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City & State or ZIP Tonight, this weekend, May 5th...
City & State or ZIP
City & State or ZIP Tonight, this weekend, May 5th...
City & State or ZIP

Where’s Atlanta’s best one-tank vacation destination?

We have a winner!

In fact, we have two winners. Your Picks shows the outcome of how you voted. For another take, Our Picks offers some guidance from our staff experts.

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Comments

By Angela

July 24, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

Best radio morning show Steve Harvey

By Laura

July 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

My family farm in Emanuel County - between Swainsboro and Twin City!!!

By Kesha

July 24, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

The best vacation spot within one tank of gas is Savannah. You can enjoy the beaches, the shopping, and the nice bed and breakfasts.

By ATL80

July 24, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

Charleston!

By Taylor

July 24, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

If you have a family, and you don’t want to deal with the crowds of Six Flags/White Water, or the lack of activities at Stone Mountain/Callaway Gardens, then I would recommend a great Theme/Water/Animal park in Valdosta, GA called Wild Adventures, approximately 250 miles from ATL.

By Jim

July 24, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Fernandina Beach!

By Thom Underwood

July 24, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Charleston

By robie

July 24, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Helen Georgia, you can tube down the river, eat, drink, and shop, and stay over night.

By Mrs. C

July 24, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

The best place to go on one tank of gas is Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. There is enough to do between the two cities, that are literally right next door, that you actully need to stay there for two weeks and will never do anything or eat anywhere twice. It is the best 20 to 30 mile strength of vacation you’ll find on one tank of gas.

By Jennifer

July 24, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Best one tank vacation to escape the blistering heat of Georgia is hands down the Smoky Mountains.

By Matthew

July 24, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

It’s Charleston or Destin/Seagrove/Grayton. No contest.

By s

July 24, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

By Joshua

July 24, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I love the South! Here’s my list: 1. St. George Island, FL: gorgeous Gulf white sand beaches, great local bars/restaurants, and it’s still relatively secluded 2. Asheville, NC: great atmosphere, amazing restaurants, beautiful Blue Ridge mountains 3. Charleston, SC: beautiful historic district, great restauarants and shops, amazing golf courses

By MeaneyMouse

July 24, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Hi wah E /(..)\

By timthebrave

July 24, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

  1. The gulf coast with the sandy white beaches, beautiful girls, good entertainment, and good fishing.
  2. The smoky mountains.Camping, fishing, hiking and staying out of the sun

By Susan

July 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Western North Carolina in the Snow Bird mountains. For peace and quite, want to destress, check out the Snowbird Mountain Lodge near Robinsville, NC. Chill out in one of their rocking chairs with a beautiful view of the mountains.

By Grammaw

July 24, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Of all the places within a tank full of gas, I LOVE Savannah most. It has everything! Beaches, fantastic restaurants, pubs, entertainment, wonderfully friendly people (the epitome of “southern hospitality) and things to see and do all day for adults and children of ALL ages. Come see for yourself, you WON’T be disappointed, I guarantee!!!

By entertain me

July 24, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Lake Winnepesaukah in ROSSVILLE, GEORGIA is a amusement park / fair. It is very inexpensive and they have ongoing savings on tickets daily. The web address is www.lakewinnie.com if you are interested in taking a look.

By Jessalyn

July 24, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Definitely St. George Island, FL. Gorgeous beach and not crowded at all. If you drive through Columbus, Phenix City, and Dothan to get there, it is exactly 350 miles.

By sunshine and thunder

July 24, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

High Hampton Inn: Cashiers, NC.

GREAT food, hiking, golf, whitewater, rocking chair porches and peace and quiet.

You can almost get there and back on one tankful.

By Uncle Boris

July 24, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Charleston! Check it out.

By Ryan

July 24, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Born and raise in Georgia,, by far the best spot is Nashville, TN. Unlimited stuff to do

By Home away from home:-)

July 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Okaloosa Island | Fort Walton Beach Florida | Destin Florida.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2096019409_798eae2b8d.jpg

By LL

July 24, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Jekyll Island, GA or Charleston, SC

By Nick Bazin

July 24, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

6 flag over GA! Enjoy!

By Romona

July 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Savannah!

By Emily

July 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Asheville, NC!

By Kim

July 24, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Watercolor at Seaside, FL

By Jim

July 24, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Brunswick/St. Simon’s/Sea Island. And on the way down you pass by some great Barbecue places (see: Best Barbecue) St. Simon’s has some great places to eat: The Crab Trap, Barbara Jean’s (expanded now), 4th of May for Breakfast (muffins!)

