Check out or first BIG family road trip. We made it 1300 miles and it was one the best vacays we have ever been on. Just the right amount of busyness, sightseeing and relaxing wrapped into 10 days!
Our Plan
Taking a family road trip from south Florida to Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Banner Elk, North Carolina was an exciting adventure that helped us create lifelong memories. On this trip we saw a variety of scenic routes and did fun-filled activities that the entire family enjoyed. In this blog post, I'll take you through the family-friendly itinerary for a road trip from south Florida to Blue Ridge and Banner Elk and stopping through Savannah, GA and Jacksonville, FL on the way back home.
Our plan for the trip was to see some of our favorite places in the Southeastern USA, relax and pop in and see a few friends along the way. We like to maximize our time off so we usually leave for vacay on Friday around mid-day (I spend the morning in my office) and try to get the kids to nap on the first part of our road trip and then return the the following Sunday so we get 10 days off while only taking 5 days off of work.
Traveling by car brings many advantages - a few disadvantages too. Advantages: no bag limit or fees, can modify our travel plans if we have another idea or weather changes, we can travel on OUR schedule and there can be a cost savings. Disadvantages: can take longer to get to the destination, kids have to be strapped in car seats and gas prices vary.
Itinerary
{for our family road trip from Florida}
Day 1: Lakewood Ranch, Florida to Valdosta, Georgia
On the first day of our road trip we headed up I-75 N to just over the Georgia border to visit a friend in Valdosta.
Day 2: Valdosta, Georgia to Blue Ridge, Georgia.
We headed further up I-75, through Atlanta and about 1.5 hours north to Blue Ridge.
Day 3-5: Blue Ridge, Georgia.
The next couple days we spent in Blue Ridge, Cherry Log, and Ellijay - hiking, sight seeing and relaxing.
Day 6-8: Banner Elk, North Carolina
We headed North on the blue ridge parkway, past Asheville and to Banner Elk, North Carolina
Day 9: Savannah, Georgia
Breaking up the drive home was ideal for us so we popped over to Savannah for 1 night and a little history lesson.
Day 10: Jacksonville, Florida
Our last little bit of the trip had us stopping through Jacksonville, FL before we headed back home.
Things to do
If you are trying to plan the best family road trip from Florida to Georgia and North Carolina here are some things to do!
3 days in Blue Ridge, Georgia
If you have 3 days in Blue Ridge, Georgia for your family road trip with kids here are my activity suggestions (our MUST SEEs are in BOLD):
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: Take a ride on a vintage train and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The train ride takes you through scenic routes and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Mercier Orchards: Visit Mercier Orchards, a family-owned orchard that offers apple picking, tractor tours, and a market with fresh cider and other treats.
Lake Blue Ridge: Spend a day at Lake Blue Ridge, a scenic lake that offers swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake also has several picnic areas and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the surrounding area.
Second Story Entertainment is a popular attraction in Blue Ridge, GA that offers a indoor miniature golf for the whole family.
Aska Adventure Area: The Aska Adventure Area is a great place to experience outdoor adventures gem mining and floating the river.
Cartecay Vineyards: Enjoy a wine tasting at Cartecay Vineyards, a local winery that offers a variety of wines made from Georgia-grown grapes. The vineyard also offers live music on weekends and a beautiful outdoor seating area.
Go tubing down the Cartecay River: The Cartecay River is a popular spot for tubing and kayaking. Several local companies offer rentals and shuttle services for a fun day on the water.
Hike to the top of Amicalola Falls: Amicalola Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the nearby Amicalola Falls State Park. Hiking to the top of the falls offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Shop in downtown Ellijay: Downtown Ellijay offers a variety of unique shops and boutiques selling everything from handmade crafts to antiques.
Fall Branch Falls is a popular waterfall hike near Blue Ridge, GA that offers beautiful views of the falls and surrounding forest. If you enjoyed this hike, here are some other waterfall hikes near Blue Ridge that you might also enjoy:
Tumbling Waters is a beautiful waterfall located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Ellijay, GA. The waterfall is known for its stunning cascade of water and picturesque surroundings, and it's a popular spot for hiking and nature photography.
Consolidated Gold Mine: The Consolidated Gold Mine is located in Dahlonega, GA, which is about a 45-minute drive from Blue Ridge. The mine offers underground tours that take visitors through tunnels and chambers where gold was once mined. Visitors can also pan for gold and gemstones outside the mine.
