Return-Path: <WILLI@EICHOW.una.ac.at>
Date:         Thu, 30 Jul 92 16:55:00 +0200
From:         WILLI@EICHOW.UNA.AC.AT
Subject:      SUMMARY: Southeastern USA (long)
Comments: To: "\"travel-l"@"trearn.bitnet\"@email.una.ac.at"
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.travel-l

Three weeks ago I was posting the following request:

> We (2 boys & 1 girl, students, aged around 25) are going to fly to Miami
> in mid-August.  We'll travel around for 5 weeks in a rented car and
> sleep in our tent on campgrounds. We are planning to cover most of
> Florida but we also want to go as far as New Orleans, so we may just
> as well see parts of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
>
> It's our first time trip to this area and we don't know anybody who's
> ever been there, so any information concerning places of interest,
> ongoing events, interesting routes, nice campgrounds, "quiet tips" etc.
> will be appreciated.
>
> P.S. I have read that it is relatively easy to make a short visit to the
> Bah\'amas if you are in Florida.  Is it worth it or are there just
> millions of tourists?

I promised to post a summary of all the answers I received via email, so
that everybody else, who is interested in this area, can have this
information.

Thanks a lot to the following people, who took their time to help
a stranger:

Bill            welack@miamiu.bitnet
Cindy           charris@umiami.ir.miami.edu
Craig           craig@umiami.ir.miami.edu
Donna           dbeabak@cfrvm.bitnet
Dooley          dooley@oasys.dt.navy.mil
Jan             jpenovic@encore.com
Jaroslaw        jhaftek3@ua1vm.bitnet
John H.E.       john@earlj.b11.ingr.com
John R.         jreece@sousa.intel.com
Larry           lhughes@b11.ingr.com
Lucy            lrowland@uga.bitnet
Michele         mmurray@ua1vm.ua.edu
Rose Mary       godwin@frmnvax1.bitnet
Tim             toptholt@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu
Tom             higginbotham@selu.edu

I also included a few of the many messages I found in
the travel-l database.

Information obtained by the geographic name server is also provided,
using the following abbreviations:
P: population (1980 census)
E: elevation (in feet)
N and W: coordinates in degree-minutes-seconds

I appreciate any further information, comments, corrections etc.

Thank you very much, again.


Here we go:

FLORIDA
=======

About climate and insects
-------------------------
It seems to be VERY hot and VERY humid in Florida in summer. There also
appears to be a very severe MOSQUITO problem around there, especially
in the swamp areas.
Some people seem to think that we just wouldn't stand it.
Is it really THAT bad, or are Americans just that used to having
air conditioning everywhere, that they can't imagine to live without it
anymore?
Here are some comments:

Cindy:
> Are you crazy?   Nobody in his right mind camps in South Florida in August.
> The mosquitoes will kill you, not to mention the heat!
> ...
> I would suggest you camp only in the northern areas you visit, say north
> of Orlando.

Donna:
> Use mosquito/insect repellant if you go to the Everglades.

John H E:
> Be prepared for HOT weather!  Temperatures in the 90s F.

John R:
> It will be far hotter and humid in Florida than what you're used to.
> Some German friends wilt in comparable California temperatures, and we
> don't have anywhere near the humidity of the southeastern US. I would
> budget some money for air-conditioned motel rooms.

Jan:
> Only wimps want low humidity/temps. :-)
> Floridians just love temps in the mid to upper 90s with
> matching humidity.  We love stepping out of the shower only to turn
> around and go back in.
> BTW, at night it cools off all the way down to the 80s.
>
> The mosquitos are pretty bad (they're known to carry off
> small children :-) )

Jaroslaw:
> Since you intend to camp remember that you can expect very hot
> and humid nights as well as mosqitoes. Tent having a lot of
> windows proceted with net screens is must. Otherwise you'll
> sufocate! If you do not have one you can buy one in US and it is
> not very expensive (about $60 for large - all of you).
> Buy also some bugs reppelent.

Lucy:
> Warning: it will be very, very hot in August.

