East Coast Road Trip

Hi there

I am looking to go on a last minute trip for 2 weeks at the beginning of October. I am looking at flying in to either Boston or New York and out from either Atlanta or Miami, depending on what the best value flights are I can find.

Along the way I was thinking of going to places like Cape Cod, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Great Smoky Mountains, Charleston, Savannah, and if flying out of Miami then maybe Fort Lauderdale and Florida Keys. However I don't really know much about any of these places (other than Philly and DC where I've been before).

Does anyone have any tips on things to do in these areas, places of interest, great walks, drives, activities, etc? Within the Smoky Mountains where are the best places to stay? What's the weather likely to be like? Have I missed any obvious places to go while in that part of the world?

I know it's only a 2 week trip but I like to pack plenty in!

Thanks

Mark

If I was flying into Boston and had a car I'd certainly devote some time to New Hampshire or Vermont as it is gorgeous! A different flavor than the Smokies, and you'll be there in peak foliage season which is not to be missed.

But then, to be honest, even if you've been to Philly and DC before you could very happily spend two weeks going from Boston to DC. I've noticed you didn't list NYC, which would certainly take up a few days of that time...

The South I don't know as well, but everyone says Charleston in particular is lovely. Some other ideas would be the Outer Banks in NC or Hilton Head, SC if you're interested in the ocean (tho getting cold by that point in time). For the Smokies, if you're not camping most people head to Gatlinburg (sp?), TN, which is sort of the big tourist hub of the national park.

FYI, realize driving from Atlanta to Miami straight would be a ~10 hour drive, and further yet for the Keys! This country is big! By this point Fort Lauderdale isn't interesting at all, just an extension of the Miami sprawl, but Orlando with the big theme parks can be fun. And if you're driving down the Atlantic side it would be a crime to pass by Cape Canaveral and not take a look!

I love Chattanooga, Tennessee if you want to experience a friendly city in a pretty setting that easy for tourists. It's worth a stop on the way to Atlanta from the Smokies.

DC is definitely worth 2-3 days. Pick a hotel in Arlington or Alexandria that is near the Metro. You will save a lot in parking and hassle (you don't want to try to park in downtown DC).

Key West is neat, but don't expect beaches like Miami's. It can be a relaxing time, but it's not as unique as it once was. Honestly, Charleston & Savannah might quench your thirst for historic cities, unless you really want to say you visited the Southernmost city in the continental U.S.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice.

I've done plenty of driving across the States before so I'm aware of the vast distances to cover. I think I'm going to give Miami a miss because of that.

Slight change from my original post is I'm going to fly into and out of DC since relocation charges on car hire were looking extortionate. So I won't need to worry about parking in DC as I'll only pick up a car as I'm leaving, but it also means I'm looking at more of a loop headed South, and perhaps going as far in as Nashville, so any tips for places to see, eat, sleep there would be good.

Asheville is currently looking a good place in the Smokies so again if anyone has any places to stay or go out there to recommend that would be good. Or if you think I should stay in a different place if you're not an Asheville fan!

Cheers

Ashville is a cute little town for a day or two- compact downtown with good eats, though we just randomly picked a box motel on the side of the road when I was there. Be sure to check out the Biltmore which is the biggest house in America built by Vanderbilt a century ago- even if you don't go in for the tour the grounds are impressive as are the views of the house!