- 2009 BMW 328i M-Sport with the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge Charleston, SC in the background

Grand Touring: Savannah, GA/Charleston, SC

I went on a vacation at the end of March/2021. Here is what my wife and I did.

Charles North VI posted in North's Auto Reviews

34w ago

2.1K

My wife and I took a vacation down to Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina at the end of March beginning of April. But this trip almost didn't happen for the BMW. I went to replace the overflow tank hose and broke the nipple to the upper radiator hose. I found an upper radiator hose and went to replace it and broke the radiator. Ended up finding a radiator last minute and paid a mechanic to install it the day before we left. The backup car would have been the Scion tC. I am just thrilled to have been able to take the BMW.

Destination Plans

The first destination is Savannah, Georgia since it is the furthest. After Savannah, we head back and go to Charleston, SC. So, from where I live to get to Savannah, Georgia took 13 hours and over 700 miles to drive. 13 hours was due to terrible traffic. To get to Charleston, SC was only but a 2 and a half-hour drive and 110 miles. We stayed in Savannah from Saturday-Tuesday and Charleston from Tuesday-Friday and then came home.

Grand Touring Savannah, Georgia

"...laid about the..."

While in Savannah, my wife and I visited many places such as River Street which runs alongside the Savannah River, Bonaventure Cemetary, a few of the historic districts, several of the 22 squares laid about the city that provide some historical context, beauty, and shade on a hot summer's day. We also went to Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski which saw battle in the American Civil War, Tybee Island which is a coastal island east of Savannah.

"...i don't suggest..."

As for wandering about the city, we learned some of its histories from before the arrival of Europeans to now. Southern hospitality and charm are real and you find it almost everywhere you go in Savannah. The city is clean and beautiful thanks to the architecture. The food is delicious everywhere we went. Went to a rooftop bar that overlooked the city. Had drinks at an upper-class hotel. I ate crawfish for the first time on Tybee Island. Tasted like lobster, but I don't suggest you "suck the head" of one. That wasn't the best flavor to hit my tongue. I highly recommend visiting Savannah, GA whenever you get the chance and its surrounding areas. The only thing I wouldn't suggest is driving your car on River Road since it is mostly made up of cobblestone and bricks.

Old Fort Jackson Photos

Fort Pulaski

Tybee Island

Grand Touring Charleston, South Carolina

"...in its own..."

As beautiful as Savannah, Georgia is, Charleston, South Carolina has the same charm but in its own way. The city has its own history from the American Civil War. Fort Sumter is in eyesight off of one of the piers. The city consists of people who were born into old money while people come to flock to see its architecture and history. We visited places such as Rainbow Row which is a row of houses and buildings painted different colors, the battery that resides along the water, we visited the U.S.S. Yorktown which is an aircraft carrier that saw conflict and war, the old slave market which is now like a regular market where people sell food or souvenirs, a park that has a pineapple fountain where one can put their feet in to cool off on a hot summer's day. There's also a modern style fountain that just has several jets that geyser out water for kids to play in to cool off as well on a hot day. The food down in Charleston was phenomenal. My wife and I went to a couple of rooftop bars and had some really good drinks. All in all, I absolutely recommend visiting Charleston, South Carolina.

My E92 BMW 328i M-Sport

"...even more special..."

For the 1,700 miles I drove to, from, and around Savannah and Charleston, my BMW held up very well as expected. I previously wrote an article about how it was for a 1,500 mile round trip to Tennessee and North Carolina. The same can be said about this trip. I was able to achieve 28 miles to the gallon. The heated bucket seats are what helped move along the long car rides since they do get quite hot and they offer an abundance of comfort. That is why I say the E92 I have is the best car for road trips. But what makes this trip even more special is that on the way home from Charleston, my BMW reached 100,000 miles. I stopped where it happened and took a couple of photos to mark the occasion. Now, I just can't wait to go back and enjoy it again or just to go on my next adventure, which won't be too far away.

If you liked this article, feel free to give it a "Bump," or even an "Award." For more news and reviews, "Join" North's Auto Reviews for the latest updates.

Twitter: @NorthReviews Instagram: @northsautoreviews

For North's Auto Reviews merch: ↓