Tom:
> Beware of the sun!  From about 10:00 a. m. until 4:00
> p. m., you can become very badly burned, especially on
> the beach.  Wear a hat, base ball or straw -- I prefer
> a straw hat with a wide brim because the breeze can
> blow through.

Okan:
> hottest recorded temperature 109 deg.(at monticello.june1931)


About Driving
-------------
John R:
> Florida has the highest density of highway police in the US, and the
> speed limits are far lower than what you're used to.
Not only are we used to higher speed limits, we also don't have *any*
highway police,  so everybody goes as fast as he wants.
But I like the American system.  I feel much more secure.

Jan:
> Highway limits are 65 miles an hour in a lot of the state.  55 is
> the highway limit in the heavily populated areas like Ft. Lauderdale
> and Miami.

Larry:
> Watch speed limits - but drive as you see others driving...

Tom:
> Obey the speed limit.  This is a must.

John R:
> In Florida it is considered a fundamental human right to drive your
> car on the beach (after buying a permit).  The constant presence of
> drivers can make it awkward for tourists to fulfill fantasies regarding
> a passionate moon-lit encounter on a tropical beach.

Jan:
> That may be true on Daytona beach, but not on a lot of the other
> beaches.  Try Captiva.


American Automobile Association
-------------------------------
Jaroslaw:
> When you arrive I advise you to stop by the AAA
> It is located in Miami at 4770 Biscayne Blvd.,
> Suite 850, 33137; open M-F 8:30-5:15 phone (305)571-0360.
> There you can get guides and maps. If you will be prone to
> pay a membership fee (about $30) you will become a memeber
> instanteniously and be able to get all the guides and maps
> for free (that's a good bargin, since retail price for Florida
> guide book only is $8.75). You may ask for Tourbooks on all
> states you are interested in, as well Campbook (lists all campsites),
> maps and Triptik map (this is composite map which describes the
> tour you are interested in detail). On this basis you'll be able
> to choose turist atractions and cmaping grounds according to
> your interest and pocket.


Stateparks
----------
Jaroslaw:
> As far as campsites are concerned, I prefer State Parks since
> they offer good accomodations for resonable price. They provide
> showers and some sites have eletricity by your tent (remeber
> about different voltage 110V and plugs!). Generally, you'll
> try to get a place before 10 am, otherwise you may not get one.


Nice Beaches
------------
Jan:
> Some of the beaches up on the west coast of Florida are supposed to
> be really nice and less crowded than the ones on the east coast.
> There are also State Parks.
Donna:
> Between Apalachicola and Pensacola there are many nice beaches.
Michele:
> I think the best beaches are
> located in the panhandle area around Destin.


MIAMI [ P: 346865, E: 15, N: 25-46-26, W: 80-36-28 ]
-----
Donna:
> - Art Deco district of Miami beach has interesting architecture of the
    1930's and 40's.
> - Coconut Grove is also interesting to visit.
> - Metrozoo: A nice zoo, admission - $5.
> - Vizcaya: formerly the estate of the industrialist James Deering, built
    in Italian Renaissance style. admission $8.

Rose Mary:
> As far as I know (as of 4 years ago), there weren't any campgrounds in
> Miami (Dade County).
Is it true? That would be bad.


MIAMI BEACH [ P: 96298, E: 5, N: 25-47-25, W: 80-07-49 ]
-----------
Jan:
> South Beach on Miami Beach is interesting.  It's got all the
> old Deco hotels.  Lots of sidewalk cafes.  They do a lot of
> advertising photography down there.  A lot of European
> companies send photographers there to do their ads.

Jaroslaw:
> The Miami Beach oceanfront is nice.


TAMPA [ P: 271523, E: 15, N: 27-56-50, W: 82-27-31 ]
-----
Donna:

- Lowry Park Zoo:
> At a leisurely pace a person could spend about 3 hours, there is a petting
> area and periodic shows with the elephants.  It is located off Sligh Ave.
> the admission is $5.50 for adults, children under 3 are free, address is
> 7530 North Boulevard.

- Busch Garden:
> There also is Busch Garden's water slide fun park Adventure Island.

