two guys and a car

June 23, 2007 10:00 PM

Where should I stop on my drive back from Miami to Raleigh?

A friend and I are driving back from a wedding in Miami. We'd like to spend a day or two in some interesting places on the way back. We aren't in much of a rush as long as we get back by next weekend. Where should we stop?

A little about us:
College aged, but under 21
We are minding our budget
We're both men
We are fairly intellectual and like towns that are walkable/near colleges
We are not clubbers

Suggestions for good/cheap hotels are also appreciated. Thanks!

posted by jne1813 to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

My impulse is to say either Savannah, GA or Charleston, SC. Savannah has a wonderfully mysterious feel to it - with its natural beauty - the hanging trees arching above the old streets / squares. It's a lovely place.

Charleston is rich - very, very rich. It would certainly have some places to keep you occupied overnight. And - of course, there's a ton of history - by American standards - associated with the place.
posted by icosahedral at 1:09 AM on June 24, 2007

The UFO Welcome Center is close to I-95. Stephen Colbert paid a visit there for The Daily Show several years ago. It will probably be a lot more memorable than your typical polished tourist trap.
posted by rolypolyman at 1:09 AM on June 24, 2007

South of the Border
posted by greta simone at 2:21 AM on June 24, 2007

What route are you taking?
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 2:23 AM on June 24, 2007

My thought was also to say Savannah.
posted by oaf at 3:38 AM on June 24, 2007

If you want to veer a bit westward, you could hit Athens - cool little college town, home of the Georgia Bulldogs. Make sure you visit the old hardware store with cool creaky floors. Hit the 40 Watt maybe. Then take I 85 back up to Raleigh via Charlotte.
posted by yoga at 5:35 AM on June 24, 2007

Savannah is still over run with people taking The Book tour. Overall, I felt it was a better movie than a book.

I'll recommend, instead, getting off I-95 at Jacksonville, and onto A1A North (just exit to route 90 East, which will become Atlantic Boulevard, and keep heading east, following signs for Mayport. Take the car ferry over the St. Johns River for $3.50), to the Talbot Island State Parks, those being Little Talbot Island State Park and Big Talbot Island State Park. Rent a kayak and paddle about in salt water. Enjoy the beaches, where the sand is like sugar. Sleep out under the stars, cheaply, with only a little bug repellent for a blanket, in the park campgrounds. Maybe do a little fishing (be sure to get a visitor's license) from the fishing bridge. Continue north on A1A from there, and you'll get to Amelia Island, and the old resort town of Fernandina Beach. You can jump right back on I-95 about 17 miles west of Amelia Island very easily, just by following the signs to I-95.
posted by paulsc at 6:48 AM on June 24, 2007

A bit out of the way, but it would make a nice detour: Biltmore Estate. The house and grounds are just amazing.
posted by longdaysjourney at 7:13 AM on June 24, 2007

Sea World!
posted by Martin E. at 8:35 AM on June 24, 2007

Weary travelers have been stopping at God's Acre for over 200 years. It's all but guaranteed you'll meet some interesting people and it'll get you off the interstate. Head over to Blackville after and eat at the Mennonite restaurant on main street.

I'm slightly biased, but Columbia, SC is a great downtown to spend an afternoon in. The state house grounds, the university horseshoe, and five points are great places to slow down and take in some sights Or stroll the riverwalk if you need to stretch your legs and feel a cool breeze.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 7:39 AM on June 25, 2007 [1 favorite]