sweettea

Summer is rather long this season. I've decided to road trip with my two kids (4 and 2) and a girlfriend next week just for a change of scenery. Ideally wanted a beach but don't really want to drive more than 4 hours from Atlanta. Anyone have suggestions on a great family friendly place (maybe one that offers some sort of kid activities) near a body of water larger than my neighborhood pool?

Angelo721

Hi,

Well my choice is a little further (6 hours) but Disney World is great anytime of the year. 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, you guys will be in heaven.

H20, take a look at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, with the largest wave pool in the east and tons of slides.

Plus all of the new rides and attractions at Disney world. You can't go wrong.

sweettea

oh, I'll go wrong if I have to take my kids to Disney by myself. You wouldn't really do that to me, would you? I'm a nice person!!!

Angelo721

Thats funny. But Disney is not that bad, with a little planning.

I go 4 times a year so I know all there is to know about the house if mouse. I think I could walk from Small World to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin with my eyes closed.

The key is planning. And stay onsite and use the transporation. If you could stay at one of the premium hotels (Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Polynesian) you get to and from the Magic Kingdom via the monorail. And even if you stay at a Budget Hotel like Pop Century, they have buses going to all of the parks all day long.

Go to the park in the morning, a little break at lunch at the hotel with a dip in the pool, then back in the afternoon. Finishing with fireworks at night.

Plus you can do baby swap at most rides. You go on lets say Space mountain and your girlfriend watches the kids. When your finished they will give you a fast pass called a baby swap. So your girlfriend can just walk right up and get on while you watch the kids.

Email me and we can talk more of you wish. I could talk all day about WDW.

thurstonbb

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge in Amelia Island caters to families in the summer and is right on the beach.

farcore12

How about Myrtle Beach? I went there when I was a kid and had lots of fun.

BetsyG

Frankly, I would save Disney World for when your kids are older. Is Destin too far? What about Kiawah Island?

melissa19

somewhere in jekyll island? i think savannah is four hours from atlanta (my home town!), and jekyll is a bit farther.

trippinkpj

I saw Kiawah Island recently on a travel channel show, and would consider that for your trip. Also, maybe Mobile Bay and Pensacola Beach. That may be more than 4 hours. Watch the weather, just to make sure there isn't any storm activity.

sweettea

something about a baby swap in Disney just doesn't sit well with me...
But I do think I'll wait until they're older. For now, the Disney store will do just fine!
That inn at Amelia Island looks amazing! I'm going to mapquest now to see how far it is from Atlanta.
Destin is another good choice but it's 5.5 hours so I think that's too far.
Thanks everyone for your great suggestions!

sweettea

Am now thinking about Callaway Gardens since it's so much closer. Has anyone been there since they remodeled the lodge? What about Pine Mountain GA? Is it a cute town? Anything like Highlands or Blue Ridge?

melissa19

i don't recall any water at calloway, but surely there's a pool, and maybe a lake.

the last time i was there (many years ago), i got the impression that the clientele was mostly retirees playing golf. it seemed quiet and somewhat formal. maybe it has changed itself into a fun family resort?

ASLuis

Sweettea, how about the Florida panhandle?

sweettea

I think all these wonderful spots you all are mentioning are 5 1/2 hours by car. Panhandle is great but I was hoping 4 hours or less. Anyone been to Lake Toxaway? Is that worth the trip?

SAnParis

SAvannah is 4 hours or less so I don't think the sugestions are unreasonable. Amelia Island is another Hour + south. Hilton Head would also be w/in range. The Mts. are a possiblilty as well.

sfmaster

Not quite a huge body of water but we enjoyed Amicalola Falls, look at Georgia State Parks website there are some lodges and lakes all within a couple of hours of ATL

sweettea

We just booked the lodge at Callaway Gardens. Only one hour away and it's supposed to be nice.
I'll report back for anyone else who may be interested in checking it out.
thanks again for all of your great suggestions!

sweettea

Well, we went to the Lodge. Decent accommodations but we still felt the area was dated and somewhat tired. Don't think we'll go back anytime soon. Too many other exciting places in GA to try for the weekend.