- Ybor City:
> The downtown historic area mentioned, is not really downtown but to the
> east of the downtown area.  It is called Ybor City.  It the area where
> many Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants lived and worked in the cigar
> factories.  Ybor Square is an old cigar factory which has been converted
> into shops and restaurants.  The Columbia Restaurant is in Ybor City and
> has interesting tiles decorating the outside of the restaurant.

- Harbour Island:
> In the downtown area with shops and restaurants.

- University of Tampa:
> Across the Hillsborough River from the downtown area.
> Formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, built by Henry Plant the railroad magnate.
> It has a museum showing some of the hotel furnishings and is interesting
> for its Moorish archetecture.

- Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI):
> across from the University of South Florida, has exhibits that
> interest kids as well as adults, throughout
> the year the main exhibit theme changes.

- Lettuce Lake Park:
> Free county park north and east of the University of South Florida.
> It has boardwalks for viewing the wildlife by the river's
> edge and shows typical Florida wetland/swamp habitats.  There are
> picnicking and playground facilities.

- Hillsborough River State Park:
> north of Tampa on US 301, canoeing, nature
> trails, historical presentations.

- Scenic Drive:
> Bayshore Blvd. large homes facing the bay built for the
> most part in the early 1900s, look across the bay toward downtown Tampa.

- Beaches:
> The closest beaches (that are any good :-)  ) are in Pinellas county,
> across the bay from Tampa.
> Try Clearwater [ P: 85528, E: 29, N: 27-57-56, W: 82-48-01] Beach or
> St. Petersburg Beach.


FORT MYERS [ P: 36638, E: 10, N: 26-38-25, W: 81-52-21 ]
----------
Donna:
> Thomas Edison's Winter Home - guided tours of the grounds, laboratory,
>        home and museum. Adm. - $6.
> Henry Ford's Winter Home - restored and furnished to the style of the
>        1920's.  Next to Edison's home.


SANIBEL ISLAND [ N: 26-26-24, W: 82-06-50 ]
CAPTIVA ISLAND [ E: 5, N: 26-31-18, W: 82 11 22 ]
--------------
Donna:
> coastal barrier islands just off the mainland from Ft. Myers.
> J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge - great for viewing the
>      native wildlife (birds, reptiles), it has nature trails, a
>      visitor's center, and a wildlife drive. Adm. - $3.


MARCO ISLAND [ N: 25-56-27, W: 81-43-07 ]
------------
Dooley:
> Marco Island (1 hr north of the Everglades) is nice.  Same
> kind of gulf coast island atmostphere as Sannibel/Captavia.


SARASOTA [ P: 48868, E: 27, N: 27-20-10, W: 82-31-51 ]
--------
Donna:
> Ringling Museums - Art Museum has collection of works by Peter Paul
>        Rubens and other paintings fromthe 14th through 18th centuries.
> Ringling Home - Built to resemble a Venetian palace, it is on
>        Sarasota Bay.
> Circus Museum - Has displays of circus parade wagons, calliopes,
>        costumes and posters.
>    Combined admission for all three - $8.50
>    John Ringling was one of the brothers who founded the Ringling
>    Bros. Circus.  At his death his art collection was donated to
>    the state of Florida.  It's free to wander the grounds.
> Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - known for its collection of tropical
>        plants, they have a nice collection of orchids. Adm. - $5.
> St. Armand's Key - near Sarasota, has a resort area shopping and
>        restaurants.
> Longboat Key - a barrier island off the coast from Sarasota which has
>        nice beaches.


SAINT PETERSBURG [ E: 44, N: 27-46-14, W: 82-40-46 ]
----------------
Donna:
> Fort Desoto Park - built to defend Tampa Bay during Spanish American
>        War, but never completed.  Park area includes picnic areas and
>        beaches.  Toll 85 cents over two or three small bridges.  The
>        Sunshine Skyway Bridge which spans Tampa Bay can be viewed from
>        some areas of the park.
> Salvador Dali Museum - houses a comprehensive collective of his works
>        ranging from 1914 to 1980.  Adm. - $5.
> The Pier - a 5-story inverted pyramid structure on the bayfront with
>        shops, restaurants, aquarium and observation level.


