East side Roadtrip

[mikphire]

Hey Kelly,
thank you very much for the tips. I'm going to pass through Savannah twice, so I think I'll hit Paula's and Mrs. Wilkes at least once :) The tour sounds like a good way explore Savannah, thanks again!

I did some research on the movie too, sadly, they only put the bench there for the movie, in Chippewa Sq, and they had to tear down the family house because it wasn't built to code. The Vietnam scenes were filmed in Fripp Island, SC. and the hurricane scenes were filmed on the waters off of SC in Beaufort.
Think I won't have time to visit them in this trip :(

Does anyone know the fastest route from Franklin GA to the Atlanta airport?

And ever heard of the Gullah?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Does anyone know the fastest route from Franklin GA to the Atlanta airport?

I haven't driven this route, myself, but it sure looks like GA-1 to I-85 is the fastest route.

And ever heard of the Gullah?

That is a very interesting cultural tradition -- I have wanted to go, but never found a way to get it into the editorial calendar. The annual Gullah festival happens each May -- here is some more info.

Mark

[mikphire]

Thanks for the route info:)

I'm sorry I'll be missing the Gullah festival by a matter of weeks. Found out they also do a tour around Charleston with Gullah influences in mind. They are found also around Beaufort where the shrimp boat/hurricane scenes in Forrest Gump were filmed. Their language seems similar to my native trinidadian... should be interesting!

This trip of mine seems to be taking a historical slant of it's own now. In reading up on the places I'm going to visit, I've become fascinated with the Civil War and antebellum places. I know Fort Sumpter is a must for historical importance- what else shouldn't be missed?

[gorn256]

If you're driving to the Everglades, at least find the time to see Key West! Tour Hemingway's home and - if you have the time - take a tour boat to the dry tortugas located just west of Key West.

[overyonder]

The Purple Cow in Virginia Beach is a great place to experience purple vanilla ice cream and shakes in a diner-style setting! The Virginia Marine Science Museum is a great place, too, and offers boat trips out to the ocean. Enjoy!!

[UKCraig]

The MLK birthplace and the King Center are fantastic. A must-see, as has already been said. Stone Mountain Park has a very good campground (though there's lots of RVs, you can camp down in the secluded tent-only section alongside the lake) and has a nightly fireworks and lasershow which is kinda tacky, yet somehow great fun! It'd make a good place to stop whilst you're in Atlanta and is an easy drive from downtown.

There are a number of state parks in the Myrtle Beach area where you can camp cheaply and comfortably. I chose Huntington Beach State Park which is a very short stroll to a pretty quiet beach where we watched a beautiful sunset before walking down to nearby Murrells Inlet where we enjoyed some fantastic sea food (be sure to book earlier in the day as it's very popular!) Also at this park you will find the ruins of Atalaya Castle and some alligators!

The Great Smoky Mountains NP is fantastic (I am going there again in August!) but, if you're looking for waterfalls, you're not restricted to the national park. Check out this fantastic site on the waterfalls on North Georgia.

[gerard.h]

Places to go, my personal big 3
St. Augustine FL
Savannah GA
Charleston SC

It seems like everyones already sold you on Savannah. St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in America and it shows in all the right ways. They have a great river walk and night life with lots of history all around. It's really a great place especially for a couple. I have the best time when I go there, the people are friendly and the architecture will take you back in time.

Charleston has pretty much the same appeal. It's old, well preserved and extremely romantic.

Look into Amelia Island/Fernandina beach in Florida. It's right on the border with Georgia. It has a state park with camping and the town of Fernandina beach is literally an old pirate high out. In fact the last time I was there they even had pirate ships docked at their pier.

I'm not a Myrtle Beach fan just because I find it hectic. It's a carnival/spring break atmosphere and the local police are far more concerned with handing out as many tickets and arrests as humanly possible than they are about public safety. I'm not saying you can't have a good time there, you can. But if you're in the mood for anything quiet, just skip it. Some good alternatives would be Hilton Head, or Isle of Palms. I agree with the person who suggested you consider St. Simon and Jerkyl Island off the Georgia coast.

Hope you have a great trip.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Look into Amelia Island/Fernandina beach in Florida. It's right on the border with Georgia. It has a state park with camping and the town of Fernandina beach is literally an old pirate hide out. In fact the last time I was there they even had pirate ships docked at their pier.

This sounds like a lot of fun-- thanks for sharing these tips!

Mark

[mikphire]

oooh! pirates! could imagine seeing that near sunset :) And I'm just passing through Myrtle Beach- heard enough tips about it to stay away for now... but I'd still like to pop in and take a look around to see what all the fuss is about :)
And a ruined castle!...aaah, are the alligators in the castle or near it? Think I'll be driving near the waterfall region in North Georgia- thanks for the link!
Purple ice cream?...I don't know!
And don't know if I'll be able to do the Keys :( I don't think the Everglades airboat will be too long, so maybe...hopefully! (cross fingers!)

Just want to thank everyone for all the tips! You guys are the best for info! Now, if only I could do everything suggested ... (:-)
(less than a month to go!)

[UKCraig]

The gators weren't in the ruins... thankfully they were content living in the lake nearby :) The castle was spooky enough after dark without coming into a room and finding an alligator :)