My husband and our dog are going to visit friends in Tampa over the July 4th holiday. We haven't been on a road trip in a long time, and with the pup, we figured we'd drive, not fly. I just now got around to checking out the drive and it's e i g h t e e n hours! Holy moly!
Here's the route ... It's L'ville to Nashville to Chattanooga to Atlanta to Tampa
We leave after work Friday before the holiday and will probably start heading back north the following Wednesday or so. No hurry to get back, as I'm off all week. I'm not *as* worried about entertaining ourselves onthe way down. We'll be excited to be going on vacation and seing friends. I can't deal with an 18 hour drive on the way back with no diversions though. Any suggestions for cool/fun/interesting overnights? (I'm no fan of Atlanta).
First off, a caveat, I'm a west coast girl and I have very little experience in the East. But I have worked several trade shows in Atlanta and it was always my goal to not stay in Atlanta but spend some time visiting the area after the show.
One of the weekend trips I made out of Atlanta was to Asheville, NC. I loved the city, visiting the Biltmore Estates and driving through the Great Smokey National Park. It looks like it is on the way back.
I also visited Savannah and Hilton Head on another trip. That might be another option to swing out to the coast on the trip back.
I agree with Marta.. as Atlanta, due to trade shows, is my second home as well and I spend a lot of hours driving I-75 from Orlando to Atlanta and there is NOTHING there.
The Biltmore and the Smoky's are beautiful. Northern Georgia like Helen and Dahlonega are also nice communities. Helen hosts an Oktoberfest each fall and the town is done like a Swiss Village.
However, new to Atlanta, is the new Atlanta Aquarium and is supposed to be the largest in the US. It just opened this year so you will need reservations/tickets ahead of time to get in. It is located downtown, almost across from the Atlanta Dome. Everyone I know who has gone loves it. Don't stay downtown though... stay north in Marietta or above as the hotel rates are better and it is a little more country.
Doug
Doug
ANCORA IMPARO
Posts: 2106 | Location: Winter Park, FL | Registered: 18 May 2005
We've changed our plans a bit. We're going to fly down, rent a car and drive back up. We're thinking of two nights in Savannah, maybe one in Asheville.
T-mac, Savannah and Asheville are both wonderful spots. You will wish you had more time in both-- or perhaps you'll get a taste and add this to your list. And the drive from Asheville up toward Knoxville(!) through the mountains is especially beautiful.
You might be interested in this recent thread about Savannah. Great place! I love Asheville too, and could recommend some possible accommodations if you're interested. There are many special B&Bs in the historic area.
Any chance of meeting up as you pass through Knoxville? (I'm assuming you'll take I-40 to I-75?) We would not be far from your route at all. When is this trip?
Thanks Kaydee! We'll be coming through Knoxville on July 8, but will be in a bit of a rush to get our dog from his "hotel." Would love to meet you though. Will you be in France then? I'd love some recs for Asheville B&Bs.
You are right! Looks like I won't try to slow you down from a reunion with that sweet dog, since we won't be here! Hopefully we'll connect in Nashville in October!
Meanwhile, here are a couple of possibilities in Asheville... there are many great B&Bs and small inns to choose from in various sizes.
The first three have all been suggested by friends who have stayed there, and I had bookmarked for the future-- just in case. I took a small management group with spouses to Richmond Hill, and we really enjoyed our time there.
You will have fun just researching possible accommodations in Savannah and Asheville. Sounds like a great drive home to me!
THE place to stay in Ashville is at the Biltmore estate- The Biltmore Inn is a wonderful treat. It is a bit expensive, but for luxury, European style, it is well worth it. Our package included meals and a tour of the home. Biltmore also has a top class winery, and lots of great wines. The winery is actually in the converted dairy farm- beautiful! Fun to spend the evening wine tasting then a stroll back to sit on the huge veranda overlooking the mountains.
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