The Charleston, Savannah & Coastal Islands Book, Fourth Edition: A Complete Guide (Great Destinations) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

By all odds the best all-purpose guide to one of the most magical regions. -- John Brehnt, author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

No other book comes close to this one in quality. -- Travel & Leisure --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

Savor the latest comforts and amenities, and explore the prevailing waters that give this area its sultry ambience.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Berkshire House Publishers; 4 edition (September 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581570244
• ISBN-13: 978-1581570243
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,256,709 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a nice blend of history and service journalism., August 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Charleston, Savannah & Coastal Islands Book : A Complete Guide (2nd Ed) (Paperback)

Ms. Mcmillan knows this region well and the book reflects that. It is well organized, factual, and as up to date as is possible, given the vigorous growth spurt that has enveloped the area. The restaurant reviews are honest and accurate as to specifics. As a resident of the South Carolina coast, it has been helpful to me and to the friends to whom I have given a copy. This is a region rich in history and atmosphere. I think this book conveys a sense of those things in a very entertaining and refreshing way.

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Accidental Tourist, September 28, 2002

By	douglas barton "emotions in motion" (Arlington, Va.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having, for more years than even I may care to remember, long considered myself an 'armchair traveler' I tend to be extremely wary of many travel guides. While the author/editor may have their hearts in the right place ( and of that I'm not always certain either! ) they tend to be written, for the most part, from a slightly askew view-point. By that I simply mean seemingly to have been authored by someone who too is merely 'visiting' the city/region that I am reading about....and therefore long to aggressively explore and 'drink-in' the local culture. Again, a book being written from one is on the 'outside looking in' so to speak. And since I tend to wish to 'blend-in' when travelling ( I loathe actually looking like a tourist, don't you? ) I require a book from one who not only knows all the region's highlights but the cafe's, shops and little nooks and crannies that the 'locals' frequent as well. And when a travel book is written concerning the wonderful 'Lowcountry' of Georgia and South Carolina than I may be even more persnikity! But having lived in the South for a number of years ( I'm a transplanted Savannahnian! ) my critiques may be even more judgemental. Therein lies my dilemma!

The back cover of Cecily McMillan's " The Charleston, Savannah & Coastal Islands Book " states that the author has lived in the 'Coastal Empire' since 1980 and it truly shows. The book itself is penned from one who not only truly knows the region well but from one who seemingly loves it as much as I do. Laid out for easy accessibility I had no problem using the book last summer when visiting Charleston and Kiawah Island. It even gave me much needed updated information on Savannah ( I've been gone far too long! ) such as smaller shops where I could spend my hard earned dollar, tucked away restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine and especially a vast amount of info on the surrounding islands ( Hilton Head I'm coming back to stay next time! Definitely! ) as well. The book also gave a sense of history for the region which I always find very helpful when attempting to 'get the feel' of any city/town and it's local population. Plus, there was an agreeable amount on local beach's that I didn't even know existed. Shame on me! Overall, a very well put together edition that guided me effortlessly through my travels.

Obviously this is a 'two-thumbs up' review of " Charleston, Savannah & Coastal Islands " and why not? The Lowcountry is a marvelous region and one which possess's an abundance of beauty and a laid-back elegance which is undeniable. I found little wrong about this guide ( not much on local Golf courses but it did give badly needed info as to where I might find it! ) from the first-rate information that was easy to use and seemed fully up to date. And while I am no longer a 'local' ( for the moment! ) I am happy with my purchase and for Ms. McMillan in helping me enjoy my summer holiday. Perhaps you truly can go home again! Thank-You!!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a nice blend of history and service journalism., August 25, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Charleston, Savannah & Coastal Islands Book : A Complete Guide (2nd Ed) (Paperback)

Ms. Mcmillan knows this region well and the book reflects that. It is well organized, factual, and as up to date as is possible, given the vigorous growth spurt that has enveloped the area. The restaurant reviews are honest and accurate as to specifics. As a resident of the South Carolina coast, it has been helpful to me and to the friends to whom I have given a copy. This is a region rich in history and atmosphere. I think this book conveys a sense of those things in a very entertaining and refreshing way.