South Carolina Trip

James Shaw · August 24, 2009, 01:28:54 AM

Need some helps folks. I am going to my nephews graduation from Marine Corps Boot Camp the week of September 11, 12 weekend. I am looking for some reasonable lodging either on a AFB or a highly recommended Hotel. If there are any CAP activities in the area I may try to attend while I am in the area. I will have my wife and kids (2) with me and possibly another nephew.

Suggestions please before I have to go to a "resort" atmosphere.

Thanks,
Jim

bosshawk · August 24, 2009, 01:55:17 AM

I don't know exactly where Parris Island is located in SC, except that it is in the swamps near the coast. The only two AF bases that I know of are Charleston and Shaw AFB, which is in the northern part of the state.

Not much help, but a start. How about somebody who lives in that part of the world?

Hawk200 · August 24, 2009, 02:25:55 AM

Quote from: bosshawk on August 24, 2009, 01:55:17 AM
I don't know exactly where Parris Island is located in SC, except that it is in the swamps near the coast. The only two AF bases that I know of are Charleston and Shaw AFB, which is in the northern part of the state.

Not much help, but a start. How about somebody who lives in that part of the world?

Shaw and Charleston are north of Beaufort, but not in the northern part of the state.

Due to the "detours" around waterways, Charleston is about 2 hours northeast of Parris. Your best bet is to try to make a reservation somewhere in Beaufort, right now. You may get lucky.

I'm not familiar with the Beaufort area, so you may have to try some of the tourist sites to find what's available.

billford1 · August 24, 2009, 02:38:42 AM

I've been twice to the Holiday Inn at Folly Beach in Charleston. It's the best I can think of for S.C. Had a great time. Tour of Fort Sumter, Patriots Point and other attractions in Charleston. Have Dinner at the Charleston Crab Company.

bosshawk · August 24, 2009, 03:24:26 AM

Doesn't Beaufort have a Marine Corps air station? I know that it used to, but times do change and I have lived on the West Coast for 21 years.

LtCol057 · August 24, 2009, 04:16:45 AM

There's a MCAS near Beaufort, NC. It's MCAS Cherry Point, about 20 miles away. I don't remember one being at Beaufort, SC, but I was always around Army, not Marines. I have been known to make a mistake or two.

DC · August 24, 2009, 04:31:00 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Air_Station_Beaufort

flyguy06 · August 24, 2009, 05:49:03 AM

Yes. There is a Marine Corps Air Station at Beaufort. There are no USAF Bases near the area.

helper · August 24, 2009, 05:52:03 AM

I live in South Carolina but I'm in the midlands area, so I am not familiar with the accommodation's in that area.

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort SC.

https://www.beaufort.usmc.mil/

If you have time, consider visiting the carrier USS Yorktown at Patriots Point in Charleston.

http://www.patriotspoint.org/exhibits/yorktown/

Also, the Mighty 8th Air Force museum.

http://www.mightyeighth.org/

BillB · August 24, 2009, 10:50:53 AM

Years ago Florida Wing held an encampment at Travis ANG Base at Savannah, Ga. One of the tours was to Parris Island. The trip by USAF bus took about an hour, the distance being 46 miles. Staying at Savannah may be one answer

MSG Mac · August 24, 2009, 12:40:33 PM

There is a guest house on Parrris Island. But due to the number of graduations held there you should make your arrangements as early as possible. His parents should have received that information from the Marines when they got the date of graduation.

rebowman · August 24, 2009, 02:04:01 PM

Are you current or retired military?

JohnKachenmeister · August 24, 2009, 02:06:05 PM

Parris Island MCRD: Reservations phone 843-228-2744. Temporary Military Lodging indicates that family members of graduates may stay on a space-available basis. Confirm reservations within 48 hours of arrival. The city of Savannah is the nearest major city and is 43 miles SW of P.I.

Beaufort MCAS: TML indicates that civilian relatives visiting at Beaufort or Parris Island may stay in lodging on a space-available basis. Reservation phone number 843-522-1663. Savannah is 40 miles south of Beaufort.

Parris Island and Beaufort both accept most common credit cards.

Good luck.

LTC Don · August 24, 2009, 02:31:23 PM

Just remember, Beaufort, SC is pronounced "Bewfert", and Beaufort, NC is pronounced "Bowfert"

Oh, and MCAS Cherry Point is in Havelock, NC, about forty miles from Bowfert

And, godspeed to your nephew.

Cheers,

LtCol057 · August 24, 2009, 02:53:06 PM

My error Don. Forgot to put the MCAS Cherry Point is at Havelock. Having a senior moment here.

James Shaw · August 24, 2009, 08:14:21 PM

My wife has "relieved me of duty" and will find a place to stay. She said I wasnt fast enough. Thanks for all of the input. I appreciate it.

JohnKachenmeister · August 25, 2009, 01:45:57 AM

She's pretty tough on you, Jim. You only posted this a little more than 24 hours ago.

bosshawk · August 25, 2009, 01:52:09 AM

Hey, Kach, remember that in "wife speak" 24 hours is an eternity.

James Shaw · September 01, 2009, 01:40:52 PM

As per directed and enacted by "the boss" I have been relieved of the South Carolina trip. My destination is now Savannah GA. I will be staying at the East Bay Inn downtown.

Any CAP activities close to there on September 11 & 12th?

JohnKachenmeister · September 01, 2009, 03:42:36 PM

Try the restaurant run by Paula Deen from the Food Network. The fried chicken is to DIE FOR!

Go either for the lunch or dinner buffet. The buffet will give you a chance to eat a whole lot of different and very good foods.

Also, take the tram tour of the historic downtown. It is time well spent.