GrahamC

WE'RE looking to fly into Atlanta for a fly-drive tour of around 10/12 days and it strikes me that we have two options: we can set off on a loop heading east, towards the Carolinas and the Atlantic Coast and arrive back in Atlanta via Nashville, or we could set off east as far as Arkansas and come back via Memphis. I'm quite aware that these are two very different options but this will be our first time south of Washington DC and I'm curious to know what others think would make the most vivid/enjoyable/curious choice. I should point out that we're British and, while we don't have any problem driving in the US, really don't want to spend several hours a day on an Interstate.

spirobulldog

What time of year are you coming? Sorry, I must ask this as well. How many times have you been to the US? Have you seen Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Utah, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Washington State/Oregon? Both of your options here would be pretty far down on my list.

Now I'll stick with your original question. Florida is a standout in my mind of things to do in the south. Louisianna is nice as well.

I live in Oklahoma, but only 15 miles from Arkansas. There is a lot to do in Arkansas, but just not as spectacular as some of the rest of the US. It is southern, but to get the real southern experience you really need to venture into Louisiana. Carolinas will give you a nice taste of the south as well. I would probably include Everglades in Florida as a "must see" in the south. Disneyworld is one of those place as well, with or without kids is nice. Maybe even NASA. You could easily spend a ton of time just in Florida. I would not do Florida in the summer. I wouldn't do Arkansas or Tennesse in winter or summer(spring and fall is by far better). Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah are good options. Maybe even Dollywood or Branson, Missouri. There are a lot of southern houses you can visit in the south in many states.

If you are coming in Winter or Spring, then a lot of the things and places I mention would be great. Summer the south can be brutally hot.

Are you mainly interested in cities or national parks/scenic areas? Theme Parks? Do you like to hike or do anything outdoors? The south is very spread out and is nothing like driving in and around Washington DC or New York. You can be fairly certain that this trip will probably involve a lot of driving. Parts of the south can even be a little dangerous. Memphis has one of the highest crime rates in the US, there are safe places though in the city of Memphis. If you like BBQ and Elvis it is the place to be.

starrs

I'd head north to Asheville and/or Boone to "do the mountains", then to a beach on the NC or SC coast to "do the beach". Next, a few days in Charleston or Savannah to see OUR version of historic (and Southern) cities. Dip down into Florida if you want to do the parks, and then back to Atlanta to fly out.

If you don't want hours in the car each day, I'd skip the Nashville, Memphis, Arkansas option.

GrahamC

SORRY, I should have said, we will be going in the summer, the wife is a teacher and it's the only long vacation we get together, I'm afraid. I realise it will be hot, but that's a problem we face every year.

We have travelled frequently in the US and the South is the only part we haven't been to yet. We are not interested in Florida or theme parks and we're not particularly outdoorsy, either.

Thanks for the comment re Memphis, we were aware that some areas aren't particularly wholesome but weren't quite sure how to word that query politely: good BBQ might be worth the odd risk though, we do like eating out on our hols.

It's not driving time I object to, it's driving along featureless Interstates, we'll happily drive along country routes for quite some time. I'm getting the feeling that the western option might be easier and feature more of interest but Arkansas etc be more of what spirobulldog calls "a southern experience". We're not ones for ticking off sights as such - 12 trips to Vegas and the Grand Canyon still unseen, except from a plane window – but like to enjoy the feel of an area.

I guess what I'm asking is which would be more "southern", although I realise that's probably an insulting question and one that's almost impossible to answer. Er, over to you guys again...

starrs

"I'm getting the feeling that the western option might be easier and feature more of interest" "

Why would you be getting that feeling?
I strongly disagree with that impression, but it's your trip.

"...but Arkansas etc be more of what spirobulldog calls "a southern experience".
I have no idea what that means, so can't comment.

Gretchen

I don't believe I would really go "west" for a southern feeling. Starrs has it right. That is the Ozarks and beginning to be the "West"--or at least Midwest.

I thinkk you need to go, well SOUTH!!
You would get a wonderful tour by neading to the SC coast to Charleston, down to Savannah, go back along the Gulf Coast to Mississippi (Biloxi, etc.( and then back to Atlanta.
There is a LOT of driving in Tennessee (like to Nashville) with not much there there. And while it "is" the South, the real South is DOWN!! LOL

jent103

I would not head west to Arkansas. I lived there for four years. It's nice enough in parts but there's not much to see that I'd choose over the Smokies/Blue Ridge Parkway, Charleston or Savannah, Nashville or Memphis. On your way to the Ozarks or Hot Springs, you'd see a lot of soybeans and rice paddies.

If this were my trip, I would head first to the coast - maybe around Charleston or Savannah, since you could see a classically Southern city and have some beach time. Then I'd head to the NC/TN mountains, probably Asheville, and drive part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Then if you want to visit Nashville or Memphis, go there (Nashville makes more sense geographically and personally I prefer it, but if you would rather visit Memphis, you can certainly have a safe visit). Then head back to Atlanta.

