Road trip... Greenville, Anderson, Aiken? (Laurens, Jackson: hotel, travel, work)

[spark240]

Hi folks.

I'm planning a road trip for May. I haven't worked out the exact itinerary yet (except I know that I will definitely be going through Birmingham) but the towns listed below are possible stops. I'd be interested in hearing from natives or current residents of these towns about things to see, places to stay, and places to eat, in the towns mentioned or along the roads between. I like happening downtowns and I like country back roads. I might decide to tent-camp some nights. I appreciate history and local flavor. I'm not interested in anything with a national chain name on it, or anything real expensive.

Thanks for your help.

Tennessee: Sevierville, Chattanooga (I've already done the Tennessee Aquarium)
North Carolina: Kannapolis, Hickory, Black Mountain, Asheville
South Carolina: Greenville, Anderson, Aiken
Georgia: Royston, Augusta, Macon, Albany, Columbus, Rome
Alabama: Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery
Mississippi: Jackson

[vickiegambrell]

Well I vote for Anderson then on up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. We have some great camping on our lakes, rivers and also the mountain.

Here are a few links to get you started

Anderson Daily Photo

Visit Anderson, South Carolina

Our Lakes and Mountains - Vickie Gambrell

[Coasters]

Sounds like a really great trip. I would go to the AAA and get a tourguide . This is a thick book for each state. It would highlight the major points of interest. Then I would go to the travel department at a big book store like Barnes &Noble and browse all the Back road travel guides for each area. I would also Google all the places you mention. This would hook you up to countless more links like the ones given here by the otherson the board. Interesting routes are sometimes highlighted on good roadmaps and also..a gps would be very helpfull but dont try to use it for directions but rather as a moving map that can show your location.

[Rggr]

I would recommend Greenville. There is more to the downtown area, and there are some great outdoor spots as well.

[scyogi]

Aiken is worth a stop---New Moon for coffee and a bagel, Hitchcock Woods (www.hitchcockwoods.org)for (broken link) a afternoon run/stroll, Aiken Brew Pub for lunch (wings and beer) for lunch OR Takoshushi if you like sushi. Dinner at Davors out back on the Patio. They also have some new restaurants that have opened since I moved over the summer-so if you try them post and let us know! Finish the night with Drinks at Pat's Martini, Brew Pub-upstairs, or at the Aiken Hotel on Laurens.

[Racelady88]

I will second Aiken.

You can camp, hike, and canoe at The Aiken State Natural Area http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/pa...park/1831.aspx

You can't miss Hopeland Gardens http://sciway3.net/outdoors/park-hopeland.html

The Aiken Historical Museum is also a must see. http://www.aikencountysc.gov/DspDept.cfm?qDeptID=HIS

http://www.aikencountysc.gov/Svisiting.cfm

If you would like any horsey activities let me know & I will hunt some up for you.

[Racelady88]

I will second Aiken.

You can camp, hike, and canoe at The Aiken State Natural Area About This Park - Aiken State Natural Area - South Carolina State Parks

You can't miss Hopeland Gardens http://sciway3.net/outdoors/park-hopeland.html

The Aiken Historical Museum is also a must see. Aiken County Government ** AikenCountySC.Gov

http://www.aikencountysc.gov/Svisiting.cfm

If you would like any horsey activities let me know & I will hunt some up for you.

[scyogi]

Dang Evey! I was trying to be the best 'former Aikenite' but I think your post just totally beat mine! My young one LOVED to stroll the halls (especially the basement) at the Historic Museum. Our family photos were there and they rocked!

[Racelady88]

Originally Posted by scyogi

Dang Evey! I was trying to be the best 'former Aikenite' but I think your post just totally beat mine! My young one LOVED to stroll the halls (especially the basement) at the Historic Museum. Our family photos were there and they rocked!

Sorry!

I forgot to mention Redcliff Plantation.

[Skyliner]

Hi spark240!

You simply must stop and visit downtown Greenville, a bustling yet quaint place loaded with locally owned shops and over 80 restaurants, plus a pleasant array of beautiful natural parks, gardens, and a small river with a 60 foot waterfall - all neatly arranged together and easily accessible by foot. There is nothing like it in the rest of the state!

You would also find the recently opened Upcountry History Museum located at Heritage Green to be very aesthetically fascinating and loaded with rich historical information.

I could go on for hours describing the many things to do and places to see in Greenville, but will refrain from saying too much at this point, unless you have additional questions.

If you plan a visit to Greenville, I recommend also driving to breathtakingly beautiful Table Rock State Park, where you can camp in your tent or cabins. This park is located just off of Scenic Highway 11. (video part 1...2)