So its that time of year again. We need to plan our summer vacation.
The states were considering visiting is Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.
Can anyone reccomend some cities or things to see? My FIL has a time share that we will stay in, so thats covered.
We arent wanting to do theme parks, but anything else were up for. Help me lol!

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Stephanie

Myrtle beach is all that comes to mind right away.

I think if you like country music there are places to tour in Tennessee.

Family Fun magazine has some great destination profiles for family vacations/trips, where they list really cool and can't-miss things to do. You can check out their website (HERE), maybe you'll find something!

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Nashville is a blast! There are alot of sites to see including the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Opryland, Opry Mills Mall, the parthenon, Vanderbilt, and more. Also in Tennessee Pigeon Forge. There is sooooo much to do in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg.

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Check out my Mommysaver's Blog!

I've been to Isle of Palms in SC. LOVED IT!!!! Great beaches and lots of fun for kids!

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Just a question - it seems as vacations seem very big in the States, almost as everyone "has" to go somewhere during the holidays. Is it really like that - and why? or does it just seem that way.

The last time I went somewhere on vacation was in 2002. Normally we spend our time at home, relaxing and pottering around the house. I try avoid having to drive anywhere that it takes more than half and hour to drive - as the fuel prices here are so high

We go on vacation about once every few years. Other times we just hang out and do local things.

For GA/TN there is the Tenn Aquarium, Lookout mountain, Rock City, Underground Sea, plus great hiking trails, wildlife in Cades Cove in Gatlinburg, horseback riding, Children's museum(hands on activities) in Chattanooga and Atlanta. Tubing/rafting in gatlinburg,TN or Helen, GA. Dahlonega, GA is an artsy,craftsy town. You can pan for gold, explore caverns, go hiking.
What type of stuff does your family like? Indoor or outdoor?

Myrtle Beach comes to mind first (we were there last year and had a blast!), if I was in Georgia area- I would be visiting the American Girl Bistro (or whatever it is)- my dd would love it!

And you would be visiting ME! I live in Atlanta and there is a ton of stuff to do here. If you are looking for a city experience you can definitely stay busy. But I see you are in Jacksonville and so you probably want a different experience. This wouldn't be exactly a vacation for you unless you like to camp (which I don't) but have you ever taken your kids over to Cumberland Island for a day trip? It is amazingly beautiful. You can take the ferry from St. Mary's and get on around 9 AM and spend the day on the island, then take the ferry back around 4 PM. There are wild horses walking down the beach, wildlife everywhere, big huge dunes and an 18 mile coastline. They limit the number of visitors on the island so you will feel like it is all just for you. You are also close to St. Simons (I grew up there) and Jekyll which are great family beach places. If you want to get away from the beach and head to the mountains, Chattanooga really is a nice little city with so much to do. The western NC mountains are beautiful and there are plenty of nice little towns to stay in. We go to Kiawah every year with dh's family and it is a very nice beach too, but it is expensive. Charleston is a fabulous city. Really, you have dozens of driveable places near you that would be great.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to visit and not terribly expensive either. Im not sure what part of NC you will be near but wilmington, nc has alot of great stuff for kids at really good prices.
There's battleship NC, a childrens museum, a theme park, mini golf and tons more. Good luck planning your trip.