DAYTONA BEACH [ P: 54176, E: 10, N: 29-12-38, W: 81-01-23 ]
-------------
Jaroslaw:
> On the east side of the Florida vist Daytona Beach. There is
> a lot of fun for European to ride car along the beach (the sand is
> so compacted there that makes no trouble to ride in a regular car).


KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
CAPE CANAVERAL [ P: 5733, E: 9, N: 28-24-20, W: 80-36-18 ]
TITUSVILLE [ P: 31910, N: 28-36-43, W: 80-48-28 ]
COCOA BEACH [ P: 10926, E: 12, N: 28-19-11, W: 80-36-28 ]
--------------------
Donna:
> Spaceport, USA - Admission - $6.
>   Exhibits of USA achievement in space exploration.

Jaroslaw:
> May be thing to see by SF fan.

John R:
> The tour is worthwhile, but it isn't as good as
> it could be.  For instance, the tour doesn't go inside the big assembly
> building or the launch control center.  And don't make firm plans around
> a shuttle launch.  They *never* go on schedule.

Tom:
> There you can see them launch one of the shuttles,
> if you hit it just right.
That would be *real* luck.

Mia:
> Try 1-800-432-2153 for information on
> projected rocket launches at the Cape.

Michele:
> Certainly worth a visit if you enjoy such things.


FORT LAUDERDALE [ P: 153279, E: 7, N: 26-07-19, W: 80-08-37 ]
---------------
Michele:
> Fun to visit.


SAINT AUGUSTINE [ E: 7, N: 29-53-40, W: 81-18-53 ]
---------------
Donna:
> The first permanent European settlemant in what is now the USA.
> Castillo de San Marcos - fortess built by the Spanish to defend the area.
>         Adm. - $1.
> Many other attractions related to this historic area.

Jaroslaw:
> You may skip St. Augustine (the oldest city in US). Not much to
> see for an European.

John R:
> It is the oldest European settlement
> in North American.  A 16th century fortress and old town still remain.

Lucy:
> Old historic areas--supposed to be one of the nicer
> places in the state.

Michele:
> Is filled with painters and artists.

Dave:
> In St. Augustine don't miss the Ponce De Leon Fountain of Youth tour.
> It's only one hour long and you find out all sorts of interesting
> historical things like what happened to the original Indian tribes in
> Florida.  Also, you get to drink from what they really thought was the
> fountain of youth.  I haven't aged a day since.


TALLAHASSEE [ P: 81548, E: 160, N: 30-26-17, W: 84-16-51 ]
-----------
Donna:
> Capital of the state of Florida, in the old capitol building are free
>    exhibits.  Notice the state seal on the corniche of the entrance.


APALACHICOLA [ P: 2565, E: 17, N: 29-43-22, W: 84-59-00 ]
PANACEA [ E: 5, N: 30-02-14, W: 84-23-16 ]
------------
Jaroslaw:
> Drop to the seafood bar in Apalachicola. (try one called something like
> "Boss(?) Oyster" located downtown, close to the waterfront in harbour
> - it the only one with raw oysters all the time.
> You will enjoy the good seafood
> raw or fried oysters, blue crabs, srimps etc., for a moderate
>  price. Try blue crabs too, the waitress will help you to handle them.

Larry:
> Many seafood restaurants along the coast in Florida are among the best in
> the whole world (I know - I've tried seafood in about 12 countries...).
> The ones between Appalachicola and Panacea are legendary
> (along "gulf coast" in North Florida - take US 98 -
> beautiful road - many parks, beaches, restaurants).


PANAMA CITY [ P: 33346, E: 33, N: 33-09-31, W: 85-39-37 ]
-----------
Larry:
> Panama City Beach is nice (go to the St.Andrews state park
> for best beaches).


PENSACOLA [ P: 57611, E: 39, N: 30-25-16, W: 87-13-01 ]
---------
Lucy:
> Wonderful white sand beach, historic area, big U.S. Navy base.

Jaroslaw:
> The way from Panama City to Pensacola is the place for comercialized
> entertraitment. You may stop there to see what it is all about.

