It would help us with recommendations if we knew what your interests were. Herself and I like to visit churches and historic sites as well as mountains; we also go to some music festivals.
Charleston's Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is beautiful. We also enjoyed the Gateway Walk. It's not well known but it's a shady walk through some of old Charleston history complete with old cemeteries. You can get a map to it from the Charleston Visitor's Center.
For places to stay I've found using Allstays.com has been very reliable and up to date. The feedback on the places is helpful too.
