Have never been to GA before. We're going to Atlanta for a family event and then plan to drive to Savannah and the islands. We have a week to spend all together. We will be in ATL for 2 nights. I understand it's about a 5 hr. drive ATL to SAV. Is there anything to see along the way or will we want to drive straight through? Given that driving will take up most of a day, I was thinking of spending 3 nts. in SAV and 2 in St. Simons. Any recommendations? Thanks.

Couple of dining suggestions: a southern buffet lunch at Lady & Sons in the Central Market, and seafood in a VERY relaxed, casual atmosphere at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island outside Savannah. Both of these places are popular, so be prepared for crowds. If you've read "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," you'll appreciate lunch at Clary's and a walk around Bonaventure Cemetary. As for your drive, nothing of note comes to mind, unless you want to check out Macon. We're usually pretty focused on getting to Savannah, so I've not done much exploring in that region. You should be able to drive ATL-SAV in around 4 hours- the road is patrolled, so watch the speedometer. Hope this helps.

Savannah to ST. Simons about 70 minutes. Leave early and spend as much time on the Sea Islands as you can. ST. Simons needs a good day, or day and ahalf and Jekyll is worth a day. Good luck and enjoy your travels. We live at SSI.

As a native Georgian transplanted to another part of the country, I can tell you there is NOTHING (unless you want to go into Macon) to see along the interstate on the most direct route from Atlanta to Savannah (I-75 to I-16). BUT...you can choose to take I-20 East to Madison; route 441 to Eatonton, then Milledgeville; route 24 to Sandersville; route 15 to Wrightsville; route 57 to Swainsboro; route 1 to I-16 east which will take you to Savannah. (These roads are soooo easy to drive.) Madison (http://www.MadisonGA.org/), Milledgeville(http://www.milledgevillecvb.com/) and Sandersville have gorgeous old homes. They are just beautiful little towns. Milledgeville was once the Capital of Georgia (http://www.gcsu.edu/acad_affairs/ce_...n/default.html) and is home to Georgia College and Georgia Military College. Eatonton (http://www.Eatonton.com/) is the home of Joel Chandler Harris, teller of the 'Uncle Remus' stories. The Eatonton area is home to what is called 'Rock Eagle,' a mound of stones assembled by ancient native Americans (http://roadsidegeorgia.com/site/rock_eagle.html).

Re Savannah: I'm just repeating what I have heard. I haven't been to 'Lady and Sons' but the locals say it is over-rated. For 'down home' food, they prefer Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House which is not a boarding house but a restaurant that serves only breakfast and lunch...and you have to stand in line to be seated. I love it...and I like the local chain "Carey Hilliard's" which serves the most fantastic Brunswick Stew I have ever tasted. It is mostly a seafood and bar-b-que place. Crab Shack is great, too.

What wonderful suggestions. Thank you so much.

I live in the atlanta burbs and have been to both Savannah and St. Simons/Jekyll.

My recommendations...

Take the interstate from atlanta to the coast and forget the little towns in between. There are plenty of beautiful homes, churches and scenery on the coast, especially this being your first visit to Georgia.

If you like beaches and beach environs, make St. Simons 3 days and Savannah 2 days. this would be my personal preference as I think you can hit the high points of Savannah's sights in two days. And I enjoy stays at the beach and associated activities: swimming, renting bicycles, etc...

If you prefer sights such as historical homes set in colonial city squares with spanish moss hanging from the trees, go with Savannah for 3 days.

Just listen up for loud, screaming, drunk men

Yeah, it's a quick 4 hrs from Atlanta to Savannah (I've done it from downtown to Savannah in 3.5, but that was really moving). The route (esp Interstate 16) is straight, flat and usually empty with a 70 mph limit.

However, if you're coming from one of those northern suburbs or exurbs, it may take quite a while to get through Atlanta. Plot your course and time it well.