South Carolina Low Country Tour (6-Day)  
A bicycling vacation of Charleston and coastal South Carolina

This tour packs the best of the South Carolina Low Country into a fabulous 6 day multi-sport vacation. Bike the idyllic islands of the South Carolina coast under stands of live oaks and wispy Spanish moss. Learn about the history of the Palmetto State's plantation past.  Walk the beaches with gentle sea breezes and stroll past architectural treasures on the streets of Charleston and Beaufort, SC.  And, of course, experience the legendary warmth and charm of southern hospitality in gourmet restaurants and cozy inns.

(**Note:  Itinerary Details are subject to change)

Day 1:  We meet in  North Charleston, SC.  Shuttling briefly from our point of origin, we'll commence our first bike ride of the tour in a rural area offering a variety of farmland and marsh views, as well as the Lowcountry's signature Spanish moss lined roadways.   After our catered lunch together we'll explore the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, a site with over 6 miles of hiking trails, boardwalks, 18th century rice fields and wetlands.  Our guided nature and history walk will provide you with a excellent contextual understanding of the area.  We'll then shuttle the rest of the way to downtown Beaufort, one of the most charming waterfront towns you'll ever see.  We relax before dinner as a group this evening, where we'll experience our first taste of the savory Lowcountry cuisine for which the area has become famous.

Day 2:  An optional pre-breakfast pedal tour of Beaufort's lovely neighborhoods treats us to quiet streets and early light on antebellum homes and Spanish moss draped Live Oaks.  Later, we bike from the inn toward some of the best biking along the South Carolina coast.  We picnic at Hunting Island State Park where opportunities abound to walk isolated sandy beaches, bike the extensive park road network and climb the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse for a fantastic view of the SC coast. Return at your leisure to Beaufort and savor the soft sea breezes along the waterfront on your own this evening.  

Day 3: Rising early, we start with a 45 minute morning shuttle after breakfast before making our way back to Charleston. We stop on the way to venture onto remote country back roads near old plantations and cypress swamps.  We pedal near sites that have been the setting or inspiration of award winning movies such as Forest Gump, Prince of Tides, The Big Chill and countless others.  Charleston welcomes us in the late afternoon.  Home base for the first three nights will be the Ansonborough Inn, a beautifully-appointed, all-suite inn centrally located near the Market and Aquarium Wharf in the midst of the historic downtown.

Day 4:  We explore James and Folly Islands today on bike and from kayaks.  We'll bike the islands first, then have lunch together at a favorite Folly Island restaurant.  Local guides will show us the ecosystem of the marsh, and provide kayaking instruction.  A short shuttle back to Charleston in the afternoon will leave plenty of time to explore downtown on foot and to check out the rooftop terrace at our inn.

Day 5:  This morning, we shuttle 30 minutes out of downtown and across the Ashley River to spend the day on one of the loveliest sea islands in South Carolina.  We pedal our way through the shady island back roads under arching live oaks full of Spanish moss.  We visit the Angel Oak, a live oak believed by many to be over 1500 years old. Our side routes today offer brief glimpses of the salt marshes which define the coastal Lowcountry landscape.  We will have a picnic lunch today near America's only tea plantation.  You may opt this afternoon to continue biking the back roads of the sea islands, or return to Charleston to explore this vibrant city on your own.

Day 6:  Our last day together features a thrilling ride on the bike path over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge.  Completed in 2005, this beautiful structure over the Cooper River dominates the Charleston skyline.  Our afternoon is spent biking Sullivan's Island, the oldest beach resort in the area.  At its point is Fort Moultrie where you can learn about 171 years of military coastal history.  The Fort defended Charleston's harbor from the Revolutionary War through WW II.  After a brief shuttle to returns us to the Hampton Inn, Charleston Airport.  Showers are available prior to departure.  

	Lodging: Optional night prior:  Radisson Inn, Charleston Airport.  This convenient location is our tour point of origin.  Radisson Inn is providing us with free parking and airport shuttle.  We will return you to this location at the end of the tour.
	Nights 1 & 2: The Beaufort Inn, Beaufort, SC.  Located in the heart of Beaufort's landmark historic district and a member of the Historic Hotels of America, The Beaufort Inn's historic architecture, curved balconies, verandas and gardens capture the essence of a gracious southern coastal town.
	Nights 3, 4 & 5:  Ansonborough Inn, Charleston, SC.  The Inn was completely remodeled in 1999 by owners George & Sandra Fennell.  In keeping with the nautical heritage of Admiral George Anson, for whom the inn was named, the Fennells have overseen the transformation of the Inn into one of the historic district’s truly unique properties.  You’ll notice their attention to detail…handsome historic antiques and reproductions and a vast collection of original oil paintings throughout the guest suites and common areas.

 

Cycling:   The terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels.  Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route!  Along the way, observe coastal wetlands and rural farmland as we bike the scenic back roads of South Carolina.  Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles. This 6 day tour offers routes of 25 - 50+ miles each day (at your option).  Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on a few days of the tour.  Less ambitious cyclists can take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs.

Extend Your Vacation:  Before or after our activity packed tour, you may want to tack on a few days.  There is a lot to do in and around Charleston if you have time.  Several plantations are located just outside of the city and are open for visitors and tours.  Boone Hall Plantation reflects Southern heritage spanning 300 years on one magnificent “still working” plantation.  Middleton Place is a carefully preserved 18th century plantation and a National Historic Landmark with and on site inn and 65 acres of America’s oldest landscaped gardens.  Many others are nearby (click here for additional plantation information).

Shoppers will enjoy downtown Charleston's many and diverse shops in a walkable, pleasant environment.  You'll find indigenous local crafts, unique specialty shops, and antiques galore - plus, a wide variety of high-end national retailers, including Saks Fifth Ave.   

Of course, you may want to continue your visit of the coast by driving down to the pristine beaches of Kiawah Island, SC or Hilton Head Island, SC.  Or, you may wish to continue on to coastal Georgia and Savannah.  There is plenty to see and do in both Charleston and the lower coast of SC and GA.  We'll be happy to make suggestions for you and help with arrangements. 

Call 888.251.3206 (local number is 336.794.1054) or click here to make your reservation today!

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Carolina Tailwinds   P.O. Box 24716   Winston-Salem, NC 27114-4716   888.251.3206 or 336.794.1054 
email: info@CarolinaTailwinds.com