Are you ready to head out of Georgia’s most heavily populated city for a road trip that doubles as a complete change of scenery? If your fuel-efficient comfortable ride is ready and packed, Roanoke, Orlando, and New Orleans beckon.
Roanoke, VA: 433.6 Miles away
If history is your passion, Roanoke delivers on a variety of levels. Book yourself a room at the Hotel Roanoke. Situated at 110 Shenandoah Avenue, its Tudor revival style architecture makes it impossible to miss. Granted, this venue is currently a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, but do not let the chain name fool you. The historic charm of the buildings has been maintained, and you have the opportunity to spend a night in the same place that welcomed Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and Jerry Seinfeld. Schedule a tour of the historic Fire EMS Station #1, which is located at 13 East Church Avenue, SE. Its construction dates back to 1906, which makes it one of the state’s oldest firehouses that would remain in continued use until 2007. Dinner is on at the Texas Tavern — aka Roanoke’s Millionaires Club — located at 114 West Church Avenue. Open for business since 1930, the main staple of this hot dog eatery is the chili. Head back to the hotel and enjoy a delicious breakfast the next morning before driving home to Atlanta.
Orlando, FL: 440 Miles away
Florida is home to the Holy Land Experience put on by the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Head over to 4655 Vineland Road and enjoy a mix of historic teaching and theatric performing. You do not have to be Christian or even religious to enjoy a trip back in time to the year 33 AD. Eat at the Centurion Treats in the park, where turkey legs rule. Ice cream novelties wait at the Royal Portico. If alligators are more to your liking, head over to 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, where Gator Land gives access to the feared reptiles, but also opens doors to friendly lorikeets and flamingoes. Spend a night at the Hard Rock Hotel on 5800 Universal Boulevard. Since the hotel also features the Palm Restaurant for seafood lovers and The Kitchen for those who enjoy other dishes, there is no need to venture out further for a hearty dinner. The same holds true for breakfast prior to the return trip.
New Orleans, LA: 471.6 Miles away
New Orleans is home to the Audubon Nature Institute. There are a zoo, insectarium, aquarium, IMAX theatre, and even a golf course on the premises at 6500 Magazine Street. Stay for the entire day; eat at the Clubhouse Café, which offers breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m. Since you are already in the Audubon and University District, stick around and enjoy dinner at the Naked Pizza at 6307 South Miro, where plenty of veggie toppings make the pies actually quite healthy. Spend a night enjoying classic New Orleans charm at the Park View Guest House at 7004 St. Charles Avenue. A bed and breakfast sure to send you back to Atlanta after serving you a filling morning meal, you will have views of Audubon Park.
