Need advice on a Charleston SC trip

[nickysc]

Planning a trip to Charleston sometime in june. Takeing my Father in law. He is a75yr old Baptist preacher and loves history.Als he served in the Navy in early 50s in Tallahassee.I have made numerous trips, but never made any plans prior to departur. I want to visit Fort Sumpter, but have never been out past the north ICW, need some instructions for this. We always stay at Harbor marina, There are several other choises in the area, is there abetter place to stay? Looking for decent motel for pawinlaw who's wife refuses to sleep on boat. I would welcome any sugestions for 2 day iterary as well marina with a view and econimical lodging. thanks Nicky

 

[SearayPaul]

Charleston Harbor Marina is a good place to stay. CHM has a website also. You need to get a reservation as they fill up quickly. They have a motel on the resort. Depending on the week the motel can be expensive and I was not impressed with the rooms. There is a Quality Inn about 1 to 2 miles away (Patriots Point) that is a 5 dollar cab ride. I have stayed there a bunch and like it. Cabs are easy to come by in Charleston. Ask the dock master which one to use, I can not remember which one he recommended but they always came when called. The ocean going freighters and warships will go right by the marina. There is a great view of the Ravenel Bridge also.

I have not stayed at City Marina, I have stayed at the motel ajacent to the dock, Courtyard by Marriott I believe. It is about a 500 yard walk. City Marina has the Mega Dock for the big boys so I am sure it would be fine. The Ashley River has a lot of anchrages in that area so you can look at the blow boats if that is your thing. City Marina has a scheduled shuttle service to points in down town Charleston, or again take a cab.

Go to the Fort Sumpter website for docking instructions for private craft. As far as getting there it is not a big deal. Just follow the markers or your GPS. You can see the fort from CHM.

If you decide to go to Shem Creek for dinner. Make sure you follow the markers as it is very shallow to either side. Another option is to take a cab and enjoy some of the colorful characters that drive them.

Have fun. Charleston is a wonderful place.

 

[OneMoreHour]

Like Paul mentioned, Charleston Harbor Marina is good, but the hotel there is expensive.

We have stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott on the Ashley River a couple of times. They have a small dock with space for about 4 boats. You have to call the Courtyard to reserve dock space on a first call, first reserved basis. I don't think their dock has water or electricity available either.

If the Courtyard dock is full, you can rent a transient slip at the Ashley Marina directly behind the hotel, or the City Marina a few hundred yards away like Paul said. And cabs are plentiful in Charleston if you want to stay somewhere else.

As far as Fort Sumter goes, you can tie up to the dock at the fort, but the dock is mainly designed for large tour boats, and is not an easy place for smaller boats to use. Unless things have changed recently, you'll have to tie up to large pilings and climb a steel ladder to get up on the dock. And you'll most likely have to do this with a strong current, 1'-2' waves, and possibly large wakes. Be very careful. I'm not sure an older person could safely deboard and board a small boat there. You might get lucky with a calm day, but I'd be prepared to take one of the tour boats if needed.

Your father-in-law would also enjoy Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. The park service does have a dock there you can use just off the ICW. And don't forget about the aircraft carrier and sub at Patriots Point.

Also plan on a ride up the Cooper River to look at the old Navy yard. There are still some Navy cargo ships there and you'll see many different types of vessels around that area.