Vacation Destinations UNDER 5 hours from Metro ATL (Coolidge: restaurant, shop)

[MisterNY]

Give Savannah a try. Very nice, and not too far. Enjoy!

[mrpanda]

I am also interested in this topic. Can anyone rank the top places to visit within 5 hours from Atlanta?

[atlantagreg30127]

There's no such thing as a "top" place, as everyone has different preferences as to what they do (or don't) enjoy for a getaway.

So far all of the suggestions are very good ones depending on a person's preference. For me, my vote goes to Charleston, SC due to being able to walk around the historic district stuff (great photo taking, too), and the beaches aren't far from that area either.

[Nast]

If you have kids, try something different and check out Dinosaur World in Cave City, Kentucky. It's a 5 hour drive up to Bowling Green, KY (the closest place to stay with a lot of restaurant and hotel options), and then a 15 minute trip north up I-65 from there.

The area also has a number of other things to do we want to try out when our kids get a bit older (Mammoth Caves, Kentucky Down Under).

[Madam Oink]

Thanks for your suggestions. I love Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Charleston SC, and the small towns in Western NC. I haven't been to Chattanooga since I was a child....what does a child-free adult "do" there? Unfortunately, the Florida Gulf coast is unreachable in under 5 hours.

I guess what I am hoping for is some not-so-well-known destination! What's the story with St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Tybee Island & Cumberland Island???? Also, is there anywhere in Alabama worth exploring?

Thanks again....ink!

[Esteban5]

Chattanooga
Monteagle
Nashville
Asheville, NC
Charlotte
Greenville
Columbia
Augusta
Madison, GA
Lake Lanier
Lake Oconee
Dahlonega
Blue Ridge

[crazynip]

Macon

[LovinDecatur]

Originally Posted by Madam Oink

Also, is there anywhere in Alabama worth exploring?

I recommend the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay...Daphne, Fairhope and Point Clear are charming. A short drive away are the beach communities of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Perdido Key.

Visit Beautiful Fairhope AL | Enjoy Fairhope Ala Events | Explore Fairhope Homes & Cottages

Point Clear Hotels | Point Clear, Alabama Resort near Gulf Coast

Alabama.Travel | Beaches

No visit to the area is complete without a visit to Floribama Lounge, where you can sip a cocktail while straddling the state line.

Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by Madam Oink

Thanks for your suggestions. I love Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Charleston SC, and the small towns in Western NC. I haven't been to Chattanooga since I was a child....what does a child-free adult "do" there? Unfortunately, the Florida Gulf coast is unreachable in under 5 hours.

I guess what I am hoping for is some not-so-well-known destination! What's the story with St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Tybee Island & Cumberland Island???? Also, is there anywhere in Alabama worth exploring?

Thanks again....ink!

Consider renting a cabin on a lake. Lake Martin in Alabama is beautiful and I'm sure you can find rentals there. I prefer the North Georgia mountain lakes: Carters Lake, Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Nottelly, Lake Burton and Lake Rabun to mention a few. Also, you might enjoy Highlands, NC.

[Tresninas]

Originally Posted by Madam Oink

I haven't been to Chattanooga since I was a child....what does a child-free adult "do" there? !

If you haven't been to Chattanooga in the past 10-15 years or so, you're in for a treat. It's a completely different city. The Hunter Art Museum is wonderful and newly expanded, and is part of the Art View Bluff District, which has a sculpture garden, wonderful coffee shop, and a couple of great restaurants. You can walk all along the river, and even across the river on the walking bridge to Coolidge Park. You can ride a boat down the river (I think it's called the Southern Belle). You can go on any number of hiking trails. See Rock City. Downtown is completely walkable and has great restaurants. If you're into the outdoors, there are great spots for hiking, boating, etc.