We are driving 2 kids to college from NE: one to Atlanta and the next weekend to Memphis. Since we do not plan to go back and forth to NE, we need to find a base between Atlanta and Memphis to work remotely and relax. Any ideas?
Small lake, cute town etc.
If you are ok taking an extra hour
-
Franklin Tn - lots of history, nature nearby, cute downtown. Radnor Lake is a nice hike not far.
-
Chattanooga Tn - touristy city with lots going on
Those two are what Iād choose from.
-
Another is Florence AL - the Marriott Shoals
-
The fastest way - the Birmingham area - you can stop in Tupelo on the way and visit Elvis birthplace.
But Iād go for #1 or 2 or #1 and 2 if you have enough time.
3 Likes
Iāve heard that Florence/Muscle Shoals are nice (theyāre about 10m from each other).
If youāre looking for lake life, then Iād take a look at Guntersville.
Another option would be Fort Payne, which has a charming small town with waterfalls nearby.
2 Likes
Although a bit out of the way based on your destinations, consider Florida Panhandle beaches (Destin, Pensacola Beach, etc.) or the Alabama beaches to acquaint yourselves with your kidsā likely travel destinations during breaks.
Then visit the home of Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) in Oxford, Mississippi when heading up to Memphis as your Memphis student is likely to visit this location.
1 Like
Iāll second the Chattanooga area. Muscle Shoals isnāt a bad idea either. A little out of the way but not much would be Gatlinburg/Smokies.
Florida panhandle is great. Destin is a go to spot. That said, itās about a 5 hour drive from Atlanta and kind of out of the way.
You could just do Memphis. Graceland, Beale Street, bbq.
Oldest graduated from GT and youngest is at FSU so weāre familiar with that drive.
2 Likes
Iād recommend Chattanooga in a heartbeat. We loved checking out Rock City, the funicular train and there is an interesting Civil War area as well.
Lots to do, good restaurants, reasonably priced hotels.
1 Like
We did some digging and DD suggested to go to Huntsville.
She found:
Van Gogh Experience
Glass and Silver Exhibits in Museum of art
Botanical Garden
Full day at US Space and Rocket Center (on Friday)
And some ourdoor market Saturday morning and then 3.5 hour drive to Memphis.
That probably can easily keep us occupied Tu-Sa.
What do you think?
We learned that all lakes on the way to Memphis would have alligators and she refuses to hike in August weatherā¦ After European trips it is hard to find ānonboringā places for her outside of major cities.
4 Likes
Space museum is super cool.
Really depends on what OP wants. Cute towns or museums etc. thereās really a lot of options.
They noted working too. So 3-4 days can go many waysā¦as there might not be a ton of spare time.
They can hang out in Nashville too. I suggested Franklin - Nashville just 20 mins North.
If there are a few days to do nothing (not work), Iād recommend
Anybody familiar with Huntsville?
Are all areas safe to stay?
Given interests above what is the best safe area to stay (we are looking either for AirBNb or mid range hotel)
Very safe. It can get pricey. Depends on your week.
Itās a āsuburbanā big city.
Unfortunately not working possible max at 1 day.
2 young adults will not be working and can go on their own, but 2 adults need to work untill 4pm
So two beds ? Whatās the budget ? Athens and Decatur are close if the savings is worth it.
For example I just randomly picked Aug 16-19.
Marriotts range from $150-300. Didnāt use Aaa or anything. Do you have ?
But thereās a Four Points Sheraton for less near the airport or a Fairfield a bit less in Athens.
Donāt know your price range or brand preference or dates.
Iām not an Air B N B fan so canāt help there. They all seem to come priced well with onerous fees.
Huntsville to me is clean and safe. Decatur can get a little grittier but still fine. Athens is mainly a highway exit type hotel. Huntsville is 8 or 10 miles East of the Interstate.
Thanks! We are actually big AirBnB fans (including international travel.)
It works much better for us recently since gives us space and kitchen (no need to eat out 3 times a day). People just need to look at ratings and extra fees. It actually saved us money.
I also make sure choose a place that prohibit animals due to allergies.
2 Likes
If you havenāt already (though IIRC you may have), spend a day or 2 in Atlanta. SO much to see and do. You can also go to Lake Lanier (more built up), Lake Allatoona (more rustic) and go see lookout mountain/rock city. Really cool
I live in Franklin TN and have to say it is a very charming town, attracts lots of visitors. Lots of historic sites and tours and a downtown to die for.
2 Likes
Yes you should definitely see Rock City. Thank me later
3 Likes
We visited Huntsville about a year and a half ago and enjoyed our time there. I would have suggested it except that you mentioned small towns and being by a lake. 
I canāt speak knowledgeably to the different areas of town, but we felt perfectly safe while there. I hope you enjoy!
2 Likes
We lived in Atlanta beforeā¦
So not much appeal to us.
Dd unfortunately said no to all small places that were suggested 
. But she is very excited about Huntsville.
2 Likes
Not sure how long ago you lived here, but the civil rights museum is wonderful. I assume youāve seen the aquarium, world of coke, and all that