I previously posted about taking a trip to Hiawassee, GA. However, I became aware of the severe drought and fire conditions and don’t believe we will be able to go to this area next month. At this time I am looking for another place to venture to for the month of December. We are located in central Florida and would prefer a place within 9 hours travel time. We are looking for cooler or cold weather. I would like a spot with natural things to look at such as waterfalls and hill trails, but also have things to do nearby. It would also be nice for the wife if the location or nearby held some sort of Christmas light event. I have come across Stone Mountain, but not sure if I want to pay the prices and have no interest in Atlanta. I am also open to anything in South Carolina which would also meet the requirements.Looking for:Price less than $40.00 a nightAccess for a 27’ trailer (Pilgrim 237RKS)S, E, W hookups Colder weather with no burn bansArea with natural beauty (waterfalls, hills/mountains,)Near an interesting town or tourist area with enough to keep you busy for four nights.

I would not rule out the GA mountains... before Christmas the rains will have started, even snow. Currently the fires are mostly in NC and the two in GA are 40 miles to the east of Hiawassee and 75 miles to the west.Lake Lanier Islands 50 miles north of Atlanta has one of the best light shows.

There is a good chance of rain and fires going away in the next 2 weeks. In your shoes I would make a plan A for your original destination, and a plan B for another location. Here is some info on the South Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge.SC parks

Pine Mountain area is pretty nice. FDR State Park I've heard is a VERY nice state park. Pine Mountain RV resort is okay as well. If you get a spot in Pine Mountain area, they do have a really nice Christmas light event at Calloway Gardens.Tallulah Gorge area is also very nice. Weather could be iffy up there. I stayed at River Falls at the Gorge in Oct. It was decent but the spots are pretty small, and it was kinda pricy. There are lots of falls you can visit, hiking etc in the area. Not sure about Christmas light events. That is up in the mountains and about 35 miles or so from Hiawassee.If you are from central Florida, I don't think either of these choices are within 9 hours of your location. I just got back from Sarasota Florida (I live in Warner Robins GA), and it's 8 hours from there to home towing. Pine Mountain is about an hour or so from me... SO, MAYBE that's 9 hours. But certainly Hiawassee (and Tallulah Gorge) are not.Mike

Hopefully by December there will be some rain, supposedly there will be a flip in the weather systems that will put us in a wet pattern in the next week or so.Either way, GA and AL are total burn bans, and I'm guessing the Carolinas are also. Until we get some rain. I think by mid December you will be safe to plan a trip, but I'd plan on being flexible if you can We spent last weekend at Vogel SP in N GA, and it was beautiful, the fires were east and west of us, and the wind was out of the north, so we had no smoke.

According to the extended forecasts, there is no significant precip forecast through December for N GA. The Carolinas are also suffering.One option would be closer to Florida but not as warm as FL.Savannah has outstanding Christmas events and you can also enjoy nature if you stay at Skidaway Island State Park which is close to Savannah. They have full hookups as well; it's one of our fave parks. http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIslandSkidaway also has a Luminary Night http://www.gastateparks.org/info/210968?c=13024086Bonus: you have less time driving and more time vacationing.Herself enjoys the romantic ambiance of Christmas in Savannah. :w Here are some Savannah Christmas eventsChristmas on the RiverBoat Parade of LightsCoastal Georgia Botanical Gardens also dress up for the holidays.Dozens of other Christmas activities. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is beautiful at Christmas too.If your emphasis is on colder temps and nature rather than activities, you'll have to travel as far as Chattanooga, TN to get away from smoke and fires.

Suggestions for Georgia trip for December | Good Sam Community

Ivylog
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2016
I would not rule out the GA mountains... before Christmas the rains will have started, even snow. Currently the fires are mostly in NC and the two in GA are 40 miles to the east of Hiawassee and 75 miles to the west.
Lake Lanier Islands 50 miles north of Atlanta has one of the best light shows.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2016
There is a good chance of rain and fires going away in the next 2 weeks. In your shoes I would make a plan A for your original destination, and a plan B for another location.

Here is some info on the South Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge.

SC parks
Walaby
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2016
Pine Mountain area is pretty nice. FDR State Park I've heard is a VERY nice state park. Pine Mountain RV resort is okay as well. If you get a spot in Pine Mountain area, they do have a really nice Christmas light event at Calloway Gardens.

