Two hours apart, but each city has distinctive flavors. Charleston simmers with history. There's a rich mix of "Old South" charm, dotted generously with historic homes, landmarks, and historic districts, all of which make Charleston one of the most popular southern destinations in the United States. You'll find cobblestone streets with shops lined on either side.
A Going Places user (an application within the Facebook environment) had this to say about her stay there: "Charleston has a gorgeous historic district full of luxurious mansions, restaurants, shops, and museums... This is the city where the Civil War began so it's filled with history and fascinating stories. If you go here, you have to go to the market and take in a ghost tour. The nearby plantations are a real sight to see as well and the beaches are spectacular. You'll need at least a week to really appreciate everything there is to see here and the Port City Java coffee shops are really charming. Try to stay at a B&B if you can, they run about the same price as a regular hotel but you get more personalized care and a nice touch of true Southern Hospitality."
Add one or more of these Charleston Districts to your road trip planner to fully explore the city.
* DOWNTOWN DISTRICT - Besides historic churches, buildings, and landmarks, you'll find plenty of opportunities for shopping. Downtown is a convenient starting point for getting to know Charleston as it is a vibrant combination of old and new, offering diverse attractions suitable for just about anyone.
* HISTORIC DISTRICT - The Historic District is the oldest part of town with many preserved buildings and homes. Try some walking tours like the Historic Homes Walk , which will allow you to learn more about this amazing architecture dating back to the mid-18th century. And don't forget to check out the old houses like the Heyward-Washington House or the Nathaniel Russell House.
* MOUNT PLEASANT DISTRICT - The Mount Pleasant District is known for its fine dining. And this district holds more than its share of diverse dining establishments. It's also the home of one of the biggest naval & maritime museums in the world, Patriot's Point. Tour boats are available from Mount Pleasant to view Fort Sumter , the site where the Civil War began.
* NORTH CHARLESTON - North Charleston is the main business and transportation location for the southern half of the state. Both the International Airport and Amtrak Station are located here. Adding to the bustle of North Charleston is the 14,000-seat North Charleston Coliseum , home of the South Carolina, home of the South Carolina Stingrays ice hockey team.
Now it's time to head to the second city on your road trip planner, Savannah!
Many people use the word "genteel" to describe Savannah. The word means refined, elegant and stylish, all adjectives that describe the city well, from the Savannah River to the seaside resorts to the 2 1/2 square mile Historic District. And though I'm sure you could find a horse-drawn carriage to draw you into the past, Savannah is considered one of the Top 10 cities for walking tours.
Fellow traveler, Gary Aldrich, gave Savannah 5 stars, praising, "A wonderful Old-South getaway! I went with my best friend during a period of intense professional stress and by the end of our few days there, I was relaxed enough to return to work. The restaurants are wonderful, and the charming old houses and well-kept park squares are unlike anything else in the country. Being on a river and near the coast keeps it very mild, even in winter. Coastal Georgia is indeed a wonderful winter respite. I highly recommend it, especially when others are in such a mad rush to get to Florida!" His top picks were Comfort Suites Historic District, Old Pink House Restaurant, and the Squares of Savannah in the Historic District.
In addition to the Squares of Savannah (in case visiting 21 squares isn't enough), Savannah also has other distinct points of interest, so make sure one of these activities gets added to your road trip planner.
* RIVERFRONT - Running along the length of the Savannah River, this area was once the heart of Savannah's booming cotton trade. Now it is the most popular destination for visitors, with popular restaurants like Huey's , the Shrimp Factory and the elegant Chart House. Cobblestones dot River Street, a popular starting point for parades and festivals.
* CITY MARKET - City Market also sits on the river, a bit north of River Street at Jefferson and West Julian. Like River Street, the brick warehouses now host droves of tourists. Shops, restaurants and some of the Savannah's coolest clubs draw daily crowds, with frequent live music and performance artists lending a festive atmosphere to this busy corner of the city.
* MIDTOWN - This area incorporates the Victorian District. You'll notice the homes becoming more modern as you head south. Though you'll find many businesses here and just as you begin to miss Old Savannah's charm, you come across Thunderbolt, a quaint fishing village on the Wilmington River.
* SAVANNAH'S ISLANDS - The low country surrounding the city harbors many small islands, including the residential areas of Wilmington and Whitemarsh, and the quaint Isle of Hope. Nearby, Skidaway Island is the site of golfing communities, marinas, and miles of biking and nature trails. Savannah's seaside playground is Tybee Island. Just 15 miles east of downtown past Fort Pulaski National Monument, Tybee Island features crab shacks, expensive condos, party hotels and cheesy gift shops, as well as the oldest lighthouse on the South Atlantic seaboard.
It doesn't take long before the atmosphere permeates your senses and the southern cadence carries you along, leaving no doubt that every couple should add these cities to their Road Trip Planner to experience what it's like to be in love, southern style.
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