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
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
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
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
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
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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