I'm planning a trip in May. Thinking about flying into Atl and going to Savannah for a couple of days before heading into SCar. Looking for recs about what to do. It's not a beach or golf trip but we definitely want to see the best sights so wouldn't mind going to Hilton Head. Probably based out of Charleston and Columbia, and want to go to Congaree National Park.

Questions I have:

• Can we do all of that in 5 or 6 days?
• What are the can't-miss restaurants?
• Best museums, shopping and sights?

TIA!

Great recommendations, hijakeroo, thank you!

Hijakeroo is right, that is a LOT of traveling for a relatively short vacation. Atlanta isn't all that close to either of those locations. Between the two, I would spend more time in Charleston, especially in May. The downtown is very walkable, and there is an amazing amount of history there, both Revolutionary War and Civil War. If you go to either place with kids, ghost tours are really enjoyable. Savannah has carriage tours and cemetery tours that are also great. Whenever I have enough time in Charleston, I like to book walking tours. Maybe it's because I'm getting old, but I always forget so much that I re-learn with the next guide. Plus, the food is amazing in Charleston. If you do decide to go to North Georgia, Tallulah Gorge is a must see. Greenville SC is a pretty cool city which isn't all that far off the beaten path if you end up driving from Charleston or HH (wouldn't recommend) back to Atlanta.

I lived in Dalton, outside of Chattanooga for a stint. It's on the other side of the mountains from where you are going but I visited the area quite a bit. Go to Dahlonega if you get a chance, and ride the train. And definitely spend a night or two in Helen, GA.

If you make it to Chattanooga, go to Lookout Mountain.

It's an amazing area.

Since you're that close you might as well visit Pigeon Forge and Dollywood!!

The nice thing about flying to ATL is that it's $47.

Day 0: Travel Day

Day 1: Fly into Hilton Head and stay at the Omni. Enjoy the beach and pool for a day and hit up one of the sea food places nearby (Hudsons).

Day 2: breakfast at Salty Dog's Cafe, then drive into Charleston. Lots of places to stay/eat/do while there. (Or skip and relax another day in HHI).

Day 3: Drive to Cherokee, NC (New Found Gap Rd) is a simply beautiful drive through the mountains. Take advantage of roadside stops and enjoy views. Stay in Gatlinburg that night.

Day 4: Explore Gatlinburg

Day 5: Dollyworld / Pigeon Forge

Day 6: Fly home out of Knoxville

Fins Up! said:

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I lived in Dalton, outside of Chattanooga for a stint. It's on the other side of the mountains from where you are going but I visited the area quite a bit. Go to Dahlonega if you get a chance, and ride the train. And definitely spend a night or two in Helen, GA.

If you make it to Chattanooga, go to Lookout Mountain.

It's an amazing area.

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I'm realllyyyy interested in heading to north georgia this October with the family. Would have two 8 year olds with us. We love hiking, strolling shops, eating/drinking/ breweries, etc. Any suggestions as far as best town to stay in? Would like to be within a days drive of Helen for the Oktoberfest.

I've seen Clayton, Dahlonega, Helen, Blue Ridge....any others worth considering?

AustinCountyAg said:

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Fins Up! said:

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I lived in Dalton, outside of Chattanooga for a stint. It's on the other side of the mountains from where you are going but I visited the area quite a bit. Go to Dahlonega if you get a chance, and ride the train. And definitely spend a night or two in Helen, GA.

If you make it to Chattanooga, go to Lookout Mountain.

It's an amazing area.

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I'm realllyyyy interested in heading to north georgia this October with the family. Would have two 8 year olds with us. We love hiking, strolling shops, eating/drinking/ breweries, etc. Any suggestions as far as best town to stay in? Would like to be within a days drive of Helen for the Oktoberfest.

I've seen Clayton, Dahlonega, Helen, Blue Ridge....any others worth considering?

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This is slightly out of that range, but I would stop through Highlands, NC while in the area. Really quaint small town with an awesome main street, and there are great waterfalls nearby!

Correct again. I am up in North Georgia all of the time. I did a pretty extensive review of the area for Whoop RAB, I think the title was escape the heat to North Georgia or something like that. It was a few years ago, perhaps an intrepid TexAger could locate it. I do not at all get the mystique of Helen. That being said, Highlands NC is awesome and there are indeed great hikes around it.

You kind of have it all, with those places. I like Helen because the town is cool. You can tube the river (I don't know about October, though), lots of hiking, and there are a lot of scenic drives.

If you wanted to go north, go up towards Bryson City, NC. You can hike up the Nantahala Gorge, trout fish and do some white water rafting.

I just love the entire area.

(Edit: The Blue Ridge Railway is in Blue Ridge, GA and the Great Smoky Mountain Railway is in Bryson City, NC.)