Got the vacation blues? Don't let soaring gasoline prices keep you trapped indoors. Many Augusta-area residents are looking for close and convenient vacation spots. We have some suggestions for destinations within a one-tank drive:
Atlanta is growing fast, but it's in no short supply of history.
In many ways, driving in the Georgia mountains is a lot like taking a highway into the past. It's a region where the daily grind involves still-operating gristmills, and the phrase "traffic is a bear" can be taken literally. Here are a few of the high points:
Georgia's beaches offer a diverse experience for weekend travelers. Spend the entire weekend at one of these costal cities or islands, or tackle a few at once, all on one tank of gas.
Carolina beaches provide family fun with a "down-home" feeling.
If you're wanting to get away from the crowds, this is for you. Here's a driving tour with easily accessible activities for weekend warriors who want to experience nature in relative comfort. You can complete it on one tank of gas in one day or stretch it out over a weekend.
Offset high gas prices by choosing alternative accommodations. There are many great state park camping locations in Georgia and South Carolina that are low in cost and high in activities. Check out the online sites for a park near home that you'd like to visit. For Georgia state parks, visit gastateparks.org, and for South Carolina, visit southcarolinaparks.com.
MILEAGE AND COST ANALYSIS FROM AUGUSTA
| DESTINATION MILES* COST* | |||
| Blue Ridge, Ga. | 217 | $33.41 | |
| Myrtle Beach, S.C. | 208 | $32.03 | |
| St. Simons Island, Ga. | 190 | $29.26 | |
| Asheville, N.C. | 171 | $26.33 | |
| Helen, Ga. | 167 | $25.71 | |
| Hendersonville, N.C. | 149 | $22.94 | |
| Atlanta | 146 | $22.48 | |
| Hilton Head Island, S.C. | 141 | $21.71 | |
| Charleston, S.C. | 137 | $21.09 | |
| Clarkesville, Ga. | 137 | $21.09 | |
| Edisto Island, S.C. | 131 | $20.17 | |
| Rock Hill, S.C. | 128 | $19.71 | |
| Savannah, Ga. | 122 | $18.78 | |
| Easley, S.C. | 115 | $17.71 | |
| Beaufort, S.C. | 113 | $17.40 | |
| Greenville, S.C. | 111 | $17.09 |
Sources: AAA, Rand McNally
*Costs are based on Wednesday's Georgia and South Carolina average per gallon of regular gasoline at $3.85. Performance is also based on a midsize car averaging 25 miles per gallon. Prices and mileage are each way.
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