Tom:
> Look over the ship
> and air museum that is between there and Mobile.  You
> will see a battle ship, which doesn't look very large
> until you get close to the thing.


SANTA ROSA ISLAND [ N: 30-22-56, W: 86-51-23 ]
-----------------
Jaroslaw:
> The best camping place I found between Apalachicola and New Orleans
> was State Park on Santa Rosa Island close to Pensacola. The most
> beautiful beach with an easy access from the camp site; also nice natural
> trail. This is the place where sand is really like snow!

MANATEE [ N: 27-29-46, W: 82-32-23 ]
JUNIPER [ N: 30-32-33, W: 84-45-12 ]
WAKULLA [ N: 30-14-12, W: 84-13-52 ]
-------
Larry:
> There are also nice natural springs worth seeing.


FLORIDA KEYS
KEY WEST [ P: 24382, E: 7, N: 24-33-19, W: 81-46-58 ]
------------
Traffic from Miami to Key West seems to be pretty bad:

Jan:
> Key West is a four hour drive from Ft. Lauderdale.  Sometimes longer
> if there is an accident on the two lane road through a lot of the
> keys.

Jaroslaw:
> It is a long way from Miami due to slow traffic.

Larry:
> Long drive, but very pretty, very nice.

Linda:
> We found that the Keys were just wall to wall cars and we were
> unable to enjoy a lot of lovely scenery.


Some info about the Keys:

Bill:
> There is a campground that is pretty inexpensive in the state park on
> Bahia Honda Key. It's about at the halfway point of the Keys, so you
> could see the Upper Keys, camp in Bahia Honda on your way to Key West.
> Key West is a must see. It's an interesting place. Hemmingway's Home,
> many, many bars, and the people are a throwback to the sixties.

Donna:
> Audubon House - where John James Audubon visited while painting the
                  wildlife of the Florida Keys. Adm. - $5.
> Ernest Hemingway Home - where he wrote "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and
>                 "Farewell to Arms", the house has the descendent of his
>                 cats roaming the grounds. Adm. - $6.
> Conch Tour Trains - gives tour of points of interest in key West -$11.

John R:
> Key West has a lot of charm, despite being a tourist trap.  Summer is
> considered off-season.

Jan:
> Personally, I'd rather go to Sanibel/Captiva than Key West.
> Key West is ok, especially if you love T-Shirt shops. :-)
> There's a camp ground (I think it's a state camp ground) on
> one of the keys.  Maybe Long Key [ N: 24-49-10, W: 80-49-19 ].
> It's on the ocean side,
> and you can pitch your tent right near the water.

Jaroslaw:
> Take a trip to Key West and stay there to enjoy sunset at the harbour.
> There is a lot of fun there at evening. Hemingway home is also
> worth to see. Try some campground close to Marathon Key.

Tom:
> It can be interesting.

Jaroslaw:
> Weather permiting, you may also try some snorkeing trip to see coral
> reef. The trip depart from: Biscayne National Park and
> Key Largo [ E: 11, N: 25-05-24, W: 80-26-36 ].
> Just be sure to make reservation (call (305) 247-2400 and (305)
> 451-1202, respectively.)


EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
------------------------
Donna:
> A wilderness area with sawgrass marshes, a good area to view wildlife,
> Adm. - $5 per carload.

Dooley:
> Go on an airboat ride through the swamps.  It is really GREAT!
> From Miami, take Alligator Alley across to the west
> coast.  There isn't much else to do in this area, you have
> to travel north to get out of the swamp area.

Jan:
> Most of the incredible birds are not there in the summer.

Jaroslaw:
> The campgrounds are in the Park as well
> as in Homstead on route no.1. Take a trip from Main Visitor Center
> to Flamingo. If you'll be there
> early enough you may rent a canoe and see some mangrove bushes etc.
> But remeber to see all the spots on the way from the Park Entrance to
> Flamingo. The most interesting are: Royal Palm, Pa-hay-okee Overlook,
> and Mahogany Hammock.

Tom:
> A tour should not be too expensive.