Restaurant suggestions:
Blue Ridge, GA is home to a variety of restaurants that offer a range of cuisines to suit all tastes. Whether you're in the mood for Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, or international cuisine, there's a restaurant in Blue Ridge that's sure to satisfy your appetite. We also plan to eat at our rental cabin for a few meals and do Walmart grocery pickup on the way into town (check out my other blog on cost saving tips/tricks). Here are some of the top restaurants in Blue Ridge, GA:
Harvest on Main: Harvest on Main is a popular farm-to-table restaurant that features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes Southern classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits, as well as more modern dishes like grilled octopus and pan-seared trout.
Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill: Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill is a casual restaurant and bar that serves American cuisine with a Southern twist. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as seafood and steak dishes.
The Black Sheep: The Black Sheep is a contemporary American restaurant that offers a range of dishes made with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes seafood, steaks, and vegetarian options, as well as craft cocktails and a curated wine list.
Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta Factory: Blue Jeans Pizza & Pasta Factory is a family-friendly restaurant that serves New York-style pizza, as well as pasta dishes, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant also has a game room for kids.
Mike's Trackside BBQ: Mike's Trackside BBQ is a popular spot for barbecue lovers. The menu includes pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, and more, as well as sides like mac and cheese and baked beans.
{after leaving Blue Ridge, GA we headed 3 hours north on the Blue Ridge parkway - the scenery was breathtaking to continue or family road trip to Banner Elk, North Carolina}
3 days in Banner Elk, North Carolina
For our third leg of the journey we left Blue Ridge and headed to Banner Elk, North Carolina. We stopped through Asheville on the way and I would highly recommend a pit stop at the Biltmore Estate if you have time. (This trip we bypassed the Biltmore since it was on our weekend list for another time later in the year). If you have 3 days for your for your family-friendly vacation in Banner Elk, North Carolina here are the things to do.
Banner Elk, North Carolina is a great place to visit with kids in the summer months. Here are some of the top things to do with kids in Banner Elk:
Wildcat Lake: Wildcat Lake is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking during the summer months. The lake has a beach area with lifeguards on duty, as well as picnic tables and a playground.
The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a popular attraction located in Banner Elk, NC. This mountain coaster takes riders on a thrilling ride through the woods, featuring twists, turns, and drops. The coaster reaches speeds of up to 27 miles per hour, providing riders with a thrilling and exhilarating experience. The Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster is a great activity for families with children of all ages. Children must be at least 3 years.
Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain offers a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for kids, including hiking trails, animal habitats, and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Kids will love seeing the bears, cougars, and other wildlife up close.
River Rafting: Kids who are old enough to go rafting will love the Watauga River. Several local outfitters offer guided rafting trips that are suitable for families with children.
ATV rentals are a popular activity for visitors to Banner Elk, NC. The rugged terrain and scenic beauty of the area make it an ideal location for off-road adventures. Here are some places where you can rent ATVs in Banner Elk: Off-Road Adventures: Off-Road Adventures, High Mountain Expeditions and Elk River ATV.
Ziplining: Banner Elk has several zipline courses that are suitable for kids. These courses offer a unique way to experience the mountains and see the scenery from a different perspective.
Outdoor Theater: The Horn in the West outdoor drama is a popular attraction in Banner Elk that tells the story of the founding of America. The show is suitable for all ages and takes place in an outdoor amphitheater.
Playground and Splash Pad: The Banner Elk Community Park has a playground and a splash pad that are perfect for kids to cool off on hot summer days.
Restaurant suggestions:
Banner Elk, NC is known for its wide variety of restaurants, offering everything from casual fare to fine dining. Here are some of the top restaurants in Banner Elk:
Artisanal Restaurant: Artisanal Restaurant is a fine dining establishment that focuses on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. They offer a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and pasta.
Banner Elk Cafe: The Banner Elk Cafe is a casual restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer a variety of American and Southern comfort food dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and barbecue.
Sorrento's Italian Bistro: Sorrento's Italian Bistro is an Italian restaurant that offers classic pasta dishes, pizzas, and salads. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating.
Stonewalls Restaurant: Stonewalls Restaurant is a fine dining establishment that offers a variety of dishes, including steak, seafood, and pasta. They have a full bar and a wine list that includes many local and international wines.
Zuzda: Zuzda is a tapas restaurant that offers a variety of small plates and shared dishes. They have a rotating menu that changes with the seasons and a full bar that serves craft cocktails.
