America in late September

[tobyw]

My self and my wife have booked flights from Shannon to Charlotte via NY and back home from Boston vis Washington Dulles for the last 2 weeks in September.
We now have to plan our trip. We are thinking of heading towards Nashville and maybe Memphis, depending on time and distance. We want to see Asheville en route.
We intend heading north through Kentucky and Blue ridge mountains to Virginia where we will be staying for 4-5 days with my sister. In all we should have 7-8 days to look around.
I would appreciate any help with ideas as to where we might go.
Someone mentioned the Great Smoky mountains. Is Memphis worth visiting? Any other places you would recommend would be appreciated.
Any tips on accommodation? I would also like to go to a good blues gig.
Thanks in anticipation.
TobyW

[Hymie]

Since you plan to include Asheville – then I would strongly recommend Chimney Rock Park if it is not already on your itinerary.

A few years ago I took fly-drive to that part of the States (in and out of Washing DC), heading as far south as Savannah.
I can’t say that it is the most exciting/interesting part of the USA.
Washing DC is worth a couple of days looking around, Memphis is only worth visiting if you must see Graceland.

My Walmart Rand McNally Atlas recommends the scenic route of Highway 12 along the coast of North Carolina.

My advice would be to check out Trip Advisor for what is on offer in the towns/cities close by and choose your route accordingly.

With regards accommodation, personally I would advise planning your itinerary – and booking the hotels before you go (you can get some very good deals on expedia etc.), otherwise you may find you are paying top whack for your night’s sleep.

[tobyw]

thanks Hymie

[Hymie]

If you haven’t booked your hire car yet, these guys are hard to beat on price:-

http://www.carhire300...92x6KkCFUEa4Qod-Hc5Xg

And if you must have full insurance cover for the hire car – then try these.

http://www.insurance4carhire.com/

You might have to pay a one-way hire premium for picking up at Charlotte and dropping off at Washington; but try to negotiate not paying this fee, based on the proximity of the locations.

[dr b]

"Is Memphis worth visiting?" and "I would also like to go to a good blues gig." So - yes! Beale Street has gotten pretty touristy but you would still have a hard time avoiding a good blues gig.

You will also be traveling through area that provides the world's best barbecue, so you can do a comprehensive study of the differences between North Carolina, Eastern Carolina and Memphis BBQ.

Drive the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway if you have time.

[tobyw]

thank you all.