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A wonderful place to visit any time of year is Charleston, South Carolina. History, architecture, great food, water elements and charm all come to mind when describing this area. Recently, I was made aware of a 4,000 acre island within the Charleston area that was formerly owned by the Guggenheim Foundation. The first residential property did not make an appearance here until 1996. Since then it has become a planned community with 8 parks, 25 miles of trails, 23 miles of rivers, golf courses, tennis clubs, shops and restaurants. Bingo, now you get two great areas for the price of one!
The hotels are in Charleston and the property I recommend is less than 6 miles from Daniel Island. The contrast of the old and the new makes this a wonderful choice. It is the Francis Marion Hotel, opened in 1924 and named for General Francis Marion from the American Revolution. His nickname was the “Swamp Fox” because he used to disappear into the swamps and made it impossible for the British to catch him. In fact, the bar and restaurant on the property is named the Swamp Fox.
This hotel is located on Upper King Street, known for great shopping, antiques and is within walking distance to the main attractions in Charleston. There are 234 rooms, with a full service spa, fitness center and free WiFi. The Swamp Fox Bar offers live jazz music and the restaurant is one of the best in the area. You are also about a 10 minute walk to the Harbor.
In addition, you are about a 15 minute drive to Daniel Island, where you can leave behind the old and visit the new. Bring your bikes, walking shoes, golf clubs, tennis racquets, fishing poles and appetites. That’s right, you can pack a picnic lunch and find a spot in one of the parks, then walk the miles of trails to walk off the pounds. The next day, you can go paddle boarding, fishing or boating on the rivers.
A few minutes later, you are back at the Francis Marion for dinner, drinks and some jazz piano. Morning comes and off you go to the island for a round of golf or tennis and a stop at Laura Alberts www.lauraalberts.com to order from her farm to table menu: crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, homemade pies.
So now you have a vacation that truly encompasses two for the price of one: Charleston/Daniel Island with a stay at art deco Francis Marion and a quick ride to the modern planned community of Daniel Island.
It doesn’t get much better than this!
Website: www.francismarionhotel.com
Rating: 
March 25, 2023
