Where to go for a scenic drive? (Atlanta, Dahlonega: hotel, buyer)

[AtlantaCruiser]

My wife and I moved to Atlanta from Denver, to be closer to her family, about 6 months ago. I am seriously missing Denver & was thinking a cool day trip was in order to get out of this rut I have gotten into. Anyone recomend a great 1-2 day roadtrip? I was thinking somewhere in the mountains. Thanks!

[Ryan Ward]

There are plenty of nice road trips that you can take up through the North Georgia mountains. The easiest way to go would be to head up Ga 400 to Dahlonega and head towards Blairsville. You will travel through the national forest up past blood mountain on winding roads through the mountains. It will be nothing like Colorado as far as the height. Stay on u.s. 19 and 129 north. Don't forget to stop and see the white bats!

[Prichard]

I recomend that you not drive up to the North Georgia mountains. You might get a bad case of buyer's remorse and wonder why you didn't move up there instead.

[AtlantaCruiser]

White Bats?? Please explain!

[Ryan Ward]

Well,

I can't remember the name of the place that has them, I will check into it and get back with you. It's a little country store in the mountains on a creek. If anyone knows them, let us know.

[AtlantaCruiser]

Awesome, thanks. I think we will do this drive next weekend.

We only have this afternoon free this weekend and were thinking of exploring Athens, to see what is or is not there. Any recomendations?

[LLD]

Just park and walk downtown -- lots of shops and cafes and restaurants and music venues. I can't remember the name of the Asian fusion restaurant I went to in Athens but it was every bit good as the several places in major cities. Several restaurants in Athens get rated very well by the Atlanta critics.

[bbuch]

I would recommend driving the Blue Ridge Parkway up in the Smokey Mountains. You will have to drive more to get there, but it is a famously fantastic drive!! You will also get to see the beauty of the Apps. (much different from the Rockies).

B

[Figment 07]

It's a gorgeous Saturday in this area. If you go to (or through) Athens, I recommend a stop at the State Botanical Gardens there.

http://www.uga.edu/botgarden

They don't even charge admission.

[Figment 07]

Also, in about 2 and 1/2 hours, you can drive into Highlands or Cashiers, North Carolina. It's beautiful mountain scenery, and much cooler (and that will matter to you this summer).

If you want a really nice one or two day trip, take a 3-1/2 to 4 hour drive on up to Asheville, NC to tour the incredible Biltmore House. There are some good restaurants and a lovely upscale inn on the property now. I just spent a few nights there at Christmas and loved it. Expensive, but my parents and I thought it was worth the money. There is also a Doubletree Inn just outside the estate entrance in the historic village and a pretty nice Homewood Suites hotel on Tunnel Road. Check it out at TripAdvisor.com.

If you crave the ocean, you are just 5-1/2 hours drive away from beautiful Hilton Head Isand, South Carolina! Try to stay in Sea Pines where there are miles of bike and walking paths to the beaches, marina and other attractions.