Raggiemom

I'm planning to visit Charleston SC next May with my parents. Is it better to stay downtown or outside the town? I would love hotel suggestions and must-see places. And of course, any quilt shops that I shouldn't miss in the area!

jillmc

We always stay in the historic district, which is a little different from "downtown".... You can park your car and just walk everywhere. Just research the hotels online and find one that suits your needs....we like to stay where breakfast is included in the rate so we don't waste time finding food first thing in the morning! . If this is your first visit to charleston, I would suggest taking the horse/buggy tour when you arrive....it's a great way to learn some local history and get a feel for the layout of the city- makes it easier to plan your days. Have fun! It's a gorgeous city, and lots of wonderful food! Oh, there are some quilt shops, but it don't remember any in historic charleston-I believe the town of Summer is nearby, and a cute little town to do some shopping for fabric...

kydeb

I'm from Charleston. There are a lot of great hotels in town as well as in the historic district. There are also some in the West Ashley area which is a quick drive although traffic can be pretty heavy at times. Another place to look at hotels in Mount Pleasant which is across the Cooper River from Charleston. I think the town jillmc is thinking about is Summerville. It's right off of I26 if you drive in that way. It's probably a half hour or 45 minutes from Charleston. There used to be one quilt shop downtown - can't remember the name but it was close to the visitor's center and the library. Charleston is a beautiful city. I still have family there so I go a few times a year. I also rent a beach house every year at Folly Beach. Enjoy your trip!! Oh, to answer your question, if you can, it's better to stay in town near The Market if you can. If you do that, you can pretty much park your car and you won't have to worry about finding parking which, during May, could be a pain!

solstice3

http://www.quiltersresources.net/shops_sc.html. Check the link for SC shops. I was there last January and found several in Charleston and neighboring towns

Jeanne S

The historic Vendue Inn is pricy but wonderful, right in the heart of the historic district. Their rooftop bar has a great view of the area. My daughter lives there so we usually rent a house on Folly beach for 2-3 weeks when we go. The rental company there is Avocet and they are great. So much to see and do--historic homes and building tours, plantations, Patriot's Point, Boat ride to Fort Sumner, etc. great restaurants. Expensive city, but really great place to visit!!

Neicy12345

I lived in the Charleston area for 20 years and I agree staying downtown in the Historic District is the way to go. Once you park the car you can walk all over. There is a Best Western that is very nice. You need to stroll through the Charleston Place Hotel, and if you are so inclined make a reservation there for High Tea. Its a great experience plus the added attraction of sitting and people watching! The quilt shop that is a MUST is in Summerville (30-45 minutes up Highway 26) is People Places and Quilts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well worth the drive and Summerville itself is very cool. There is also a yarn store there and a number of great little boutiques. There is also Sew n Sew in Summerville, a little cramped but well worth it, they also carry a number of smocking patterns and supplies if that is of interest. I highly recommend Blossom if you are into seafood or its sister Magnolia's. Both are fantastic and lunch at either one of this is great. It will be warm in May so don't bother with heavy clothes. Jeanne is correct that Fort Sumter is a great place to visit. They will ferry you out there from either the Aquarium or Patriot's Point. Both are wonderful as well. Go onto the Charleston website and start planning your adventure now. In addition don't neglect to take a horse drawn carriage ride around the city. The guides are wonderful and know so many hidden secrets!

mjhaess

It is cheaper to stay outside of town but it is beautiful downtown. Check online for all the bed and breakfasts in the area. It is really cool to stay at them. Some are very historical...Enjoy your visit...

Kaye

We stayed at the indigo inn several years ago and loved it. It's a bed and breakfast but in a small hotel type property. Beautiful rooms and in walking distance of the market. I agree that you should go to the Vendue inn rooftop to see the sunset. It's open to every one and serves appetizers and drinks. Last year we rented a house in Beaufort but went into charleston for the day. We chartered a masted sailboat for a harbor cruise. The captain and his wife were great to be with. I think if you google captain Dave you can find him but if not pm me if you are interested. Enjoy you time together!

Kaye

We stayed at the indigo inn several years ago and loved it. It's a bed and breakfast but in a small hotel type property. Beautiful rooms and in walking distance of the market. I agree that you should go to the Vendue inn rooftop to see the sunset. It's open to every one and serves appetizers and drinks. Last year we rented a house in Beaufort but went into charleston for the day. We chartered a masted sailboat for a harbor cruise. The captain and his wife were great to be with. I think if you google captain Dave you can find him but if not pm me if you are interested. Enjoy you time together! Ps Shem Creek across the bridge has kayaking and some neat local restaurants.