scenic spots worth visiting from Raleigh to Orlando?
 

We are first time in US. During Christmas time, we 8 people (3 kids over 10) plan to drive from Raleigh to Orlando and we'd like to stop at some nice spots on our way to Orlando. Feel greatly appreciated if someone can recommend some places. Thank you very much!!

Places for what? To eat or sight see? Do you want to jus stop for a little while or spend nights?

We did a long tour to Florida last April and really enjoyed our 2 day stops at the historic and charming destinations of Savannah, Georgia (an extra day would have been nice here) and St. Augustine, Florida. More off the beaten path we also liked Jekyll Island Georgia - quieter and natural and some lovely beaches (probably not beach weather in December though). A more inland route would bring you to some gorgeous mountain scenery with possible stops in Asheville, NC and/or Great Smoky Mountains National Park although weather may be even more of an issue at this time of year.

We're mainly looking for places for sightseeing. Thank mat54 so much for suggestions. Do you guys also know some great hotels (not to expensive)to stay on the way to Orlando or some hotels of great value to stay at Orlando? Thank you!

Can you be more specific about "not too expensive", e.g. give a price range?

In Orlando we shared a rental home with some family, not fancy but clean, modern and fully equipped, and well priced, swimming pool, 5 bedrooms, about 15 minute drive to Disney. There are lots of these - condo and home rentals that you might want to check out, can be economical for a large group of people sharing (and allows you to eat some meals in rather than always going to restaurants). A google search for "orlando condo rentals" or "- home rentals" should get you started. There may be minimum rental periods, how long will you stay? Also, you're talking about only a week or so from now - that's not a lot of notice and things may be pretty booked up (we did our bookings months ahead) although I'm guessing there could be some last minute availability.

There are many possible options depending on your interest, but will definitely second Savannah GA and St. Augustine FL and also recommend Charleston SC. I found two, three, and three full days good amounts of time to spend in these respective cities for a full sightseeing slate.

Oh, altogether we 've got 7 people. We just like to have condo or home rentals. I'll google them. Hope it won't be too late. Thank mat54 so much and bachslunch as well!

Can someone give us some suggestions of hotels or motels with free parking, free internet and also with breakfast included at Savannah GA and St. Augustine FL?

Thank you in advance!

Good condos at Villas by the Sea at Jekyll Island, GA. And lots to see in the winter and at Christmas time in Jekyll Island's famous Historic District.