Southeastern roundup: 3 road trips

Whether you’re into golfing, art or taking a riverboat cruise, the Southeast boasts road trip adventures no matter which direction you drive.

From the tranquil mountains in Blue Ridge country to the sandy beaches in the Sunshine State and everything in between, an exciting getaway is only a road trip away.

100 miles: Hiawassee

Hiawassee may only be 100 miles north of Atlanta, but the fast-paced city life seems a lifetime away. Hiawassee, tucked in the North Georgia mountains, gives visitors what they need for a quick getaway, from serene mountain sights to outdoor adventures.

Don't miss

Brasstown Bald

Climb to the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, and catch a glimpse of the beautiful sights of the Chattahoochee National Forest below. If you're lucky and it happens to be a clear day, you may see the Atlanta skyline in the far-off distance. Although Brasstown Bald is 4,784 feet above sea level, it isn't too difficult getting to this point. It's a short half-mile hike to the location. If being transported is more up your alley, shuttle bus service is available for $3 round trip. 706-896-2556, www.fs.usda.gov/conf.

Golf

Tee up at one of the area's golf courses. Hiawassee's Towns County and nearby Clay County in North Carolina welcome visitors from all over the Southeast to participate in the challenging courses. The Ridges, the Chatuge Shores Golf Course and Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa Golf Course are just three courses that are way above par. For more information about courses in the Hiawassee area, visit www.mountaintopga.com/golf.

Outdoor adventures

With the Appalachian Trail running through a section of the Hiawassee area, there is a multitude of hiking trails to trek. Lace up and tackle trails in the Chatuge State Park, just minutes from Hiawassee, float the Hiawassee River, or go horseback riding in the wooded areas of the mountain land. For details, visit www.mountaintopga.com.

Getting there

It takes about two hours to drive from Atlanta to Hiawassee. From Atlanta, take U.S. 19 North for about 50 miles and then Ga. 17 North.

Where to stay

Boundary Waters Resort and Marina. Located on Lake Chatuge, the resort offers pontoon rides, fishing and swimming. $70-$150. 528 Sunnyside Road. 706-896-2530, www.boundarywatersresort.com.

Where to eat

Bear Meadows Grill. This newly established family-owned eatery serves all-American food, from burgers to steaks to hot dogs to sandwiches. $5.75-$15.95. 715 N. Main St. 706-896-0520.

Visitor info

Towns County Chamber of Commerce. 1-800-984-1543, www.mountaintopga.com.

200 miles: Knoxville

Knoxville, the third-largest city in the Volunteer State, is much more than a college town. With the Tennessee River meandering through the city and the Smoky Mountains just outside of the area, Knoxville offers a variety of things to do, including exploring the city, sightseeing, touring museums and strolling through shops and boutiques.

What to do

Star of Knoxville Riverboat Cruise

Relax, dine or catch a glimpse of the scenic view of the Tennessee River by taking a riverboat cruise on the Star of Knoxville. Lunch and dinner cruises are offered as well as the ever-popular sightseeing cruises. See the city from the boat, view antebellum homes on the river, and learn from a guide the history of Knoxville. Entertainment is offered on the cruise, including jazz and folk music performances. $16.75-$39.75. 300 Neyland Drive. 865-525-7827, www.tnriverboat.com.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Located in downtown Knoxville, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is home to more than 115 women basketball inductees as well as a wide array of artifacts dating back to the late 1800s. The Hall of Fame is family-friendly, interactive and hands-on, with a basketball court for children and adults to shoot hoops. The world's largest 10-ton basketball sits atop the Hall of Fame. $7.95 for adults and $5.95 for youths and seniors. 700 Hall of Fame Drive. 865-633-9000, www.wbhof.com.

Market Square District

Thousands of Knoxville natives and tourists peruse the Market Square District in the middle of the city. Eclectic shops and eateries are among the well-known destinations in the district. Festivals are held in this district, and every Thursday night from May until August, the city hosts Sundown in the City events, a series of music concerts. Gallery walks are hosted on the first Friday of each month. For more information, or to view a map of the district, visit www.knoxvillemarketsquare.com.

Getting there

Knoxville is about 200 miles north of Atlanta. From Atlanta, take I-75 North.

Where to eat

The Tomato Head. Homemade pizzas, salads, sandwiches and vegetarian dishes are among the popular items served. $8.95-$20. 12 Market Square. 865-637-4067, www.thetomatohead.com.

Where to stay

Berry Springs Lodge Bed and Breakfast. Located about 30 minutes from Knoxville, the lodge was rated Tennessee's best bed and breakfast by TripAdvisor in 2008. This inn is close to hiking trails, fishing ponds and magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains. $149-$229. 2149 Seaton Springs Road, Sevierville, Tenn. 865-908-7935, www.berrysprings.com.

Visitor info

Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation. 1-800-727-8045, www.knoxville.org.

300 miles: Jacksonville

From sandy beaches to art museums to a first-class zoo, the Sunshine State's largest city offers a variety of activities suited for visitors of all ages. It's a 300-mile drive south of Atlanta.

What to do

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

More than 1,400 animals ranging from giraffes to jaguars to giant elephants inhabit the family-friendly zoo. And this city's attraction is home to the only walking safari in North Florida. Train rides, interactive activities for children and educational programs are offered throughout the year. Visitors can explore a wide array of plant life as well. $13 adults, $11 seniors, $8 children. 370 Zoo Parkway. 904-757-4463, www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

Located on the St. Johns River, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is an art-lovers dream. With a multitude of sculptures, paintings, pottery and porcelain figures, the museum has a permanent collection of about 5,500 works of art. The museum welcomes guests to tour the two-acre historic garden, full of old oak trees along with fountains, arbors and plants and flowers galore. $10 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and military, and free for children 5 and under. 829 Riverside Ave. 904-356-6857, www.cummer.org.

Beaches

If kicking back and catching some rays are on your road trip agenda, then visiting the beaches of Jacksonville should take top priority. Jacksonville's 21 miles of sandy beaches are more serene than crowded, and visitors can stroll along the nearby boardwalk or fish from the area pier. Free. 11 N. Third St., Jacksonville Beach. 904-270-1658, www.visitjacksonville.com.

Getting there

Atlanta is about a five-and-a-half hour drive to Jacksonville. From Atlanta, take I-75 South, then I-10 East.

Where to eat

Angie's Subs. Just minutes from the beach, this casual-style deli offers a wide array of sandwiches, soups and salads. Among the popular menu items are the Peruvian, the Jack Del Rio Grande and the Dirty Gringo. $2.95-$6.75. 1436 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. 904-246-2519.

Where to stay

The Palms Retro. This hotel evokes the style and feel of the '50s with themed rooms featuring Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and James Dean. Guests are in walking distance to the nearby beach, restaurants and shops. $109-$139. 28 Sherry Drive, Atlantic Beach. 904-241-7776, www.palmsretro.com.

Visitor info