Winery Suggestions:
We love the outdoor wineries in Georgia and North Carolina. Banner Elk, North Carolina is home to a number of wineries and vineyards that offer visitors the chance to sample local wines and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the High Country region. Here are some of the top wineries to visit in Banner Elk:
Banner Elk Winery: Established in 2005, Banner Elk Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the region. They offer a variety of wines made from grapes sourced from both North Carolina and California. The winery's tasting room is open year-round and they also offer tours of their vineyard and winery.
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery: Located just a short drive from Banner Elk, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery offers stunning views of Grandfather Mountain and a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and blends. They also host live music events throughout the year.
Linville Falls Winery: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Linville Falls Winery offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their 40-acre estate. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and live music events.
Elk Mountain Winery: Elk Mountain Winery specializes in producing small-batch wines made from grapes grown in the Appalachian Mountains. Their tasting room is open year-round and they also offer vineyard tours and wine education classes.
Watauga Lake Winery: Located just across the border in Tennessee, Watauga Lake Winery offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their 3-acre vineyard. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the vineyard and production facility.
These are just a few of the many things to do with kids in Banner Elk, North Carolina during the summer months. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, scenic beauty, or cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this charming mountain town.
{after leaving Banner Elk, NC we coming into the tail end of our family summer road trip from Florida to Georgia and North Carolina so we headed south to Savannah, Georgia for the afternoon/evening}
1 day in Savannah, Georgia
As we were wrapping up our trip and started heading toward home we spent an afternoon/evening in Savannah. We saw a couple sights, had a nice dinner and rest and then continued on our way back to Florida. If you only have 1 day you will have to pick and choose your activities. We chose to do a carriage ride, walking tour, dinner and shopping. Below are a few suggestion of things to do with kids in Savannah, Georgia.
Morning:
Start your day with a visit to Forsyth Park, a beautiful public park with walking paths, playgrounds, and plenty of open space for kids to run around. Don't miss the iconic Forsyth Fountain, a great spot for taking family photos.
Next, head to The Pirates' House restaurant for breakfast. This historic restaurant has been serving up southern cuisine since 1753 and has a special kids' menu with options like pancakes and french toast.
Afternoon:
After breakfast, head to the Savannah Children's Museum, located in the old Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop. Kids can explore and play in interactive exhibits like a maze, a garden, and a sensory play area.
Next, take a walking tour of Savannah's historic district. Consider a guided tour like the "Savannah Stroll," which takes you past famous landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Mercer-Williams House. For a fun twist, consider taking a horse-drawn carriage tour.
Evening:
Taking a carriage ride is a classic way to explore the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. Here's what you need to know: Carriage tours are offered by several companies in Savannah, and they all follow similar routes through the city's historic district. Most tours last about an hour and cover around 2.5 miles. Some popular carriage tour companies in Savannah include Carriage Tours of Savannah, Historic Savannah Carriage Tours, and Plantation Carriage Company.
For dinner, head to The Olde Pink House, a historic mansion-turned-restaurant. The kids' menu offers options like mac and cheese and chicken fingers, while the adults can enjoy classic southern dishes like shrimp and grits.
End your day with a Ghost Tour. Savannah is known as one of America's most haunted cities, and there are plenty of spooky tours to choose from. Consider a family-friendly option like the "Ghost Trolley Tour," which takes you through the historic district while a guide tells you ghost stories.
With this itinerary, you'll have a fun-filled day exploring the sights and sounds of Savannah with your
{We headed into our last leg of our family road trip and left Savannah with a planned stop at the Jacksonville Zoo and then off to home}
Jacksonville Zoo
We started heading for home after leaving Savannah and decided to make a pit stop in Jacksonville, FL at the zoo for the last leg of our family road trip with kids.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a popular attraction in Jacksonville, Florida. Here are some things to know before you go:
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from 350 species, including elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, and many more. It's also home to a variety of gardens, including a butterfly garden, a bamboo garden, and a savanna blooming garden.
Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and the age of the visitor.
The zoo offers a variety of experiences and activities, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and feeding experiences. These experiences are an additional cost and require advance reservations. There are also several dining options on-site, including a café, a snack bar, and a restaurant.
{after a 1/2 day at the zoo we loaded back up in the car and drove the last leg of our road trip with kids. We spent 10 days on the road and hope you enjoyed our family road trip planning tips.}
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