By MB

July 24, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Myrtle Beach, SC… It could be just a little over 350, but is definitely still a one tank trip for many.

By EW

July 24, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

St. Simons Island is the best!

By CWC

July 24, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Celebrating its 275th anniversary, Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah is among the many highlights offered in that city - as most Georgia folks know. Some may not know that this synagogue features the only Gothic-style sanctuary in the nation, and CMI is the third oldest Jewish congregation in America. For a low fee, visitors are invited to view not only the breath-taking sanctuary but also the high quality upstairs museum. Tours are conducted by volunteer congregants. Their Web site is www.mickveisrael.org.

By TradeMe

July 25, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Tybee Island!!!!!!

By bonbon

July 25, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

We are heading to Tybee island for a little get away next week. I can hardly wait!!!!!

By Jacque

July 25, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

I’m a big fan of Savannah’s Tybee Island! But I’d also have to vote for Chattanooga too.

By RUChinaDoll

July 25, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

St Simmons or Charleston

By Andrea Robinson

July 25, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

  1. Destin, FL (best beach)
  2. Lake Seminole, GA (best fishing)
  3. Hiawassee, GA (best view)
  4. Deals Gap, NC (best motorcycling)
  5. Birmingham, AL (races, caves)

By randy

July 25, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

best new website - GeorgiaFlyer.com

By parentof4

July 25, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Hilton Head, Savannah & Tybee Island. Also since I live on the Westside…Six Flags, right down the street.

By Susan

July 25, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Asheville!

By peggy

July 25, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Where do I start? Savannah, St Mary’s Ga. Gatlinburg, Tn Mexico Beach, Fl PCB.. Panama City Beach, Fl (of course)

By Michell

July 25, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

This is difficult. I love Savannah. It’s close to Tybee, has great places to eat, ghost stories galore, and those wonderful squares. Then there’s Carrilion Beach in FL. It’s close enough to PC and Destin for food, shopping, and entertainment for the kids minus the crowds. The beaches are gorgeous and the water is great. Those are my picks.

By Michell

July 25, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

That should be Carillon Beach in FL. My bad.

By HS Teacher

July 26, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

  1. Savannah
  2. Callaway Gardens
  3. Helen

No particular order, but places I want to visit by Labor Day week end.

By ilka

July 26, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this

the best gulf vacation is at emeral beach resort 17545 front beach rd Panama city beach 32413 very close to the new gorgeous pier parc and its oceanview new building call to book ocean view condo 404 663-5158

By Ashleigh

July 26, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Need you ask: FOLLY BEACH Look it up!!

By Ashleigh

July 26, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Need you ask: FOLLY BEACH Look it up!!

By Alan

July 26, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Get away from it all and come to Fargo Ga. and visit the Stephen C. Foster State Park home of the Okefenokee Swamp

By Alan

July 26, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Get away from it all and come to Fargo Ga. and visit the Stephen C. Foster State Park home of the Okefenokee Swamp

By BBB

July 26, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

No doubt about it—-JEKYLL ISLAND. It is so quiet and relaxing and if you like crowds, St Simons is only a few minutes away with the delicious ice cream shop!

By Big D

July 26, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg is the ultimate family getaway.

By Bill

July 26, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Love to go to Asheville and the area west of there … the Smokies are beautiful any time of the year.

By Ana

July 26, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Savannah

By Les DuLunch

July 26, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Lake Rabun…You can get there, drive around the Clayton area, and drive back to Atlanta with enough gas left over to go to work on Monday.

By BT

July 27, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

The Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park. There’s nothing like it in Georgia! Doesn’t even take the full tank to go up and back. The best thing is once you get to AFSP, you get out of the car and don’t use ANY gas for the last 5 miles. You hike! Peace, quiet, and the perfect way to “recharge your batteries”.

By Craig

July 27, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Highlands, NC!!! You can get there and back on one tank. COOL WEATHER, GREAT Waterfalls & Hiking, shopping, restaurants & beautiful views. There are great cabins to stay at. Going the back way through NE Georgia has great side trips - antiqueing, restauarants, roadside stands. It is the complete package!

By Alexis Jenee

July 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Lake Oconee!

By vida

July 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Best One Tank location, Jacksonville,FL. I have family there and its just a few hours away. We go out to eat, to the beach near Orange Park. Go to the Landing and eat on the water. There is shopping and St. Augustine is not far with its historical tours and shopping it’s a must.

