Evening strolls here are especially popular.
o The Aiken-Rhett house is also a must on your historic tour of Charleston. It was the home of South Carolina governor William Aiken and his wife. They meticulously furnished the home with beautiful furniture from their trips to Europe. There are still slave quarters on the property too!
o For a different type of history, visit the Thomas Elfe House in the Historic District. Elfe was a cabinet maker who became one of the most highly acclaimed craftsmen in Charleston. His home was built before 1760 and displays beautiful woodwork as well as antiques from that period.
o Finally, visit one of the most historically rich sites in the United States. The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, built by the British in 1771, the dungeon is below the exchange house. The building looks much like it did when George Washington danced in its grand hall.

• Day Three: For the third day of your trip you’ll go to Ashley River Road. There you will want to visit Drayton Hall, a fabulous plantation home along the river. In that same area, visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. This is also a fine plantation as well as breathtaking gardens. If you have the energy, add some more experience and knowledge of South Carolina history go to the High Battery to view Civil War cannons and guns.

• Restaurants in and around Charleston: While in the city make sure you treat yourself to lunch or dinner at your choices of these top places:
o Bubba Gump Shrimp Company-99 South Market Street
Peninsula Grill-112 North Market Street
Slightly North of Broad-192 East Bay Street
Bookstore Café-412 King Street
High Cotton-199 East Bay Street
Circa 1886- 149 Wentworth Street

• Days Four through Six:
These will be your more relaxed days of the trip. Head out to one of the beach spot mentioned above and experience all the area has to offer. As you pack up to leave the city, you may want to go through Mount Pleasant and visit Patriots Point Maritime and Naval Museum to tour the USS Yorktown, a naval ship which was a part of D-day and amazing maneuvers in the Pacific. It became known as the “ship that would not die.” While in Mt. Pleasant, have lunch at Sticky Fingers Restaurant and Bar. It’s a hot spot for good barbeque. While beaching it, if you really want an “away from it all experience” take the ferry out to Bulls Island one of these days. It is a deserted beach and is guaranteed to be quiet! Make sure to take lunch, though!

• Day Seven: On your last day check out of your beach place and while driving back through Charleston, stop at the Olde City Market located between Meeting Street and East Bay Street. You will love the unique outdoor shopping experience. You may want to pick up some of the locally made Gullah baskets or artwork. These will be important mementos of your trip to South Carolina!

Sources:
http://www.discoversouthcarolina.com/
http://www.greenvillesclodging.worldweb.com/index.html