Short visit to the BAHAMAS
--------------------------
As there have been some bad reactions on this idea, I think we will
save our money and won't go to the Bahamas.

Cindy:
> I've been to Freeport and Nassau, but I'll probably not go back.  It's
> pretty boring in both places.

Craig:
> The closest Bahama island is about 30 miles off the coast from Miami
> and Freeport on Grand Bahama is about 70-80 miles so a trip there is
> pretty easy.

John R:
> A lot of what you can find in the Bahamas is
> also to be found in the Florida Keys.  A short hop out of the US may
> create visa complications when you try to reenter.

Michele:
> You may want to think about visiting the Florida Keys instead of
> traveling to the Bahamas.

Lucy:
> If you like snorkeling or diving, the Bahamas are pretty for that.
> Nassau is good for duty-free shopping. Most Americans go there
> either to play in the water or gamble. I found it to be pretty
> touristy, though (but it's been 20 years, so it's probably worse).

Rose Mary:
> There are several one-day cruises
> to Nassau/Freeport out of the Port of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. They
> leave at 8AM, return after midnight. There are very few spots in the
> Bahamas that are *not* tourist attractions. The cruises are fun - you
> can gamble after you're past the 3 mile limit.

Tom:
> Before leaving Miami, hop over to the Bahamas.  It is
> only a thirty minute flight.


ORLANDO [ P: 128291, E: 106, N: 28-32-17, W: 81-22-46 ]
-------
There are the amusement parks, of cource. I think we will not visit all
of them, since that would cost us too much time and too much money.
We have already been to Universal Studios, Hollywood and Disneyland, Anaheim
last year. We have not yet decided if we want to visit Disneyworld, Orlando.
I understand that it is bigger and better, but is there really so much
difference?

Here are some infos I got upon my request. Much more can be found in
the travel-l database:

Donna:
> It costs $4 to park in the Disney parking lots.
> A one-day passport for any of the theme parks is $35.
> There are multi-day passports for more than $100.
> There are many tourist attractions in the Orlando area (includes
> Kissimmee and International Drive).
>
> Sea World - trained marine animals perform.  Adm. - $27.

Jan:
> Disney World is one of my favorite places.  Universal
> is pretty good too.

Jaroslaw:
> Orlando with its Disneyland is expensive, but if you had no chance
> yet to see Disneyland you may try it. See World there is
> quite interesting.
> Otherwise,try make the glassy-bottom boat trip in Silver Springs
> close to Ocala.

Michele:
> Places like Rosie O'Grady's, Pleasure
> Island, and Hard Rock Cafe can be a lot of fun at night.


GEORGIA
=======
Lucy:
> South Georgia is pretty depressing, I think--coastal plain and
> not much to look at except along the coast itself.

ATLANTA [ P: 425022, E: 1050, N: 33-44-56, W: 84-23-17 ]
-------
John R:
> There won't be much of that that ante-bellum charm one associates with
> the old South.

Larry:
> Is worth seeing - you might enjoy "Six Flags" ammusement park.

Lucy:
> Carter Center, Stone Mountain, State Capitol

Michele:
> Atlanta is a must if you have time to trek through Georgia

Tom:
> The one thing I would suggest that
> you see is the Cycloramma, which is a huge painting
> about our Civil War.  If you have an interest in
> history, the tactics of the Civil War were the model on
> which WWII was fought.  Especially Patton.  Some of the
> flanking movements in the Civil WAR were 800 miles.


SAVANNAH [ P: 141390, E: 42, N: 32-05-00, W: 81-06-00 ]
--------
Donna:
> There are many historic sites and the historic district is nice to
> walk through.

Lucy:
> Beautiful historic district and great food (Elizabeth's on 37th
> has a 4-star chef).

Michele:
> Savannah will give you a taste of the historic south.

Tom:
> Just look around.


DALTON [ E: 759, N: 34-46-11, W: 84-58-13 ]
------
Tom:
> An old gold mining town.  There is a very nice place to eat on
> Sunday, which serves country-style, that is, all you
> want.


CANTON [ E: 894, N: 34-14-12, W: 84-29-27 ]
------
Tom:
> Right above Canton is the largest marble quarry in the
> world.


