Sounds like a smart plan. Spring is also very nice up that way but the pollen can be brutal. If you ever decide to visit, I wouldn't advise staying in the Smoky Mountains, unless you're camping. It's very pretty up there, but think of Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area as targeting the Daytona Beach crowd. Lots of crappy tourist trap stuff for kids, country music, Econolodge and pancake restaurants. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is VERY touristy. Blue Ridge and Dahlonega are more for locals and adults. There's a lot more of an Atlanta influence in the restaurants, bars, B&Bs, quaint shops and stuff like that. Just depends on your preferences.
Okay, good to know. When people reference visiting the "Smoky Mountains", they're usually talking about Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge or Cherokee.
In areas like Helen, GA without a doubt. I also gave up trying to get up to the areas that harvest apples during Oct & Nov. The hiking however and numerous waterfalls that can be seen is outstanding. I came back to Florida once I retired as it is where I was born and raised, I do however find myself missing the Blue Ridge area from time to time and have considered moving back. Your're right about Georgia folks thinking the panhandle is where its at, as most I knew always vacationed there.......grew up in Bradenton and always preferred the beaches and Gulf there however. Got married, had my kids baptized on Anna Maria Island.
It's funny having lived in Atlanta for so long that everybody there goes to either Panama City or Hilton Head, that's it! But it's because those are the 2 closest beaches to Atlanta. It's like the people there don't even realize there are other and far better beaches in Florida. But when I was a kid growing up in Florida, I never realized there were beaches on the panhandle either, so ...
a When we lived in Gainesville, GA we did lots of day trips to Blue Ridge, Dahlonega and Highlands, NC. Liked Highlands the best. We also did week long trips to Highlands 2 or 3 times.
Bama ain’t bad if you get down on the coast. Fairhope and Daphne across the bay from Mobile are pretty nice
Fairhope would be OK if there were no gump fans or dumb rednecks there. It IS probably the best place in Alabama outside of the RTJ golf courses.
We have a cabin in Bryson City, North Carolina -- just on southern end of the Smokies Natl park -- so much better than gatlinburg insanity. Great little mountain town with awesome fly fishing, hiking, nantahalla rafting, and a 4 stop light town center. Check it out sometime. Sylva is nice too and a little bigger, maybe too big for some but not touristy
