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We are contemplating a trip via AMTRAK to Gettysburg and then south to Charleston, S.C. area. Any suggestions for routing and/or additional sights include? Departure will be from Chicago Union Station. Thanks. DM
Jerome Nicholson Member # 3116
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Not much detail to go on - I guess you're going to take the Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh and transfer to the Pennsylvanian to Harrisburg, the closest stop to Gettysburg, then a rental car from there. If you are going the first week in July,I hope you have already booked a hotel room, because rooms are scarce due to the battle re-enactments. If you are going then and haven't secured a room, you will have better luck getting a place in Harrisburg or York, which is closer.. Have any kids? They'll love Hershey, right next to Harrisburg, with Hersheypark and Chocolate World. And maybe the Lancaster area, home to the Amish people. Lets have some more detail on how long you'll be staying, and your interests, and maybe we can work out a fun trip.
Passenger Rail Fan Member # 4899
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Thanks for the information. Looks like the plan will be to tour Charleston, S.C. area. Capitol Limited from Chicago/D.C. then AMTRAK from D.C. to Charleston. Any suggestions for staying in the historic district? The Double Tree in Historic District looks interesting. We are interested in taking bus tours (Gray Line?) to historic areas.....Drayton Plantation.... Still planning...suggestions welcomed. DM
Jerome Nicholson Member # 3116
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There are a number of old plantations around Charleston, and Drayton Hall is a nice one. But my favorite is Middleton. It looks different from the standard mansions with the high -columned veranda. Even though it was damaged, it is still impressive looking, and the gardens surrounding it are extensive. The houses along the Battery in the city itself are also worth seeing. And try to go out to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. On my boat trip out there, we saw dolphins splashing alongside the boat!
palmland Member # 4344
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Agree with Jerome's suggestions. Your first stop should be to the Charleston visitor center on Meeting St. to plan your visit. Be sure and have lunch at Middleton Plantation, she-crab soup is a specialty. Charleston is a very walkable city. Take a carriage tour to see the main historic attractions then spend the rest of the time strolling the streets. Don't even think about a chain restaurant in Charleston, as the city is famous for its great food and restaurants. Our favorites: Slightly North of Broad (good for a long lunch), High Cotton, Hank's Seafood, Peninsula Grill, McCrady's, and Magnolias (great Sunday brunch). As long as the hotel is in the historic area they will all be ok, if expensive.
Any guide book will give you the historic spots like the City Market, Custom House, the Battery and the many historic churches. But, be forewarned. The residents try to leave the low country in the summer- it is very hot and very humid. Any sightseeing other than a place with AC is best done before noon or early evening. Late March or early April is a much better time to go. The weather is great then and the spring gardens are in full bloom.
If you have time, rent a car and see some of the coastal communities. The drive across the tidal marshes to the historic town of Beaufort is well worth it. Stay in a B&B on the water there and explore this great small town (semi-famous for many of the scenes in the movie Big Chill). Nearby is the gorgeous Hunting Island State Park beach.
Jerome Nicholson Member # 3116
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And just in case you do rent a car there, it might be nice to drive down U.S. 17 to Savannah, GA. It is well worth a day or two. In fact, even without a car, you could still get from Charleston to Savannah by train or bus.
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