Charleston in March - Suggestions?

If you're there on a Friday afternoon, Parade at the Citadel.

My bad --- I didn't think to search before asking. Thanks for the help!

It is much more convenient to stay in Charleston, more costly too. Parking is not cheap either.

We have stayed at the Double Tree a few times and it is within walking distance of just about everything.

It somewhat depends on your agenda if it makes more sense to stray in town or at MP. If you plan to visit the old plantations, and other out of town places, then MP could be the better option.

Hotel:
LINK

Dinner...tons of solid places. Trip advisor is pretty good about ratings.

Note...the shrimp and grits were VERY meh and a "low country boil" was pretty disappoonting. The "she crab soup" was a pleasant surprise though.

That's why we were considering Mt. Pleasant. The plantations/gardens are on our list of to-dos. Plus, I'm having a hard time pulling the trigger on some of those downtown hotel prices!

I understand. We’ve traveled w/ friends that like the convenience of staying near the ‘action’. I’ve come to appreciate it as well; it is nice to be able to walk back to the room and recharge before going to dinner or whatever.

And, you need to stay 2 nights at least; doesn’t make sense to check in at 3:00 & then have to check out at 11:00 the next day.

There is a public parking lot in front of the Double Tree Hotel that is convenient to many sites & restaurants. We have used it and don’t recall what it cost but do remember thinking it is expensive for the amount of time we were there.

But in reality it is probably only $100 to $150 incremental cost per night if you stay in town.

Like most real cities these days, you can uber with ease from Mt P to DT or the either beach.

If you’re traveling with friends ditch the hotel and grab a AirBnB.

I’m planning a trip there in May for my wife’s 30th and plan on Airbnbing

We typically go the first week of April for our anniversary. A great time to be there - weather is nice, not too hot, typically not too cold.

If you want to try something other than standard shrimp and grits, check out Acme Lowcountry Kitchen on Isle of Palms - they serve 8 different versions, including a bbq version with fried grits.

The Noisy Oyster at Market and East Bay does really good shrimp & grits, as well as a really good low country boil.

Kaminsky's on North Market just west of Church has to die for desserts.

While downtown, be sure to walk the Battery and check out the houses. A few are open for tours. Rainbow Row (East Bay Street between Elliot and Tradd) makes for great pictures if there aren't too many cars parked around there. St. Michaels Church (corner of Broad and Meeting) was built in the 1750s and was the church George Washington worshiped in when he visited the city in the 1780s. We actually went to Easter services there, and it was cool. The pews are boxed in and not long rows.

Of the plantations, Magnolia is our favorite, but Middleton and Boone Hall are both nice as well. Depending on the weather between now and then, all will have something in bloom, and you may catch the azaleas at or near their peak. Magnolia is known for their camellias, and you may catch them as well. If you got to Magnolia, be sure to do the nature boat and nature train. Middleton and Magnolia are each really full day events, so plan accordingly.

While in West Ashley, also check out Drayton Hall. Built in the 1750s, it was last "modernized" in the mid 1800s. No indoor plumbing, no electricity, but all original.

Take the time to drive out to Wadlawmaw and go to the Charleston tea Plantation. They won't be producing tea yet, but you can still see the fields with all of the bushes, and sample their teas. Also stop by the Angel Oak on the way back (it was just featured in an Allstate commercial).

Great suggestions! Thank you

We'll definitely add several of these to our list.