Dani,

Charleston is also a great town, old town especially. Aside from the great restaurants there is a very nice beach, Folly Beach.

We toy with the idea of retiring to the Asheville area (we just bought a house down there), but having a little condo at the beach in charleston, since it's not a bad drive down I26.

Charlottesville, in my opinion doesn't compare to either, but nearby Monticello is worth a visit, it's filled with interesting Jeffersonia.

best, chance.