Tallulah Gorge area is also very nice. Weather could be iffy up there. I stayed at River Falls at the Gorge in Oct. It was decent but the spots are pretty small, and it was kinda pricy. There are lots of falls you can visit, hiking etc in the area. Not sure about Christmas light events. That is up in the mountains and about 35 miles or so from Hiawassee.

If you are from central Florida, I don't think either of these choices are within 9 hours of your location. I just got back from Sarasota Florida (I live in Warner Robins GA), and it's 8 hours from there to home towing. Pine Mountain is about an hour or so from me... SO, MAYBE that's 9 hours. But certainly Hiawassee (and Tallulah Gorge) are not.

Mike
wowens79
Explorer III
Nov 15, 2016
Hopefully by December there will be some rain, supposedly there will be a flip in the weather systems that will put us in a wet pattern in the next week or so.

Either way, GA and AL are total burn bans, and I'm guessing the Carolinas are also. Until we get some rain.

I think by mid December you will be safe to plan a trip, but I'd plan on being flexible if you can We spent last weekend at Vogel SP in N GA, and it was beautiful, the fires were east and west of us, and the wind was out of the north, so we had no smoke.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2016
According to the extended forecasts, there is no significant precip forecast through December for N GA. The Carolinas are also suffering.

One option would be closer to Florida but not as warm as FL.
Savannah has outstanding Christmas events and you can also enjoy nature if you stay at Skidaway Island State Park which is close to Savannah. They have full hookups as well; it's one of our fave parks. http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland
Skidaway also has a Luminary Night http://www.gastateparks.org/info/210968?c=13024086

Bonus: you have less time driving and more time vacationing.
Herself enjoys the romantic ambiance of Christmas in Savannah. :w Here are some Savannah Christmas events
Christmas on the River
Boat Parade of Lights
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens also dress up for the holidays.
Dozens of other Christmas activities. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is beautiful at Christmas too.

If your emphasis is on colder temps and nature rather than activities, you'll have to travel as far as Chattanooga, TN to get away from smoke and fires.
Dick_B
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
Do a Google search for `______ tourism' and put the State, City, or area in the blank space to read what the specialists recommend for their location.
1968mooney
Explorer
Nov 15, 2016
magnusfide wrote:
According to the extended forecasts, there is no significant precip forecast through December for N GA. The Carolinas are also suffering.

One option would be closer to Florida but not as warm as FL.
Savannah has outstanding Christmas events and you can also enjoy nature if you stay at Skidaway Island State Park which is close to Savannah. They have full hookups as well; it's one of our fave parks. http://www.gastateparks.org/SkidawayIsland
Skidaway also has a Luminary Night http://www.gastateparks.org/info/210968?c=13024086

Bonus: you have less time driving and more time vacationing.
Herself enjoys the romantic ambiance of Christmas in Savannah. :w Here are some Savannah Christmas events
Christmas on the River
Boat Parade of Lights
Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens also dress up for the holidays.
Dozens of other Christmas activities. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is beautiful at Christmas too.

If your emphasis is on colder temps and nature rather than activities, you'll have to travel as far as Chattanooga, TN to get away from smoke and fires.

Have to go further than Chattanooga. http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/nov/15/area-wildfires-containment-increases-flipper-bend-fire-95-percent-contained/397856/
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2016
Pine Mountain, Ga, near Columbus, GA. Either the State Park mentioned above or Pine Mountain Campground. Callaway Gardens has a beautiful Christmas display and PM c/g has a package deal.

Also, I like to go to Kingsland, GA on I-95 at exit 3, I think. ST. Mary's is quaint place to visit and nearby. What they do for Christmad, I am not sure.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
magnusfide wrote:

If your emphasis is on colder temps and nature rather than activities, you'll have to travel as far as Chattanooga, TN to get away from smoke and fires.

Multiple fires in the Chattanooga area, and no relief in sight. It's very smokey there right now.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Nov 16, 2016
coolmom42 wrote:
magnusfide wrote:

If your emphasis is on colder temps and nature rather than activities, you'll have to travel as far as Chattanooga, TN to get away from smoke and fires.

Multiple fires in the Chattanooga area, and no relief in sight. It's very smokey there right now.

Sorry to hear that. Thought Chatty had escaped the conflagration. Looks like Savannah and Skidaway Island State Park may be the best bet.