Airstreaming to Georgia

[graygoose]

Hi!
Following a trip to Jackson Center, we are heading to Gatlinburg, TN then on to/thru GA. We would LOVE to see/stay near some quaint towns that aren't too touristy and that are walkable with lots of beautiful scenery (farmers markets?). After checking out Southern Living's "prettiest towns," we've picked a few, and your thoughts appreciated! Athens? Madison? Dahlonega? Blue Ridge?
We would only be staying 3 nights or so in 2 places at the most. This will be in mid June. Thanks!

[Al and Missy]

I would throw Talking Rock and Milledgeville into the mix. Check out their web sites on Google. A different vibe, but check out Savannah and Skidaway Island State Park.

Al

[jayseejay]

Consider Georgia’s FDR State Park, which has near its east entrance FDR’s “Little White House”, where he died, and near its west entrance, the beautiful Calloway Gardens. Joe

[runswithdogs]

Welcome!

I would put Athens at the top of my list. Not touristy, and there's lot's to explore. With only summer school in session, it will be quiet. There are multiple farmers markets, great places to eat and a lovely downtown to wander. This is a very walkable city with tons of southern architecture to enjoy. You'll also find the Ga State Botanical Garden there.

During the weekend of 6/22-24 is Athfest, their music and everything else festival. It will likely be hot though, so be ready for that.

I would try to stay at Fort Yargo State Park but you'll want to get reservations. Calling might give you the best choices. There are sites on the lake. There's no doubt other CGs nearby, others may have ideas.

If you're trying to avoid touristy, definitely bypass Helen and maybe Dahlonega too. I find Dahlonega a frustrating drive in a car due to its layout and the wandering, distracted tourists. With a trailer..no.

Skidaway and the barrier islands: I'm biased here due to spending too much time working in that area. The best of this area is experienced from the water and islands. If you go, please find a way to get out on the water and/or to one or more of the islands; you can book a guide. Each island is different. Some are private-ish, some are restricted sanctuaries and of course Jekyll and St. Simons are vacation towns. In June, you will have missed the migrations, but there's still plenty to see.

If you're up for a trip to Atlanta, there's no end to the interesting neighborhoods to wander. Decatur is one of the most popular for food, festivals and all sorts of activities. There's sure to be something good going on while you're here. The easiest, closest campground (not scenic!) is Stone Mountain, and politics aside, it's a beautiful park and big rock to visit, hike, climb, golf, bike, paddle... ok, you get the idea.

Depending on your interests, there are many nice corners of GA to explore. If you'd like more detail, please PM me, I'm very happy to help!

[graygoose]

Thanks for all the great info! We will check it out, and hopefully during our June visit, we'll get taste some awesome peaches!

[Tn Traveler]

Originally Posted by graygoose

Thanks for all the great info! We will check it out, and hopefully during our June visit, we'll get taste some awesome peaches!

Georgia's best peaches come from around the Fort Valley area. There will be some in June, but you will be early for the elbertas they will probably not be ripe until July. Many consider the elberta the best peach. The free stone peaches come in July and August.

Georgia is a fairly large state. You may want to add Washington, GA to your list to check out as well as Macon. FDR Park is good, but there is not much in the town of Pine Mountain. If you are heading down towards Tallahassee FL Thomasville is an interesting town.

If you go to Madison, you may want to stop at Social Circle to eat a the Blue Willow Inn. They usually have good peach cobbler.

[ALANSD]

macon is a great town with a lot to see, including awesome ol neighborhoods, Allman brothers museum. amazing churches too.

[WhereStream]

Dahlonega is a pretty town, a little bit touristy, but in the right way.

Near some nice state parks and mountains, has a few good places to eat, and ... fudge.

FDR State Park is a great place. Worth the trip to see the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps — the cabins and especially the park headquarters. Park has the excellent Pine Mountain Trail, too.

Nearby is FDR’s Little White House, a must-see, and Warm Springs, though tiny, is worth a stop for lunch. Fudge there, too.

[Overstreet]

Crooked River State Park near St Mary's GA. Get reservations with the Cumberland Island ferry and take a walking trip out to the island. Old mansion ruins, wild horses, miles of pretty beaches, unique......... There is also some things to see in St Mary's Historic district.

State park is redoing the parking spaces in the camp ground. Looks like adding more. Might be done by June.
http://gastateparks.org/CrookedRiver/

Recommend St Mary's Sea Food. http://www.stmarysseafoodandmore.com/Home

If the State park is full look for the KOA at exit #1 or the Coastal GA RV park same exit.

Skidaway Island though is next to Savanah, Hilton Head and Tybe Island. Lots to do there.

[Overstreet]

Core of Engineers camp ground, West Point Lake, West Point Ga. R Shafer Heard Park..................http://westpointlake.com/parks/r-sha...park/.....this is a camp ground we are fond of. Big lake on the Chatahochie. (sp) river. It has well prepared sites divided by woods and changes in elevations. You do not feel like they are close. The camp is quiet. The towns are small county towns. Go to Columbus. Take a white water raft trip down the water park at dam opening with an outfitter. Really cool. http://www.whitewaterexpress.com/

Hunters Pub and Steak House , in the middle of no-where, has surprisingly good food. http://www.hunterspubandsteakhouse.com/home

[Overstreet]

However I'd stop at Cosby, TN. and see the smokies. Gatlinburg is just down the road. The Smoky Mountain National park is basically Hwy 441 for the most traveled but the Cosby area has rural traffic and the north end of the park that is basically ignored by the masses.

See............http://smokymountainpremierrvresort.com/

[graygoose]

Appreciate all of the info! For our TN visit, we are scheduled to stay at the Greenbriar in Gatlinburg....looks nice, and wasn't easy to get! With all of the great suggestions, we will definitely have to return next year.
Also planning a visit to Colorado in September, so I'll ask a question on another post....

[Tsunami-v2]

Give Blairsville and or Hiawassee at try. Beautiful country side

[ALANSD]

also - Stone Mountain is worth a visit. nice campground there too.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by ALANSD

also - Stone Mountain is worth a visit. nice campground there too.

Just got back from there Sunday. Great park