Best one-tank vacation destination
A view of the harbor in Charleston, which was your pick for best one-tank vacation destination. Though the one-tank designation might be considered a stretch by some, it’s still a great getaway that won’t break the bank if you get decent gas mileage. Photo courtesy Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau
1. Charleston
You say, “Charleston is only a few hours away from Atlanta, and the beaches are never really crowded when I go, surprisingly.”
2. Savannah
3. Chattanooga
4. Blue Ridge
5. Callaway Gardens/Pine Mountain
6. Helen
A waterfall near Lake Seed in Rabun County. The natural beauty of the area is one of many reasons to visit the northeast corner of our state. Staff photo.
1. Rabun County
We say, “The unspoiled northeastern corner of Georgia is one of the state’s most gorgeous spots. The serene, picture-postcard beauty of Lake Burton, Lake Seed and Lake Rabun tops the list of reasons to visit this county at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Check out our recent story on the area, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of “Deliverance,” which was filmed nearby, and the inaugural Chattooga River Festival, which took place in June.
2. Highlands, N.C.
3. Callaway Gardens/Pine Mountain
4. Savannah
5. Chattanooga
For more, see our list of one-tank destinations and day trips.
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49 comments Add your comment
Nathan
August 20th, 2012
2:18 pm
Callaway Gardens + scenic Pine Mountain (i.e. FDR State Park).
Judy Thomas
August 20th, 2012
4:29 pm
For you history buffs, come down to Columbus (90 minutes from Atlanta) and visit the Civil War Naval Museum and the National Infantry Center and Soldier Center. Both feature exhibits that tell the stories of our military history. Both are located in South Columbus and admission is free.
JA
August 20th, 2012
4:29 pm
Key West – but we have a diesel Passat and it WILL go that far on one tank, but we’d be pushing it close.
Bhorsoft
August 20th, 2012
5:08 pm
Following the route of “The Great Locomotive Chase”. Start in Marietta at their history museum, go on to Kennesaw and see “The General” at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, proceed to Kingston and look around where the depot used to be, on up to Tunnel Hill and check out the tunnel and end in Ringgold where the chase finally ended. For extra credit, head to Chattanooga to the National Cemetery and visit the grave sites of some of Andrews’ Raiders.
D. Graham
August 20th, 2012
7:05 pm
Blairsville, Helen or Blue Ridge, Ga. The foliage is awesome during the fall when the leaves have turned brown. Take the train ride from Blue Ridge to Tennessee and sit back and enjoy the scenic route through the mountains. Some cars a half tank will make the trip. Oh, and buy some apples during the apple harvest season.
snb
August 20th, 2012
9:12 pm
Chattanooga
MikeH
August 20th, 2012
9:16 pm
Highlands, NC….you have lovely country charm, water falls, hiking and walking trails, awesome picnic spots. There are some lovely Inns and great restaurants. There are also historic areas a short drive from your base of operations. We try to get up to Highlands once a year at the least. We love it there.
GaPeachy
August 21st, 2012
9:34 am
Charleston is only a few hours away from Atlanta, and the beaches are never really crowded when I go suprisingly. Savannah is also a great quick vacation, such history and culture, and some great food!
Mary B
August 21st, 2012
10:20 am
Blue Ridge in the Fall
GaMis
August 21st, 2012
10:49 am
Savannah/Tybee Island in the summer and Asheville in the fall. Both are unique with lots of history and great local food.
SAWB
August 21st, 2012
3:20 pm
We love to go down to Hilton Head Island as often as possible. HHI is the right mix of natural beauty while still having plenty to do for everyone. It is very easy to find a secluded spot on the beach or a top notch restaurant for a wonderful dinner.
KJG
August 21st, 2012
3:37 pm
Asheville or Savannah
Deacon C
August 21st, 2012
4:05 pm
Chattanooga
Chip
August 21st, 2012
10:37 pm
Charleston.
Jimmy
August 22nd, 2012
12:34 am
The mountains — Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina. All of them beat the beach.
bobsyouruncle
August 22nd, 2012
8:58 am
Beautiful Rabun County in north-east Georgia.
Foodie-B
August 22nd, 2012
1:53 pm
I believe its one-tank…there and back on one-tank. Not one-tank there and one-tank back, that would be two-tanks.
cotton-eyed Joe
August 22nd, 2012
2:29 pm
Take a trip to slide down Sliding Rock in North Carolina. I think it still costs a dollar to slide all day on the rock in the nice cold water. Can sight-see on the way there and back.
KDF
August 22nd, 2012
2:33 pm
Exactly what GaMis said! Those are my kids’ two favorite spots for short trips!
