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I'd like to take my sister on a road trip down south during Xmas break, as she has never been south of Ohio (from Michigan). So I'm trying to figure out a destination. Some things to know:
-Were both early 20s, so looking for more of a social, chill, warm hangout spot (and nightlife options) than tourist sites such as museums and landmarks (although a place with some Southern "personality" too would be excellent)
-Michigan is a long ways North, so the shorter the drive the better...but I understand to get to warmth there will be no such thing as a "short" drive.
-an average daily high in the mid 60s at least...
-not panama city beach, already been there a couple times, and i would at least like to enjoy somewhere new.
Im assuming this basically only leaves me with Florida, but figured it would worth asking to see if anybody had a hidden gem.
Weather is usually not too much of a factor in December. It can be cold, but it rarely snows that early, even in southern Michigan. But keep in mind that those are the shortest days of the year, and you won't have many daytime driving hours. Plan to drive in the dark a lot.
From Michigan, head in the general direction of Memphis. That will keep you out of the mountains, which are subject to a lot of foggy driving and possibly freezing precipitation.
I'd say Charleston SC fits what you're looking for very well.
Savannah is a little bit better though I'd just go all out and hit New Orleans. If they really wanted to drive, Miami or key West even.
Here are some driving times (using Detroit as a good base):
Detroit to Charleston (14 hours, 13 mins)
Detroit to Savannah (14 hours, 54 mins)
Detroit to New Orleans (17 hours, 17 mins)
Detroit to Miami (22 hours, 34 mins)
Detroit to Key West (26 hours)
My recommendation is Key West (with stops in Savannah, Jax, Miami). The most beautiful drive, only destination you will want to use the beach, and you will pass through some amazing nightlife spots. Of course, this is by far the longest road trip. You can shorten it by ending up in Miami, you will still hit the beach but you will end up missing out on one of the most beautiful drives in the USA down the keys.
The other option is New Orleans, you can lengthen your trip a bit and see Memphis which is also fun.
If you want to keep it short, I suggest Savannah over Charleston (for the nightlife) but I recommend you see both (Charleston on the way back).
I'd like to take my sister on a road trip down south during Xmas break, as she has never been south of Ohio (from Michigan). So I'm trying to figure out a destination. Some things to know:
-Were both early 20s, so looking for more of a social, chill, warm hangout spot (and nightlife options) than tourist sites such as museums and landmarks (although a place with some Southern "personality" too would be excellent)
-Michigan is a long ways North, so the shorter the drive the better...but I understand to get to warmth there will be no such thing as a "short" drive.
-an average daily high in the mid 60s at least...
-not panama city beach, already been there a couple times, and i would at least like to enjoy somewhere new.
Im assuming this basically only leaves me with Florida, but figured it would worth asking to see if anybody had a hidden gem.
Much of the Gulf Coast and the Southern Atlantic has average highs of around 55-65, but cold snaps can still pop up, seemingly out of nowhere. It seems that South Florida is really the only part of the region that mostly escapes this, so you'll have to accept the fact any place north of there does have a decent chance of seeing chilly weather.
With more than a 15-hour drive, New Orleans is quite a trek, but it's certainly worth it, in my opinion.
Savannah is a little bit better though I'd just go all out and hit New Orleans. If they really wanted to drive, Miami or key West even.
Here are some driving times (using Detroit as a good base):
Detroit to Charleston (14 hours, 13 mins)
Detroit to Savannah (14 hours, 54 mins)
Detroit to New Orleans (17 hours, 17 mins)
Detroit to Miami (22 hours, 34 mins)
Detroit to Key West (26 hours)
My recommendation is Key West (with stops in Savannah, Jax, Miami). The most beautiful drive, only destination you will want to use the beach, and you will pass through some amazing nightlife spots. Of course, this is by far the longest road trip. You can shorten it by ending up in Miami, you will still hit the beach but you will end up missing out on one of the most beautiful drives in the USA down the keys.
The other option is New Orleans, you can lengthen your trip a bit and see Memphis which is also fun.
If you want to keep it short, I suggest Savannah over Charleston (for the nightlife) but I recommend you see both (Charleston on the way back).
How is Savannah better than Charleston? Charlestons downtown blows away Savannahs. Savannah and Charleston are both very similar, Charleston is just larger and packs more of a punch. Granted everyone has different taste. As to nightlife being stationed in Charleston and in my 20's and going to Savannah rather often, the social scene is much better in Charleston. Only exception is St Pattys. A lot more young people in downtown Charleston vs Savannah due to the colleges. Both have personality though as the OP desired.
Did you even read the OP? He states that he's looking for a place with noticeable southern charm/personality, which the big cities don't offer as much of. He also said he's looking for a place with an average high in the 60s, which pretty much eliminates Atlanta altogether.
How is Savannah better than Charleston? Charlestons downtown blows away Savannahs. Savannah and Charleston are both very similar, Charleston is just larger and packs more of a punch. Granted everyone has different taste. As to nightlife being stationed in Charleston and in my 20's and going to Savannah rather often, the social scene is much better in Charleston. Only exception is St Pattys. A lot more young people in downtown Charleston vs Savannah due to the colleges. Both have personality though as the OP desired.
Savannah has rowdier nightlife. Late call 330 (as opposed to 2). You can also carry your alcohol out in to-go cups which you can't in Charleston. I agree that Charleston is bigger, her downtown is more flushed out but essentially I always saw Charleston as a destinations for families and older tourists while Savannah as a place to party. Savannah is also right next to a US Army base which drives much of her nightlife (great if you're a single girl looking to score). I know that Charleston has a Navy Nuke school nearby, but the military presence just isn't as strong as Savannah. Both have some colleges in the area, Charleston probably has more.
Did you even read the OP? He states that he's looking for a place with noticeable southern charm/personality, which the big cities don't offer as much of. He also said he's looking for a place with an average high in the 60s, which pretty much eliminates Atlanta altogether.
Wait, so he wants nightlife options but a place with Southern charm? Is that even possible?
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