Swimming Charleston

[Rod Hagen]

SO was thinking of visiting Charleston/Savanah. How late in the summer/fall is the water still warm enough for swimming? I know this is NOT the primary reason to visit, but you know I love ocean swimming.

 

THANKS!

[Scorpio]

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/satl.html

 

That's a link to ocean tempatures for the area. Except for Jan thru March, the temps appear to be similar to here in Florida where people swim all year round. Savannah and charleston are great places to visit. I wish I could join you.

[Decatur Guy]

Hey. That's a WONDERFUL area to visit. Savannah and Charleston are the jewels of the South, IMHO.

 

The water lags the air in warming up and cooling off. So it can be a very warm day in early May and you'll still have a rather brisk swim, while the air can start to cool off in late September, but the water will still be warm.

 

Depending on your own tolerance level, I think you can swim easily and comfortably until early to mid-October, though you may get chilled when you get out if the fall day is on the coolish side. After that, I think it begins to be more a matter of determination. I went swimming in mid-September at Hunting Island State Park last year and was completely comfortable.

 

One last note: Remember it's hurricane season, and September is the peak. Most storms tend to hit the Gulf or southern Florida or North Carolina, but the Savannah to Charleston stretch isn't immune. For some reason though, it tends to be less affected with fewer strikes.

 

You're coming to my home territory. Feel free to private e-mail if you have questions about the area or any suggestions for things to do.

[+ azdr0710]

and don't forget that the proud residents of Charleston are always happy to volunteer that their city is where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet to form the Atlantic Ocean

 

if you can, visit Drayton Hall, an old plantation that, as of the last time I visited, was mercifully unrestored and very quiet and authentic feeling, unlike neighboring plantations with B and Bs, restaurants, gift shops, bus parking, the whole bit.....

[leigh.bess.toad]

You will enjoy Charleston Rod. It really is a great city.

 

As far as a place to stay, I would recommend the Courtyard by Marriott. It had previously been a Holiday Inn. Why? Because of Kevin McQuade. By far, and it ain't even close, the best concierge I have ever run across. Kevin knows his city like the back of his hand, he loves his city, he knows everyone in the city and can get you into places and get you things to see absolutely no one else will be able to do. When we were there a few years ago, Kevin got us two magical trips. The first was a boat trip out to a deserted sandbar where we had the most spectacular time. First the trip out was amazing in that it was a smaller boat and we got within a few feet of a pod of dolphins (I think they are called pods). Then, the captain left us there for an hour or two and we found the most remarkable shells -- the clean, undamaged shells and sanddollars you will never get near shore. It was peaceful and quiet and you really were alone. For a trip to be able to reflect, commune with nature, and just be amazed at where you are, it it is one trip I will remember forever. The other was Kevin himself. He frequently, if asked, will give a nighttime guided walking tour of "his" Charleston. This is on his own time. But it does it a few times a week. Like I said, he loves his city and loves to show it off to visitors. The idea of staying at a hotel simply because of a concierge is really a bit bizarre. But Kevin McQuade is that good and that special. If he moved to a motel 6, I'd stay there, simply because of Kevin.

 

Second, be prepared to eat. Charleston has more world-class restaurants than any city it's size should have any hope for. The dining in Charleston is truly remarkable. One good thing about staying with Kevin McQuade is that he can get you into any restaurant. Most restaurants will hold a table or two simply for him and his guests. One restaurant I particularly loved was Cypress. A magical dining experience. The name of another restaurant that is wonderful is SNOB (Slightly North of Broad). But if you stay at the Courtyard, lean on Kevin and he will put you into the best restaurant for what you want.

 

But one story, I think I may have told it here before, was an encounter we had on a carriage ride through the city. It was us and one other couple. The driver asked where we were from. I was feeling a bit frisky so I replied "Richmond, the capital of the confederacy". His response was "Welcome to Charleston, the Heart of the Confederacy". And then he had the line that so perfectly described Virginia, North Caroline and South Carolina in one short sentence. "You know what they call North Carolina? It's the Valley of Humilty between two Mountains of Conceit."

 

You will love Charleston. It is one of my all time favorite cities and I would love to get back there.

[jawjateck]

Ahhhh.....Savannah and Charleston, my neck of the woods. Having lived in both cities, I love the old south. To me, Atlanta is just a place to stay for business, but I still maintain my home in the Savannah area, love it, love it, love it. DG gave you good info. While air temps begin to moderate in September, it can be hot until mid Oct, and since the water temp is fueled from the gulfstream flowing up from the south, the water temps don't cool until Nov. The main beach accessible from Savannah is Tybee Island, but Hilton Head is a short drive north. Charleston has many accessible beaches, Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah (although I think it is still limited to residents/guests only).

 

My favorite restaurant in Charleston is Poogan's Porch, but nowhere on the peninsula will you be disappointed in the food. In Savannah, I enjoy the Charter House and Johnny Harris'. And by all means, SKIP Paula Dean's "Lady and Sons" restaurant. Long wait times for overpriced average food. There are many "hole in the wall" dives in Savannah that are much better than that place.

 

So Rod, enjoy your trip to Dixie, savor the hospitality of my people, and pleasure yourself in our warm waters.