Charleston or Savannah; Memphis

Savannah and Charleston are both charming, but my vote goes to Charleston, which has more to offer in every department you desire.

Memphis, on the other hand, doesn't. I'm having a difficult understand why you'd want to go there. There seem to be a lot of travelers from outside the US who want to see Graceland, but after that, there's not a lot to do in Memphis - ESPECIALLY in comparison to Charleston and Savannah.

Definitely Charleston over Savannah. More to see, more restaurants, etc.

Chattanooga, TN is about halfway from Augusta to Memphis and would be a good place for a stop. You can do some research online for things to do, there will be more than an afternoon would allow. You could also go to Nashville, which is about 400 miles from Augusta. Both towns have Civil War history. Total drive is about 600 miles. You will gain an hour going from Georgia to Memphis, and lose one going back oweing to time zone changes. Atlanta to Nashville is a pretty drive.

If you're interested in Nashville, I can give you more history details if you tell how much time you have. Near Chattanooga is Chickamaunga National Military Park in north Georgia.

Thanks to all.

Now it's much easier to make a decision and head for Cahrleston.

SusanCS, yes, one of the main reasons for a visit to Memphis is Graceland and although I'm not a huge Elvis fan, I'd love to see where and how he lived, worked, or went to school. But what appeals to me even more than Graceland is the Mississippi, its river boats and the scenery from Mark Twain's time, which I hope to find somewhere around Memphis. Any suggestions?

Bob_KY, we're thinking of coming back to Atlanta via Nashville and Chattanooga and spending a night in one of the two. Any advice is welcome, so please, don't hesitate.

We have 12 days to explore this part of the US and would like to see as much as possible, despite the considerable distances.

Thank you all in advance.

I respectfully disagree with Susan. Although I have not yet been to Savannah or Charleston and I cannot compare, I believe Memphis has alot to offer a tourist.

National Civil Rights Museum, Stax or Sun Recording Studios, Peabody Hotel, Graceland (Elvis came to Memphis as an adult so if you want to see how he lived up til High School, you have to go to Tupelo, Mississippi), Mud Island (with Museum devoted to the River), Gibson Guitar Factory, National Rock & Soul Museum. There are also fantastic barbeque restaurants & Beale Street for entertainment.

I can't help you much with Memphis or Chattanooga, but will offer some Nashville advice if your primary interest is in pre Civil War and Civil War history.

My favorite area around Nashville to get a feel for antebellum life is in the town of Franklin, about 15 miles south of Nasvhille on interstate 65. For a more scenic drive, take US Highway 31 (Franklin Rd), this will take you past multiple antebellum mansions. In Franklin, you can walk through the historic downtown, and also you should go to the Carnton Mansion. This was used as a hospital during the battle of Franklin, has a huge Confederate cemetery, and restored slave cabins. You can also visit the Carter House, which was the scene of the battle.

An alternative in Nashville itself is the Belle Meade Plantation.
http://www.carnton.org/
http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/

In Chattanooga, your sons would probably enjoy going to the top of Lookout Mountain by inclinde railroad.
http://www.lookoutmountain.com/