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October 2008
Should you check out Charleston this fall?
What’s your take on this definitive Southern city?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few days ago I took a relaxing weekend to Hilton Head sans children, and I was reminded just how beautiful the coast of South Carolina is this time of year. It’s not too hot, too cold or too crowded. The early autumn skies are deep blue, and it’s the perfect temperature to golf, play tennis, walk along the beach or do nothing at all. Even the ocean water, while cooler than at the height of summer, is comfortable enough for a swim.
The agenda for this getaway was to have no agenda, so Hilton Head was perfect in that respect.
But if you want more than a golf or beach break, South Carolina’s coast has other options. Drive just over 100 miles up the coast to Charleston. Beaches and golf are still first-rate there, but the city also offers a trip’s worth of other distinctive attractions that lure people back year after year. In fact, every transplanted Charleston native I’ve ever met always seems to be trying to get back to their hometown.
The city itself is a five-hour drive from Atlanta, but it feels worlds away. With no skyscrapers on the skyline, Charleston’s beauty is not in its height, but its depth. It’s an architectural and historical treasure trove that immerses visitors in the lives and events (good and bad) that have shaped the area since the days before the Revolution. Museums, military forts, beautiful homes and gardens, fine restaurants, the Battery and Waterfront Park are on the list of must-sees when visiting Charleston.
This weekend, the city’s restaurant association hosts its three-day “Taste of Charleston” event, where Lowcountry specialty cuisine reigns supreme. Throughout the month, visitors can take a “haunted harbor ghost tour” and explore many of the city’s famous haunted sites. For something a little less scary and more classic Charleston, check out the 32nd Annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens, which runs through October 26th.
What’s your take on Charleston? Do you have a favorite time to go? Do you stay in town or out toward the beaches? How long do you feel you need to fully explore all that Charleston has to offer? What would you include on your list of “must sees” in C-town?
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Don’t let gas shortage ruin your travel plans
Are you getting away this weekend and where?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gas lines. Closed pumps. Not to sound like one of my kids, but I’m so over this gas shortage thing. While the crisis itself isn’t over, the situation at least appears to be looking up - a little. After driving as little as possible over the past 20 days, I have the opportunity to take a kid-free break this weekend - and I’m going. It’s rare that the planets align like this, and I’ll not let a petrol pinch keep me from taking advantage.
In fact, between stressing about the financial uncertainty nationwide and the gas crisis in our own backyard, I think we could all use a bit of a break. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s mess, along with associated stock market fluctuations, will still be there on Monday — and if we’re going to have to wait in line for gas, we might as well do it somewhere fun.
Here are a few ideas for low-stress getaways that won’t break the bank or empty your tank…
First… remember that while we Atlantans may be living at the epicenter of the gas crisis, petrol can be found in other areas of our state. It may not be up to 100 percent, but you probably won’t have to play “follow that tanker” or sit for hours in a gas line either. You can always call ahead to your destination to ask about availability if you’re worried.
Check out places like Lake Oconee in Greene and Putnam counties, with its Cuscowilla and Reynolds Plantation resorts. About 80 miles east of Atlanta, the lake, golf and amenities will relax you while the trip won’t use up all of your gas. (Even if it does, gas was available there mid-week.)
A short drive up to Blue Ridge, Ga. will allow you to walk around the antiques shops or take in fall foliage via the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad. Don’t forget to stop by the local apple orchard, Mercier’s, to pick up fresh fruit, fried pies and a boxed lunch for the train trip. Blue Ridge is about 90 minutes north of Atlanta, and at mid-week, getting gas was not a problem.
Catch MARTA to the airport and leave this gas-forsaken city behind. Right now, Charleston, SC (where I hear gas is a-flowing), is hosting its 32nd annual Fall Tours of Homes and Gardens. The walking tours through the city’s famous gardens and architectural gems won’t waste a drop of gas anyway. For more information, call 843.722.4630.
Rediscover your hometown. Again, use MARTA and act like a tourist in your own city.
Has the gas crunch and financial crisis fueled your need to get away from it all? Are you taking a mini-break this weekend? Where do you plan to go, and is the petrol pinch affecting your destination? Share other low-cost, low-gas getaways with your fellow Atlanta travelers.
I’m still undecided on my weekend destination, but I’ll report back on it next week. Feel free to check with us next Wednesday and share your weekend travel stories too.
Share and read about other money saving tips at Your Money.
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