Which way do I go George?

Beginning tomorrow I have a rare convergence: three consecutive days off, no family obligations and a little bit (not a lot) of extra spending money.

I want to explore somewhere I haven't been that's within driving distance and I've narrowed it to three choices. Hoping to get advice and suggestions here.

• Charleston: Seems to have the most to do out of my choices. Great restaurants. I'm a history buff, so Ft Sumter seems like a natural. But this is a bit pricier than the others, and where I could stay wouldn't be close to downtown or the beaches.
• Hot Springs: Seems to have a variety of affordable things to do (plus Memphis & Little Rock en route). Arkansas is the only Southern state I haven't spent significant time in, and diving into that culture appeals to me. But no single "must do" attraction and it is supposed to be brutally hot this week.
• Biloxi: Shorter drive (four hours one way vs. seven) than the other two and supposed to be slightly cooler (low 90s). Has the casinos and only one of the three with baseball at home this week. But beaches have an iffy reputation and if my luck runs cold it could be a short casino stay.

 

The baseball stadium in Biloxi is literally across the street from the Beau Rivage, the fanciest of the casinos. It's a really cool set-up.

The beaches are just OK in that they're man-made, but they're fine. Not Gulf Shores or Panama City, but not bad.

Don't know anything about the other two.

 

Been to all three. I would pick Charleston, hand down.

Loved Charleston. Expected more out of Hot Springs and Biloxi.

(Unless you are dying to go to a horse track or casino.)

 

Go to Biloxi. But not for the beaches. The casinos are a lot of fun. Plenty to keep you entertained. See a show. Gamble. Eat like a pig. What more do you need?

 

You really can't go wrong with Charleston ...

 

I'd be governed by the drive time.
I would drive 14 hours round-trip for a three-day getaway. That's 20% of your time on the drive.
Eight hours round-trip is a better three-day getaway.

If it's just most interesting location, Charleston gets it hands down. The only one of the three I really would like to visit some day.

 

Come to Biloxi. We need the tourist $$$.