Need lots of advice

Charleston has been recommended by several friends as a wonderful city to visit for my 60th birthday weekend which would be Oct.31 through Nov 3.

My questions are:

What would be a good hotel to stay in - must have an exercise room for my husband?

Good romantic (never too old for romance) place for dinner

Fun activiites

Do I need a car?

Should I visit the beaches?

Any help in plotting out an itinerary would be appreciated. I have tripadvisor advice so helpful in the past. Thanks in advance. I really want to have a special weekend.

Need lots of advice

You do not need a car unless you plan to go to one of the beaches but there is so much to do and see in Charleston that many people never make it to the beach.

Start with going to the Visitors Center and picking up discount coupons, a Heritage Passport (big savings!) and finding out if there are any special events going on while you are here. Then take a carriage ride downtown to get an introduction to Charleston.

Stroll around downtown south of Broad Street to see some of the homes. I love going to the Battery across from White Point Gardens with a cup of hot coffee early in the morning. It is a good way to start the morning.

Tour one of the historical homes downtown. My favorites are the Edmonston-Alston House (on East Bay Street just down from White Point Gardens) and Nathaniel-Russell House (Meeting Street).

Shop along King Street. There are boutiques, antique shops (high $ end) and national chain stores. Grab some souveniers at The Market. It is between the North Market and South Market Streets and runs from Meeting Street until East Bay Street. It has a mixed bag of items and the vendors change but there is a lot of choices.

Try to visit a plantation. There is a new shuttle that just started (I have not heard any reviews or to anyone who has taken it) that leaves from the Visitors Center. It is run by one of the tour services and goes to all three out Ashley River Road. My favorite is Middleton Place. Plan on spending several hours and take a house tour. The gardens are beautiful. Some of the early camillias should be blooming. There is a very nice restaurant with a fixed price menu. Sandwiches and salads are available at The Garden Market for a picnic. There are casual tables there and picnic tables out under the huge oak trees on the greensward area.

Two good romantic restaurants are in the courtyard of 82 Queen and High Cotton.

Maybe someone else can help with a hotel with an exercise room. Charleston Place Hotel has this but there may be others. They even have two ';private'; club floors with all kinds of perks! I have heard some good things about the club floors%26#39; waitstaff.

Need lots of advice

Thanks so much. I am starting to get really excited about the trip. Would you recommend going to Fort Sumter? Also, if we rent a car for one day, which beach is recommended?

That depends on your interest and time. It is a great harbor cruise to it and fun to see Charleston from the water. When you arrive at the fort, it is interesting to people interested in military or Civil War history and has a decent museum.

Personally, I enjoy going there but had rather tour Charleston and save it for an extended stay or another trip.

You will absolutely LOVE this town for romance. Ive been there 5 times already and never get everything done that I plan, so I just keep coming back! lol We loved the harbour / carriage tours, plantation tours, shopping at the Market downtown. Yes I highly recommend a car. Avoid North Charleston. I like Mt Pleasant area or you can book a B %26amp; B. Hope you have a wonderful Birthday!

Thanks so much. I%26#39;m sure I%26#39;ll have lots more questions before going. This forum is the best.

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