Kind of relevant - "festival of houses and gardens" in charleston?

UWSmom - ever heard of www.brownstoner.com, there will be house tours starting soon in brownstone Brooklyn - I've been to Fort Greene & Brooklyn Heights. I hear the Prospect Heights & Ditmas tours are great too.

Yo guys... I know nothing about gardens... got nada.. but enjoy uwsmom...

I think I'd contact their chamber of commerce and/or the visitor's bureau & see how they might help you. It's a gorgeous city; have a grand time!

nyc10023 - Score. Did not know about Brooklyn home tours. Thanks!
drdrd - yes, good advice, and have my travel books too but they require reading...was hoping that random polls on some of my forums would result in "OMG, girl, let me tell you about this festival". No hits yet :)

and thanks 67

Yes, I have done this once before, but it was many years ago, so I am not much help. I remember the hotel I stayed in had all the information right at the desk. It was very enjoyable, but would recommend making dinner reservations in advance. Have fun!

The Festival of Homes and Gardens is FABULOUS!!! Make sure you bring walking shoes though. For each afternoon's walk, you receive a map/guide with a list of where the gardens are for that afternoon. You can usually make them all of you keep a brisk pace between the houses and then you have enough time to savor each garden! I've also picked a day that had a church and a cemetary, which was quite interesting. There are docents at each stop with information, plus you can ask questions. I remember at one of the gardens, the owners were there and were delighted to talk and answer questions. Some stops you see the house as well as the garden, but it's mostly the gardens. Well worth the trip! Hwere's some links you might be interested in.
http://www.gardentraveler.com/cities/SC.htm
A Garden Traveler's Pilgrimage: Charleston
http://gardentravelerclippings.blogspot.com/2008/01/garden-travelers-pilgrimage-charleston.html

Enjoy and have a great time - Charleston is a beautiful city. I would recommend any of the houses on Tradd Street, easily one of the most charming streets in the US. Also anything down by the Battery.

Oh, Mom, if you won't let me carry your bags, AT LEAST send me a postcard!

LOL. Thanks all!
Still trying to decide where to stay...thinking 3 nights downtown, 3-4 nights at beach (Kiawah maybe).