If a loop trip out of Atlanta seems to be where you're headed this time, then there are certainly a few things that should be on your agenda. Very generally, when I work up a loop trip of this sort, I'm looking to spend about half my time actually on the road with the other half spent out of the car exploring and experiencing different sites en route. You can do something very nice along those lines that includes shore and mountains, historic and scenic, urban and rural. And although you can do it in either direction, I'll describe it as though you're driving the loop in a clockwise direction.

Starting from Atlanta you'd head north into the southern reaches of the Appalachians where Georgia, and the Carolinas all meet, as do Chattahoochee, Nantahala, and Sumter National Forests. Note that I'm not suggesting you go as far as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, although it's not that much farther and you could if you're willing to drive a bit more. Next up would be to follow the Savannah River Scenic Byway down to Savannah. Continue down the Georgia coast and take in Cumberland Island National Seashore before turning inland to Okefenokee Swamp. Heading west through south Georgia hit Andersonville on your way to the Gulf Coast and Mobile. This is another place where you can choose to add miles and continue on to New Orleans. Turn for 'home' (Atlanta) and hit some old and new historic sites in Alabama and a Presidential retreat in Georgia while spending as much time as you have left driving the 'back' roads.

AZBuck