Okay... changing.. the Max a 9 Hour drive...

Savannah is about 2 hours from Jacksonville; Charleston, SC about 4 - either would be worth a look. I might pick Charleston over Savannah - and one thing to consider is that Savannah Historic Distric has some cobblestone streets that are tough on anyone, but especially older people who might have mobility issues.

Not sure about fresh water fishing in these areas, though - but wondering how he would feel about a half day saltwater charter fishing thing.

I agree about Charleston. Great place to visit.

First, sending people in their 70's on a 9 hour drive is not a great idea.
Second, starting a thread in all UPPER CASE is often frowned upon and appears aggressive.
Third, I think Savannah or Charleston are great ideas.
Fourth, how nice to send your parents on a getaway and try to plan something special.

I like the Charleston and Savannah ideas. Might also throw in New Orleans and River Road Plantation Homes. What about Smoky Mountains/Gatlinburg TN/Ashville NC/? I'm not sure of the distance to any of these.

If Savannah-Beaufort-Charleston isn't suitable, Asheville should be good for both your parents. It has everything your mother likes and provides great fishing opportunities for your father.

HTtY

How about the VILLAGES, Fl. Large retirement community 1 hour above Orlando.
It has shopping, picturesque village centers, live music every night in the town squares, tons of pools, activities, restaurants and lots of golf. You can easily rent a house with a golf cart for the week through the villages for a very reasonable price.

http://www.thevillages.com/comevisit/lpp.asp

There are some interesting daytrips around too. Micanopi Florida for a cute peek of "old florida" and antique shopping or Homosassa Springs for fishing.

My parents are in their 60s and while it seems strange to me sometimes, they LOVE it there.
Be careful, they may decide to move there after they visit.

The Villages for a vacation? Don't do it! We've visited relatives there. It's a little like the Truman Show - in the shopping area, there are historical plaques on the buildings and the information on them is fictional!

Richmond VA and Williamsburg VA offer tons of history. Both border the James River which would offer the fishing. They could drive up and then stop at Charleston SC or Savannah on the way home.

How about they drive to Fort Myers and then hop the ferry to Key West?

I think DAD should fly to somewhere, and do some fishing upon arrival, while one of the kids drives mom TO the same destination, albeit one more than "6 or 7 hours away".

That's the drag about Florida, you just don't have 360 degrees of options, so at times like this you have to make sacrifices, particularly so for the person who "won't fly".

Why not expand your horizons and see if you can create something that way.

Are there (grandchildren) who are old enough, and who would like to drive (grandma) to the eventual destination? (if none of the 'kids' want to do so)

Create something better given what you have.