Wesley in Rex
August 22nd, 2012
2:33 pm
My family and I love going to Charlotte, NC…3 hrs up I-85…lots to do…great diversity of people and food and lots to see and do for the kids…great weekend getaway…
kss
August 22nd, 2012
2:39 pm
Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA
Briley Parkway
August 22nd, 2012
2:44 pm
St Simons
Yummy!!!
August 22nd, 2012
2:46 pm
Hell, I can barely make it to work and back on one tank nowadays…. What are they putting in the fuel? It sounds like most gas stations have them watered down… More money, less gas!!!!!!!
mcdaviddawg
August 22nd, 2012
2:53 pm
Charleston!
JB
August 22nd, 2012
3:08 pm
Cherokee/Harrah’s….If you haven’t been, you will be shocked. New Spa open,booze, live shows now, Live cards/craps/black jack,dealers now. New Ruth Chris steak house. The place doesn’t even the resemble the look of 4-5 years ago. The new 650 million makeover is done. Two new hotel towers. I swear, it looks like Vegas now.
Jeff H
August 22nd, 2012
3:12 pm
Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain
JB
August 22nd, 2012
3:13 pm
And they tell me ( my casino host) that half their business is from Georgia. I’m sure Georgia doesn’t need the 300 million going into the budget North Carolina is getting…..FROM US !!!!!!!!!1
JB
August 22nd, 2012
3:17 pm
Go white water the Ocoee river….. 30 minutes from Blue Ridge. Lot’s of fun and good eats up there. A fun day
Johnny Walker
August 22nd, 2012
3:19 pm
Just sit at home and get tanked.
Diane
August 22nd, 2012
3:23 pm
Duh – Hilton Head of course!
CCA
August 22nd, 2012
3:27 pm
Helen, GA, Golf at Innsbruck, Hiawassee, GA, and Brasstown Valley Resort, play golf and dine in the
lodge. The Sunday Brunch is a great treat after church. The leaves will be beautiful this fall and Lake Chatuge is great. Rent a pontoon boat and cruise the lake, Pull up to the boat house restaurant at the
marina and have a great blackened fish sandwich.
CPA in Tallahassee
August 22nd, 2012
3:28 pm
I agree, Callaway Gardens has always been a great vacation spot. Especially in the summer time. The new lodge and spa along with the golf, ropes course, fishing, bike trails, water skiing and tennis are all well worth the trip. I grew up going each year as a kid for the “Summer Family Adventure” and now take my 6 and 4 year old every year.
PTC DAWG
August 22nd, 2012
3:31 pm
Savannah, stay in the Historic District, just not at the HYATT…it’s an abomination.
sailawayaussies
August 22nd, 2012
3:33 pm
Upper Hooch between Cleveland and Duncan Bridge. Still virtually undisturbed. Nature abounds. Stay and See Georgia – First!
Post-It
August 22nd, 2012
3:41 pm
Anywhere but Helen! Unless you like crystal figurines and rednecks in lederhosen.
On to you
August 22nd, 2012
3:51 pm
@CPA. Long commute from Tallahassee to Callaway every day.
timthebrave
August 22nd, 2012
3:52 pm
Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, gulf coast(If you mean a tank there and tank back), ocoee white water rafting, smoky mountains and helen all get a vote from me
vince
August 22nd, 2012
3:56 pm
Savannah
JB
August 22nd, 2012
4:06 pm
Helen=Branson with nothing there
Tybee Girl
August 22nd, 2012
4:13 pm
Tybee Island of course!!!!!!!!
Mike
August 22nd, 2012
4:22 pm
Charleston, SC. Savannah is a distant second.
BeenThereDoneThat
August 22nd, 2012
4:23 pm
Dearing, Ga just east of Atlanta about 2 hrs and 15 minutes…great BBQ at Neal’s BBQ.
None
August 22nd, 2012
4:33 pm
@cotton-eyed Joe – Cool idea. Just googled it.
KW
August 22nd, 2012
4:43 pm
The Bahamas
(On a Gulf Stream Jet)
The Reverend Baby Doctor Bedpan
August 22nd, 2012
4:46 pm
Cloudland Canyon state park
Browncoat
August 22nd, 2012
4:47 pm
Charleston is great, but not one tank for a roundtrip. Chattanooga has a lot to offer. Scenery, attractions, good food and drink and nice places to stay.
Jake
August 22nd, 2012
4:49 pm
St. Simons Island.
Browncoat
August 22nd, 2012
4:50 pm
FYI from Atlanta, Savannah is 500 miles roundtrip and Charleston is at least 600 miles roundtrip
John
August 25th, 2012
5:10 am
Lake Rabun hotel. Great restaurant.