Now, that plan doesn't give you any time *in* Atlanta, which reflects my preference. And there are some long driving days in there. But it's a start.

The South has a good bit of variety in it, even though it's all Southern. I'm from Tennessee, and that's different than Charleston or L.A. (Lower Alabama ). Even in Tennessee, for example, there's a big difference between the mountains and Memphis. If you want the classic plantations, Civil War history, all that, Gretchen's suggestion would work better than mine.

GrahamC

STARRS, I'm a pillock, I meant east. Apologies, it's been a long day over here... I have heard many good things about Charleston, Savannah etc, that direction would involve less long-distance driving too.

Orcas

From Atlanta, head east and down the coast - Charleston, Savannah, and St. Augustine. These are beautiful cities steeped in southern history. You could also visit beaches and barrier islands. It will be hot, but you'll see the old south, back to Spanish times in St. Augustine.

stumpworks73

I second starrs route of Ashville to the coast. I would include Savannah in the loop. It's efficient to the return to Atlanta. Nashville is four hours NW of Atlanta and not a natural fit to this route. Nashville is worth a visit if you don't mind the additional drive.

If you elect to take the western tour, drop south and pick up New Orleans. Probably the city with the most character on a loop to the west.

spirobulldog

When I think of "southern experience" I think of Missippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, and somewhat Carolinas. Mainly this region because of the food. This area doesn't have an abundance of things to do or see but you will certainly find some. You could include a lot of other states, but it isn't as much of a southern feel.
I'm probably not really the one to answer your post, because it is hard for me to imagine 12 trips to Vegas without seeing the Grand Canyon. I see it right the opposite- I have been to Vegas probably 15-20 times. I only use it as the airport is centrally located to a lot of my interests. I have only "done Vegas" a couple of times and those times would consist of only 2-3 days.

If you are wanting a scenic drive, then consider any or all of the Blue Ridge HWY.


I think stick with Stars and Orcas ideas, they have some great ideas. Be prepared to sweat. The south is different than with their hot temperatures. 100 feels like 115-Seriously. That is the norm for July

Gretchen

I love Asheville, and the mountains, but it isn't the "South" per se. When you have Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi within a stone's throw of Atlanta (also NOT the South--head on out), head that way.
And the SC coast, AND I have to wonder what Spiro is doing in these places if he says there isn't as much to see and do!! goodness.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful--and very much the same after a little while==nice vistas of the mountains, and 45 mph.
Or since no one has mentioned it, go pretty much straight south to New Orleans and come back up through Mississippi, Alabama.

GrahamC

THANKS to all for your help. Think we'll go for the east to the ocean option and loop back to Atlanta that way. Now I'm wondering how many stops and hotels we'll have to book in advance of our trip as I assume the July 4 period is a peak holiday season in the US too. We could pre-book any major cities we fancy visiting – Savannah, Charleston etc – and maybe chance our arm in smaller places with the help of a laptop and Expedia. Thanks again.
G

jent103

Anything around July 4 I would prebook, ESPECIALLY at the beach, but really anywhere. It's a popular vacation time, as you might imagine, and beach houses, mountain cabins, and just about everything will be pretty full.

Giovanna

Glad you've decided on Savannah and Charleston. We were just in Charleston in September and stayed at the Best Western King Charles Inn (not your average BW, more like a boutique type inn). Well located, wonderful staff and a pleasant room. http://www.kingcharlesinn.com/

A few years ago we visited Savannah and splurged, staying at the Ballastone Inn www.ballastoneinn.com A lovely B&B, again well located in the heart of the Historic District, helpful staff, and excellent included breakfast. I put a file together when we made this trip and I'd be happy to e-mail you a copy if you like. Let me know at [email protected] I also have quite a few websites for Charleston.

GrahamC

THOUGHT that might be the case, good point about the beaches. We'll see about setting up some kind of itinerary and go from there, although we don't like to be tied down that much on a driving holiday. Giovanna, checked out the Ballastone Inn, it does indeed look lovely, we'll see if we can manage a splurge as well!

dwdvagamundo

Asheville and the Smoky Mountains would be good to visit because it will be very hot at that time of year. And, whether or not Atlanta is the south (I think it is), it is worth a day or two. Quite a bit of Civil War stuff to see here and north of here, en route to and in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

starrs

And, whether or not Atlanta is the south (I think it is), it is worth a day or two.

???

Who doesn't think Atlanta is in the south?

jent103

starrs - I think the question was not whether Atlanta was *in* the South, but whether it represents "The South." I know there's debate about that question.

spirobulldog

I find it South and "Southern"-But not as much as well, further south.