In the Low Country

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Joggers, cyclists and motorists all share the soaring Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge over the Cooper River in Charleston, S.C. The observation decks on the bridge offers wide-ranging city views. (Robin Rauzi / LAT)

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A young alligator pokes its head up from its spot in one of the ponds on the Drayton Hall grounds. (Robin Rauzi / LAT)

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Time has stood relatively still at Drayton Hall in Charleston, S.C. The mid-1700s Georgian plantation house, surrounded by centuries-old trees, has no plumbing or electricity. (Robin Rauzi / LAT)

July 30, 2006 12 AM PT

GETTING THERE:

From LAX, connecting service (change of plane) is available on Northwest, US Airways, Continental, Delta, American and United. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $439.

WHERE TO STAY:

The Vendue Inn, 19 Vendue Range; (843) 577-7970, . Five buildings, some from the 18th century, connected to create 66 guest rooms, each different. Doubles $189-$325, including breakfast.

Two Meeting Street Inn, 2 Meeting St.; (843) 723-7322, . White Queen Anne mansion turned into an elegant nine-room B&B. Wraparound porch with rocking chairs overlooking the Battery. Two stained-glass windows installed by Louis Comfort Tiffany himself are stunners. Doubles $219-$395.

Wentworth Mansion, 149 Wentworth St.; (888) 466-1886, . Built between 1885 and ’87 for a wealthy cotton and phosphate industrialist, the mansion now is a AAA five-diamond inn with 21 rooms, all with king-size beds. It’s a slice of the Gil

-- Robin Rauzi

In the Low Country

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