where to stay - what to do?

Hi - we are planning a 2 night stay - Oct. 27-28 in Charleston. We have reservations at the Best Western Sweetgrass and have a car to tour the historic district.

suggestions, please on what to see and where to eat.

Thanks.

Karen Sandlin

where to stay - what to do?

Just FYI - the BW Sweetgrass is on a busy road and although there are many services nearby, they do not have nearly the charm and panache of those in the Historic District or in other areas. (don%26#39;t know if you%26#39;ve been) You will have to drive to dinners, sightseeing, plantations, etc.

So.. after rush half-hour, drive in to the city and find a parking spot (if you don%26#39;t mind the extra walk, there are ';always'; free spots on Murray Blvd near East Bay St.; otherwise, use a garage and they%26#39;re everywhere).

Lunch: try Hominy Grill, Jestine%26#39;s, Virginia%26#39;s on King. Dinner: Try Hank%26#39;s, 82 Queen, Mistral, SNOB, - depends on your style. You may be in a higher price range than that and I%26#39;d make other suggestions.

You could: take a carriage ride, take a boat to Ft. Sumter, shop, visit museums, visit historic homes, take a historic or Civil War walking tour, plantations, etc. See ';Things to Do'; for ideas that suit you. One thing I%26#39;d do is visit Shem Creek - it%26#39;s where the fishing boats and shrimp boats dock; the creek is lined with restaurants overlooking the water and boats docked up to the restaurants.

Since you%26#39;re from Florida you probably don%26#39;t need beach time, but our beaches are lovely and very close to the city. Let me know if you need more info.

Welcome to Charleston - Enjoy!