Governator

Planning an early December camper van trip, loosely following this loop.

Any recommendations for beautiful nature spots, parks, sites, restaurants, other can't miss?

Should I alter the route?

PrairieHikerI

Sounds like a good trip. I'd add the following which are en route:

Madison, GA Discover picturesque antebellum homes in one of Georgia’s oldest and largest National Historic Districts. Explore stunning attractions, one-of-a-kind shops, and renowned restaurants.

Beaufort, SC. This historic town has lovely antebelleum homes and trees dripping with Spanish moss and a fairly lively downtown. There is the Spanish Moss Trail, a rail-trail for bicyclists and walkers, which goes to Yemasee. Eat fresh seafood.

StantonHyde

If you click on my user name, you will find my trip report for Charleston and Savannah. We had a great time!

Gretchen

Greenville is a worthy stop. Their art museum is excellent with an Andrew Wyeth exhibit. BMW factory.
Since it's December you might want to add Asheville and a tour of the Biltmore Christmas decor.
I might omit the Triangle and head east through Charlotte, maybe go up to Winston-Salem and visit Old Salem for their Christmas (which is WONderful). Might even just head south from Winston (omitting Wilmington) to Charleston, stopping in Seagrove (Just south of Ashboro) if you love pottery. It takes a day or a good part of one to do it justice. In December the potteries will be fully stocked for Christmas giving.
If you keep Wilmington I will say that the drive from Wilmington to Charleston is an interesting one--once past Myrtle Beach. There are some small plantations and Georgetown is a little gem with Revolutionary War era homes and a nice restaurant scene.

oldemalloy

You are doing a loop, so keep an eye on the weather before you decide which direction to do the loop. Try to avoid driving through the mountains during snow/sleet/freezing rain which is less likely along the coast.

cgenster

Stone Mountain is just a little north east of Atlanta. You’ll likely pass it between Atlanta and Athens. It has a campground and would be a good stop for a night or two.
It has a lot of hiking trails and you can climb the mountain or ride the cable car.
During December there are many Winter/Christmas activities in the park.

Tybee Island is a barrier island close to Savannah. The River’s End campground is a nice place to stay. You can explore Tybee and Savannah from there.

Enjoy your trip.

Governator

Thanks for suggestions so far.

Aside from Old Salem mentioned above, where else can we see some over the top Christmas decorations?

Gretchen

Old Salem also has wonderful music during Christmas--brass bands. So not just decor. And the famous Winkler Bakery for the Christmas cookies and breads. The Charlotte Speedway has a festival of lights.

Governator

Ok so we’re not following the itinerary just winging it.

Friday drove down hit a few spots of traffic, glad we took the express lanes near Dumfries ( love that name) or would have been in a monumental traffic. Once off the highways however very light traffic.

Went first to Greensboro took out a rack of ribs from Country BBQ. Came in what looked like a big gift box a few pounds heavy. Was very delicious ate about half of it and saved the rest for the next day. Then we went to Sunset Hills to see the neighborhood filled with big balls of Christmas lights hung all over for blocks. A magical experience. Was very impressed also by the beautiful mansions.

Next day took out a Mamas breakfast from Cracker Barrel. Then worked out and showered at Planet Fitness. (This state is great for boondocking. ) Had lunch at Bahn Bihn,in Greensboro, really good Pho, super cheap. We then went to see downtown Greensboro. Walked up and down Elm St. enjoyed looking at the old storefronts. Took a few pictures outside the Civil Rights museum. Hard to believe that all happened not so long ago. Stopped in at Alex cheesecake and shared a slice of key lime cheesecake. Really delicious. Coming from a New Yorker that’s a high compliment.

Drove to Old Salem. I had no idea what was there and was very surprised and happy to see all the 18th century houses. Got there just before sunset took some nice pics. Coincidentally parked in front of Winklers but they were already closed.

Did some food shopping at Aldi. Had the leftover ribs for dinner.

Next day we went to Salem Lake where Ann ran and I rode my bike. Nice 7 miles trail around the lake. Spent the rest of the day in the van there. Ann is cooking up some chicken dish to eat tonight and tomorrow.

Not sure if we’ll spend more time in Salem or head on to Greenville.