TDY Gouge - South Carolina

Charleston, SC - Don't stay at Super 8. It is right next to the exit ramp for the interstate, and is not conducive to rest. Plus, it has absolutely NO freebies. Sheraton is great with lots of flight attendants, The Mill's House Hotel 1-800-874-9600 is a very nice hotel and it's $80/night (max is 99). The hotel is in a great location (very close to all the shops/bars/restaurants downtown). ~If Charleston AFB does not have billeting they will try to put you in the days inn right off base where there is nothing to do. If you request to stay at the Mill House ( a 4 star $299 a night hotel) down town, they will get you a room for $80 a night but you have to get the taxi down town. Just claim it on your voucher. You are close to all the good times if you can stay downtown. If you split a room with someone you can both pay $40.

If you like seafood, we ate at Hymens (yup, that's the real name), and it was pretty darned good, going to try some new places tonight!!! Embassy Suites/ Historic Downtown is very nice...(#337 Meeting St. /843-723-6900) it used to be part of the Citadel Military Academy. It's located downtown, with all bars/ restaurants within walking distance. Good bar called the Mandalay nearby. The hotel cost is actually higher than the max allowable, but we were able to talk them into a $99 rate. Just explain that you're in the military, and that's all they'll let you spend. A little Southern charm doesn't hurt either. Although not downtown, Sheraton-North Charleston 843-747-1900 isn't bad. Upon checking in, you're given a card for three free drinks in the hotel bar. Also, given a card for a free American breakfast (Nice spread of vittles!). Great room with a free USA Today delivered to your door. $53 per night + tax. ~The major plus is free buffet breakfast plus three free "real" drinks in the bar per night. DO NOT CALL LONG DISTANCE FROM THE ROOM!!! Our Boom shelled out $27 for a five minute phone call to Fairchild. Hyman's is really good but can be crowded. Wild Wings Cafe is good place to eat and have a brew or two. Most of the places worth eating are all near "the market" in Downtown Charleston. The Southend Brewery is OK but the service was not the greatest. One town over in Mt Pleasent, is a place called "Romanza's" and it has really good Italian food. For directions ask the lady at the Weather desk. If you get a U-drive be wary, our's conked out at Base Ops right before we turned it in. If you are stuck there for a while, head down to the Visitor's Center and catch a bus tour (only $15 for a 90 minute tour). ~I must disagree with the generous rating of the Best Western. The place is a DUMP! The freeway noise is opressive and the A/C never works quite right. The neighborhood is somewhat seedy at night. Head for downtown for meals. ~New hotels at, International Blvd Near Tangier Mall ( 15 min, from rear gate ) Hotels: Marriott Residence Inn ( earn points)( Great Hotel...sits on final approach path for CAFB) New Holiday Inn and Hilton near by. Restaurants: Fatz Cafe. excellent, huge portions, Dunkin donuts, Starbucks, Arbys, Mexican and Chinese also. 24hr Super Walmart right there also.

Shaw AFB, SC - Reserved a regular room at Carolina Pines Inn (Base Billeting) (803)666-3658, given a DV Suite! Cheaper to drink from room minibar/fridge than to go out! El Mariachi (Mex Rest about 5 min from base) has $1.99 margaritas 1600-1900. Great Food! The Aerospace Physiology unit here is Tops! Great Class. Hilarious instructors and excellent instruction. ~The Sleep Inn was decent and had their shit together. The only thing to do on check out was turn in the key. The town really sucks though. The only place to go was Thursday night at a place called "Goochies". Overall not too bad, wouldn't want to be stationed there though.

Beaufort MCAS, Beaufort, SC - Hampton Inn 1-843-986-0600 was a decent hotel. After staying at four different places while in Beaufort: VOQ, Country Inn, Sleep Inn, and finally the Hampton Inn, the Hampton was far and above the best place to stay in Beaufort. Hot free chow in the morning, WiFi in the lobby, and a walk across the parking lot to the Waffle House and Applebee's (the happening places in town we were told). They do the Mil Rate so ask for it. We literally walking in off the street asking for 10 rooms at that rate any they were happy to accommodate. Avoid the VOQ if at all possible. It's isolated on the far side of the base near the tower. If you are unforutnate enought not to have a UDI, you have nothing to eat. The Sleep Inn smelled like a mix between smoke and stagnant swamp water. If Hampton is full, recommend the Country Inn. If you are RON, work with whatever squadron / agency you are supporting to get a UDI. Otherwise you can be stuck on the ramp w/o any help. Semper Fi, right? Regarding the comments about Applebees and Waffle House being the 'happening places' in Beaufort SC: Downtown Beaufort- 20 minutes from MCAS Beaufort and five minutes from the Hampton Inn- has several good restaurants and bars with great local seafood and live music. Go to Hemingway's, Luther's, or Plum's. Park at the waterfront and walk to any one of them.