By BB

July 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Savannah/Tybee Island Great beach, beautiful historic city.

By louie

July 27, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

GA has some great State Parks. Low cost and all over the state.

Amicalola State Park is a great day trip. Nice trails (with lots of steps…)You can walk or drive to the top. Tallulah Gorge State Park is great too. A little history some nice trails and great views.

At all state parks, all you pay is $3 parking. You can teach your kids some history and get some exercise. Check them out at www.gastateparks.org

By N-GA

July 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Bull Sluice rapid on the Chatooga River. Pack a big picnic lunch, some cold beverages, and your cut-off’s. Enjoy the scenery, watch people run the rapids, catch some rays, swim below the big rapids, eat some cold fried chicken and potato salad…it’s a cheap, fun way to spend an afternoon with friends.

By travelnut

July 27, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains or Asheville, NC.

By Linder

July 27, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Try the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure in southeastern Tennessee. The vintage train carries passengers along the Hiwassee River, into the Hiwassee Gorge (accessible only by rail), around the 1898 Historic Hiwassee Rail Loop. Half day trips run from Etowah, TN to the Loop. The Copperhill Special is an all day trip from Etowah to Copperhill for lunch & shopping and then returns to Etowah. From Atlanta, follow I-75 north to Cartersville, then take Hwy 411 north to Etowah. About 130 miles one way. For information, go online to www.tvrail.com, or phone 423-263-7232.

By gmf

July 27, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

asheville NC cool weather and cool town

By pamedavis

July 28, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Athens is a fun little day trip. Eat cheap at the Taco Stand on Milledge. Eat fancy at the Five and Dime on Lumpkin. Visit the State Bot Gardens, walk around downtown, Broad and Clayton, walk on the quad of UGA. It’s a great little town for a day.

By pamedavis

July 28, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Athens is a fun little day trip. Eat cheap at the Taco Stand on Milledge. Eat fancy at the Five and Dime on Lumpkin. Visit the State Bot Gardens, walk around downtown, Broad and Clayton, walk on the quad of UGA. It’s a great little town for a day.

By Katherine

July 28, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

DAHLONEGA! Quaint shops, excellent dining, lodging, hiking, waterfalls, theatre, live music venues and wineries! All only within 1 hour of downtown Dahlonega. The most beautiful location in the North Georgia Mountains.

By NayNay

July 28, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

BLUE RIDGE NORTH GA MOUNTAINS THEY ARE THE BEST

By NayNay

July 28, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

YOU MUST STAY IN ONE OF THE BRAND NEW CABINS! YOU WILL TRULY ENJOY THE TRIP WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE!!!

By LGL

July 28, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Savannah, they have the beach, forts, haunted houses, great food, ships from all over the world, history, charm, and relatively inexpensive.

By Barbara

July 28, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

St Simons Island, GA!!!

By Jay

July 28, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Arabia Mountain State Park…hands down, by far the best.

By Molly

July 28, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Blue Ridge, Georgia is the best destination - and it won’t even take the whole tank of gas. Just 100 miles north of Atlanta via 575 - the town has adorable shops, great restaurants and a train to take you on a scenic tour. The Lake is great for skiing and boating, and the mountains are perfect for hiking and biking. Year round, Blue Ridge, Georgia is the best!

By Kat

July 28, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Savannah, Ga.

Beaches, Old charm, ghosts, history, art, bars, R&R!

By Ellen

July 28, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Callaway Gardens - something for everyone! Resort or camping, daytrip, weekend or week long event. Couples, singles or family. Great scenery, fun on the water, learn about nature.

By Susan

July 28, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

St. George Island - Beautiful, uncrowded beaches and wildlife! Black Mountain, NC - Retaurants, shops, arts and crafts, and gorgeous mountains!

By Nate

July 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Oh my, the Market Place restaurant in Asheville, NC… in fact ALL of Asheville, NC WELL worth it and easy beautiful drive up through the mountains.

By Kate

July 29, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Best by far is the trifecta of the Kangaroo Conservation Center in Dawsonville, Amicalola Falls State Park and Dahlonega for it’s shops and restaurants!

By CHERYL

July 29, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

  1. SAVANNAH
  2. PINE MTN
  3. NORTH GA MOUNTAINS
  4. ST. SIMONS
  5. CHARLESTON AREA

By Tryp

July 29, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

High Falls Park in Jackson, GA

By Tryp

July 29, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Tocca Falls Nashville, TN

By Tracy

July 29, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Savannah by far! Love it! Grew up there and still miss it!

