Deep South Suggestions?

Judy Ann · 08-01-2011, 09:08 AM

I'm planning on taking 7-8 days to go 1000 miles to the bayou at the end of October and would like some suggestions on where to camp and hike with my dog along the way. I'm planning on taking I-85 south from Durham, NC and my destination is LA. I don't plan to stop in Atlanta or New Orleans as my focus is seeing more of the "don't miss" natural beauty along the way. Diners and Dives suggestions would be good too!

wvbreamfisherman · 08-01-2011, 10:18 AM

A bit out of your way, but if you're interested in history, over to Chattanooga and check out Lookout Mountain, and the Chickamauga and Stones River battlefields. Some pretty country over there and south out of Chattanooga on I-59.

outwest · 08-01-2011, 11:24 AM

Lookout Mountain on on my list when I get enough time off to visit a friend close by. There is nothing like having your own personal tour guide! What type of dog do you have?

jason · 08-01-2011, 04:23 PM

Might be out of your way, but near Jacksonville is Clarks Fish Camp. They are open only for dinner and normally packed. But the food is extremely good and plentiful. They are said to have one of the largest private taxidermy collections in North America.

Judy Ann · 08-29-2011, 10:40 AM

Change in plans. I live close to mountains, but have never been to New Orleans so I'm reversing my trip to take a week to travel across the panhandle of Florida to New Orleans, before meeting up with a bunch of southern backpackers on the bayou. I'm thinking about St. Augustine to the Mississippi Delta on the backroads camping along the way for 5 days and spending a day or two in the city. Still traveling alone with my dog so I'll need pet-friendly stopping points (I'll board her in the city).

Thanks for the advice and suggestions including what to do in NO!

jason · 08-30-2011, 02:50 PM

St. Augustine is a great city. Got married there. It is small, but there is so much history in it. I've been 3 or 4 times, and still learn of new things. Last time we made the mistake of walking up the light house stairs the first day of our 3 days there. The ghost tours are fun.

Grandpa · 08-30-2011, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jason

St. Augustine is a great city. Got married there. It is small, but there is so much history in it. I've been 3 or 4 times, and still learn of new things. Last time we made the mistake of walking up the light house stairs the first day of our 3 days there. The ghost tours are fun.

Why would walking up the stairs be a mistake? I would think that a great opportunity.

jason · 08-31-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandpa

Why would walking up the stairs be a mistake? I would think that a great opportunity.

I forget how many stairs there was, but they were steep. The wife's legs we done after that. She really did not want to do much walking that weekend.

If you stay a few days at St. Augustine get a trolley pass. We usually get the 3 day pass, and it is fun just listening to the tour guide tell you about the city. Each one has their own stories they add.

Judy Ann · 08-31-2011, 08:32 PM

Thanks Jason, I'll plan on doing that at least one day and I love climbing lighthouses (I stick very close to the wall though). The view from the top puts a different perspective on things. I've heard that the town is beautiful and have been wanting to go for some time.

I'm thinking St. Joseph Penninsula after leaving St. Augustine. I'm trying to find dog friendly beaches in FL, but I'm having difficulty. They don't allow them on the beaches in the state parks. If you hear of anywhere good please let me know!

jason · 09-01-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judy Ann

Thanks Jason, I'll plan on doing that at least one day and I love climbing lighthouses (I stick very close to the wall though). The view from the top puts a different perspective on things. I've heard that the town is beautiful and have been wanting to go for some time.

I'm thinking St. Joseph Penninsula after leaving St. Augustine. I'm trying to find dog friendly beaches in FL, but I'm having difficulty. They don't allow them on the beaches in the state parks. If you hear of anywhere good please let me know!

I can ask the wife. Her grandparents travel with dogs. I know they took them to St. Augustine, but had them boarded when they were here.

I've seen dogs at some of the county parks near me. They are supposed to be on a leash, but not always. Not much of a beach at them though. Maybe 100 feet of "beach" at high tide if that.