Our 30th wedding anniversary is this August and I'm planning a surprise weekend (Fri-Mon) trip to Charleston for us. I've got hotel reservations on Market street and know that we want to go to Ft Sumter and Patriots Point. Anyone that live down there have other ideas? My DH is a history nut. Also good places to eat without spending a ton of money? Thanks in advance!!!
Lori

Have fun on your surprise trip

Do a carriage ride tour. Just walking around the City of Charleston is wonderful. There are many historic homes open for tours, 3 plantations, availabe for tours, located on Ashley River Rd, Hwy 61. Be sure to walk the city market which be near you if you are staying on Market Street, the Pineappple fountain located on the river front is nice. So many fun and interesting things to see and do
Try any of the resturants they are all good. Some of the ones listed as local favorites are not my choices. Go over to Mt. Pleasent for more good food. Boone Hall is located in Mt Pleasent.

Dont forget to check out everything at Shem Creek

http://www.shemcreeksc.com/Restaurants-and-Businesses/

I am from around Charleston SC and there are so many things to do..They have carriage rides, ghost tours (which are fantastic), the market street, and you can tour some of those awesome historic houses..My mind is going in circles just thinking of all the things you can do here :wink: As far as eating, there are some very wonderful restaurants that the prices are pretty good..Bubba Gump, Hyman's, and quite a lot of other good restaurants..Some are cheaper and some are more expensive..There is the Museum which I can get lost in for hours, the aquarium, and than there are the beaches..On Sullivan's Island you can actually see dolphins quite often..

Our DD2 lived in Charleston for about 8 years and graduated from the medical university. It is one of my favorite cities to visit. All the best things to do have been mentioned. I just loved walking the old cobblestone streets and soaking up the atmosphere. You can really travel back in time. DH and I both picked out our dream house on the Battery. I have pictures of them in our bedroom. Magnolia Plantation is the best. The gardens are extraordinary. I would love to go back there some day.

ETA: If you like antiques, don't miss the shops on King Street. I saw things there we never see out here. Too expensive for me, but fun to browse. And if you want low cost good food, ask the locals where they go. They know the little out of the way places with good food.

Thanks for the suggestions, now I just have to figure out how to fit it all in! :)