I need some help choosing a place to go for a three or four-day anniversary trip in August. We're on a tight budget as hubby just got out of graduate school. We'd like to find a place within a day's drive of Atlanta where we could stay for less than $100 a day on a hotel.

The mountains are not on our list since we're spending a few days there with the in-laws (they're paying).

We've done Destin (Santa Rosa) and Chattanooga, so we would like something new. We're considering Savannah but I've been there many times and prices are kinda high in the historic district. I've thought of Amelia island, too, but prices are a tad high there as well. Same goes for Charleston. I love beaches but it does not have to be a beach.

We both like historic stuff and shopping, relaxing and people watching.

Any ideas? I appreciate any thoughts. Sorry if I sound like a cheapskate. When I was single, I could afford nicer places but love makes you do crazy things!

have you thought about staying just outside of charleston, like summerville? Hampton Inn has rooms for under 100 and are about 20 minutes or so from the city.

You can stay in Mt. Pleasant for about the same as Summerville and be close to both Isle of Palms and Sullivan's Island for beach, downtown Charleston for historic stuff etc.

B/

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn in Mount Pleasant before and seen Charleston. Not sure if husband has or not. I would be game for going back.

Then there's Beaufort. Or how about St. Simon's? Holiday Inn Express there is well within your budget.

B/

atlswan:
We have been to Long Beach ,Oak Island NC for some budget vacations. Check out:http://www.webcom.com/~towns/long/long.html

birgator, I didn't even think St. Simons had a Holiday Inn Express! That's something I will definitely look into. I think he'd really like that.

It's a hot time of year so I'd either opt for the beach or the mountains but since you've gotten advice on the former and you already have an offer on the latter...How about Greenville,SC or Gatlinburg?
Very different options.
Greenville has a very nice downtown and there is a HI Express on one end of Main St. - I think rooms are about $80/nite. You can also often get the the Hyatt on Priceline. There are all sorts of nice restaurants, you can walk along the river... and that time of year they usually have music and plays outside.
Gatlinburg is the ultimate in tacky but if you go into it w/ that spirit and act like a kid..play mini golf, ride the rides, hike in the Great Smoky Mtns, go to Dollywood - there are LOTS of hotels so you should easily be able to get something under $100.

I've never thought of Greenville but I'll have to look into that. That's one for the list.

My husband is from Knoxville so he's done Gatlinburg many, many times.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. They are greatly appreciated.

They had a 3-day weekend thing on Turner South on Greenville and even though I go there all the time for business it made ME think of spending a weekend!
So, where in the mtns will you be going - N.GA or WNC? - there are lots of options if you'd consider going more than once.

We're either going to be in the middle of nowhere in Northern Tenn. or if I can steer it my way, Cashiers, N.C. (a place I love). I like the mountains fine but I like having things to do nearby.

How about Asheville - lots more to do than Cashiers... other option - Boone. I know I'd much rather be up here in August where it's cooler than down in the humidity - you might also be taking your chances w/ hurricanes that time of year on the coast.

Check out ShemCreekInn.com, just outside of Charleston. We liked it.

Got a good "entertainment card" rate, which might not be available in August but doesn't hurt to ask. You can get a card easily if the savings sound worth the $15 current card price.

How about a bed and breakfast in St. Mary's and spend the day on Cumberland Island?

Cmc, do you think Cumberland Island would be blazing hot in late August? I've read some posts about it and it sounds wonderful. It would be a memorable place to go.

Cumberland would be wonderful for a day trip. Yes, it will be hot, but it is totally amazing.

If you are going to that area, you may want to check out kayaking or shrimping trips for other days.

Here's a link for kayaking from the St. Mary's webpage - http://www.upthecreektrips.com/kayak_trips.cfm

Cumberland Is. in Aug? How about BUGGY!!

New Orleans is very cheap (and also quite hot!) in August. Easy drive from Atlanta and rooms definitely under $100/night.

We lived in St. Mary's for 3 1/2 years and there is no way I would recommend it in the summer. I am cringing at that thought, lol!