Destin is my second pick because the place is gorgeous!

By Stephanie

July 30, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Asheville, NC. Beautiful scenery, great art scene, the Biltmore, Grove Park Inn, wonderful restaurants! Be there.

By Kimberly

July 30, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Amicola Falls, plenty of activites, hiking trials, climbing the falls, cabins next to the stream, vistior center, hotel and resturant, picnic tables,

By Kelly

July 30, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Stone Mountain

By Last Word

July 30, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

The Flor-A-Bama!

By Tod Watkins

July 31, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Driving laps around 285.

By twj

July 31, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

North Carolina - doesn’t really matter where, just NC!

By wayz

August 4, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Greenville SC. Downtown’s Falls River Park has waterfalls, fountains for kids to play in, children’s storytime garden, beautiful gardens and landscaping, and the longest curved suspension bridge. The park is in between the West end and the downtown shopping area.

The downtown shopping area has tree lined streets, free wi-fi, a ton of restaurants, plus hidden mice statues for the kids to find while you walk.

The West End is the artsy side, with a lot of shops, bars and galleries. And home to Greenville Drive minor league affiliate of the Red Sox. Model after Fenway park, it has the Green Monster, Pesky’s pole, etc. and named 2006 Ballpark of the year.

It’s all in walking distance.

By Tom

August 6, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Definitely Asheville N.C. hands down!!! beautiful scenery, laid back attitude, very friendly natives and only about 3 hours from atlanta

By sondra shipley

August 7, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Cohutta Lodge - beautiful scenery. Excellent food at the lodge.

By Marilyn

August 7, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  2. Callaway Gardens
  3. Augusta, GA

By SANDRA

August 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

CHATTANOOGA,TN

By Jen

August 14, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Best one tank destination is Tallulah Gorge State Park in Northern Georgia. Gorgeous hikes, gorgeous falls, beautiful overlooks of the falls, great camping facilities and what better way to enjoy a summer evening than a campfire, smores and a night under the stars!

By Belinda

August 17, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

The Smokey Mountains! I also like Ashville and Blowing Rock.

By Dee

August 19, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Charleston hands down, so much history and many fun things to do.

By diana

August 19, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Best one tank trip is to Tybee Island. You get the beach and Savannah all wrapped up in one!

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By Karen

August 23, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

There’s no better destination than Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, GA. The lake is no crowded (even on holidays) and we have water!

By Karen

August 23, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

There’s no better destination than Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville, GA. The lake is not crowded (even on holidays) and we have water!

By Regan

August 24, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Tybee & Savannah

By Regan

August 24, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Tybee & Savannah

By Regan

August 24, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Tybee & Savannah

By Rob

August 25, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Anywhere in Alabama. One tank of gas can take you back 2 generations.

By Robby

August 27, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Duh! SAVANNAH!!! BEST CITY IN GEORGIA!

By Stanley Feldman

August 31, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Charleston may be the best walkable city around. Add in the excellent restaurants, beaches, golf and fishing and you have pretty much something for everyone.

It may also be one of the top 2 most romantic cities in the US!

By Lindy

September 4, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

My favorite one-tank trip from Lawrenceville, GA would definitely be Tallulah Falls, Gorge, Park and Museum. There is hiking, casual to extreme. Beauty everywhere. Camping, picnicing, fishing. The museum is great. Free parking on Wednesday’s.

By ron

September 9, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Hayesville,N.C. we have Lake Chatuge and beautiful mountains. Just hours away from Atlanta (90)miles

By Brandy

September 10, 2008 4:23 AM | Link to this

Indian Springs, GA The oldest state park in the country. Have a history lesson, go fishing, picnic, and enjoy the museum, antique shop, art gallery, and eateries (the ice cream is AMAZING!)

By John

September 10, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Best destination within a one tank distance is hands down Chattanooga. The downtown area is great. This might be blasphemy, but IMO their aquarium is better then the GA one, they have a great children’s mueseum, cheap tix to Lookouts games, lots of good places to eat, Rock City and Ruby Falls are impressive (if not a little pricey for a family), Racoon Mtn cave is worth the drive to the outside of town.

By Jay

November 10, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Columbia, SC is on your picks and Asheville, NC is not? Seriously, Columbia? Maybe you had a compact car and can’t get to Asheville on one tank - otherwise, I don’t know who was in charge of this one.

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