Originally me and my fiance had planned to stop in Charleston for a day on our way down to Florida, but after reading all the wonderful things on here, we have decided to skip Florida altogether and spend 5 days in Charleston =)
We%26#39;re leaving in 2 weeks and while this site has already given me sooo much advice on places to eat, things to do, etc but I still have a couple questions..
We are staying in North Charleston near the airport because of the discount I get from work. How far of a drive is it to downtown Charleston (we are taking his motorcycle so we don%26#39;t mind long drives, I am just wondering) Also, where are some good spots to park that are kind of in the middle of everything so that we won%26#39;t have to drive much once we get there?
Also, we wanted to spend a day at the beach..from what I%26#39;ve read Kiawah looks like a nice place to go but I%26#39;m still trying to figure out which one would not be too far of a drive from north Charleston.
We plan to take a carriage tour one morning, then maybe do some shopping for anything we can carry back on a motorcycle!! We also want to tour Drayton Hall and take a walk on the battery... and of course go to all the recommended restaurants. Does anyone have any suggestions/advice/tips for what else to do while we%26#39;re there?? My fiance wants to ride horses but I could not find any info on it..is there anywhere to do that in the Charleston area? I know we are doing all the touristy stuff, but are there any other things we should do/see to get a feel as to what it would be like to live here? (we are also kind of house hunting right now...) I know this is a lot to ask but thank you so much in advance for any help:) I just want to make the best out of this trip!!
last minute change in plans!!! Need some advice!!
Kiawah is about 25 miles from the airport - some commericalize, divided highway, then a two-lane country road. The two lane road (Main Road, which becomes Bochicket Road) is curvy in parts and boardered by huge live oak trees. There is a fair amount of fast-moving local traffic that makes surprise stops for hidden turns and driveways. This road was built for slow moving farm traffic and some limited beach traffic. It is beautiful, with lots of special lowcountry vistas along the way, but it dangerous. Since you are accustomed to traveling by motorcycle, you know the risks.
Once you get to Beachwalker park on Kiawah, you will find a gorgeous beach, with nice restrooms and changing areas, and a snack bar. It will cost about $5 to park your bike for the day. Alond the way to or from the beach, stop at The Angel Oak, on Johns island, just east of the intersection at Maybank Highway. The Oak is about 1500 years old an dis truly amazing. Visiting the Oak is free.
On Johns Island there are quite a few horse farms. You will see some of the most beautiful along The Bohicket Road. I know there are also places on Johns Island that give riding lessons. I am not sure where you could do trail riding. The resort at Seabrook Island, adjacent to Kiawah has an equestrian center, with riding on trails and on the beach. Call them to find out if persons other than resort guests can use the facility.
last minute change in plans!!! Need some advice!!
Driving from your hotel to Downtown should not take long. Depending on where you are staying your drive will be anywhere between 15-30 min. For parking downtown, anywhere you go will be convient to walking around the town. The problem will be if they allow the bikes in the lots. I know the lot at the visitors center does not allow bikes because they don%26#39;t have enough weight or something to trigger the hand.
I agree with KiawahVilla that Kiawah is a great beach to visit. You will enjoy the beautiful drive out there on the bikes.
The carriage rides all leave from the city market. They start at 9am and run until 5pm. That will take you about 1 hour. You will want to spend some time walking around the market. There is lots of shops, restaurants and pubs in that area. I do recommend you walking around the battery and the waterfront. The houses are beautiful and historic. The gardens would be nice to stop into to enjoy a little shade. It is HOT here.
I might be wrong but I thought that Middleton Place would let you ride horses. Maybe someone else know more than I do?
Enjoy your stay!
Middleton Place does offer riding lessons and trail rides. I would never have thought to look there! It works out great because it%26#39;s one of the places we want to visit while we%26#39;re there! Riding on the beach sounds like it will be really nice too, I%26#39;m going to look into that also.... My fiance is gonna be so happy!
I am a little worried about the parking situation now, but it%26#39;s good to know. Do you usually see a lot of bikes in Charleston? I hope it isn%26#39;t TOO hard to find parking.. : /
Anyway thanks so much for your help!!!! : )
The Isle of Palms would be about 20 - 30 min from the airport, depending on traffic. During non-rush hour about 20 min. The beach there is wide and beautiful. There is a bar right on the beach called the Windjammer. Alot of ';bike people'; go there, you always see alot of bikes parked out front. There is also a large public parking lot a little further down the street. To get there you would get on 526 and just follow the signs to Isle of Palms. There are also public restrooms and showers at the Isle of Palms, so you can rinse off and not have a sandy drive back!
There are several parking garages downtown, I am not positive of their views on motorcycles, but I would imagine that they allow them.
We see tons of bikes in Charleston!! If you can%26#39;t find a garage that allows parking ( I am sure that there are some) then you can park at a meter or there is usually free street parking around the battery if you get there earlier in the day. Yall will be fine, Don%26#39;t worry.
I am much more informed now and i think we%26#39;ll have a great time in Charleston..you were all so helpful! Thank you so much!!!! :D
Wow, all the way from Michigan on a bike. Remember that suntan lotion on any exposed skin. Also remember that if you really love something you want to buy just be sure it fits in a reasonable box and mail it home.
Hi Ana820! I know you are going to LOVE your trip to Charleston! I agree with previous posts that there are loads of bike folks that visit Charleston. I work downtown and think the Market area would be a great central location to park and walk around. You can find lots of souvenirs in the outdoor market and the shops and have a great lunch. Plus you are right where you need to be for that carriage ride!
While I love the idea of the drive out to Kiawah, I really think you might be happier with the beach at IOP. The Windjammer is just so cool and there are always bikes out front. Check their concert schedule. Not a shabby drive there either. Great views.
Not sure of the schedules, but I really like the comedy show, ';The Have Nots!'; It is one of those improv groups. It is just off the market. Also you may want to check to see if there is anything going on at the Dock Street Theater. I love French Quarter Art Walks they have downtown in Spring and Fall. All the galleries have little receptions.
I%26#39;ve never done the Sunset cruises with Dolphin watches, but we have our own boat and love doing that. The dolphins are so cool to watch swimming along, especially if they have their little ones with them. What a great way to wind down a busy day!
Hope you have a fantastic trip!
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