ST. SIMONS [ E: 13, N: 31-08-06, W: 81-23-25 ]
SEA ISLAND [ E: 11, N: 31-11-00, W: 81-21-00 ]
JEKYLL ISLAND [ N: 31-04-06, W: 81-24-49 ]
-------------
The Golden Isles of Georgia.

Tom:
> Take a marsh river tour if you have
> the  time.  Eat lunch at Poor Sevens
> and go walking on the beaches in the
> moonlight.  Be aware the tides can be dangerous, 2 - 3
> meters.  Do not go in swimming on an outgoing tide.
> Your body is too difficult to find.  And if you do get
> in trouble, don't try to swim against the tide  --  it
> is too swift.  Just float and save your strength.
> Someone will come get you, sooner or later, or you will
> eventually just float in.


CUMBERLAND ISLAND [ N: 30-51-03, W: 81-26-55 ]
-----------------
Lucy:
> Cumberland Island
> National Seashore is one of the most unspoiled areas you will ever
> see. It's just north of Jacksonville (also called Jax).
> They have camping, but no cars or other accomodations.


BRASSTOWN BALD [ E: 4784, N: 34-52-20, W: 83-48-36 ]
--------------
Lucy:
> Highest point in Georgia.
Doesn't seem very high to me. :-)


CLAYTON [ P: 1838, E: 1925, N: 34-52-41, W: 83-24-04 ]
-------
Lucy:
> Whitewater rafting


HELEN [ P: 265, N: 34-42-05, W: 83-43-54 ]
-----
Lucy:
> You'll die laughing as this is a
> little town that about 20 years ago went "Alpine" and everything
> is a mock-up of a Swiss/Bavarian village
:-)


SOUTH CAROLINA
==============

CHARLESTON [ P: 69510, E: 118, N: 32-46-35, W: 79-55-52 ]
----------
John R:
> Has a lot of that ante-bellum charm one associates with
> the old South, plus many historical landmarks from the
> Civil War.


ALABAMA
=======
Two very different opinions:

John H E:
> If you drive from Florida to New Orleans, you will be forced to see
> Alabama whether you want to or not.  Frankly, there is not a lot to see in
> that part of the country.  It is mostly flat with some long boring rides.
> The beach towns are all pretty much the same.  It's hard to tell one from
> another.
> I hate to say it, but to me, the South is one of the least scenic parts of
> the US.

Tim:
> The Alabama Gulf coast is really great.


Michele:
> If you pass through South Alabama, you may wish to consider camping in the
> state park area around Gulf Shores.  The Florabama (on FL-AL state line)
> is an interesting night spot.


MOBILE [ P: 200452, E: 8, N: 30-41-39, W: 88-02-35 ]
------
John H E:
> If you are at all interested in ships, visit
> the U.S.S. Alabama.  It is a U.S. Navy battleship (World War II era) that
> is now a self-guided museum.  There's also a WWII submarine.  I spent
> about three hours on the ship and loved every minute!

Larry:
> Mobile is interesting.

Michele:
> In Mobile, you might have fun visiting the historic
> districts, the Battleship Alabama, and Bellingrath Gardens to get a
> true sense of the "old South".


HUNTSVILLE [ P: 142513, E: 641, N: 34-43-49, W: 86-35-10 ]
----------
John H E:
> There is a good Space Museum here.

Larry:
> In Alabama, the top attraction is the Space and Rocket Center in
> Huntsville - a big NASA site and the biggest space museum in the world,
> including a real moon rock. This is pretty far north, but worth the trip
> if you are interested in space.

Now which one is better? Huntsville or Cape Canaveral?


BIRMINGHAM [ P: 284413, E: 600, N: 33-31-14, W: 86-48-09 ]
MONTGOMERY [ P: 177857, E: 160, N: 32-22-00, W: 86-18-00 ]
----------
Michele:
> Have some interesting things to see as well.
More info please! There must be *something* to see between
Mobile and Huntsville.


BON SECURE
----------
Jaroslaw:
> If you like nature, try Wild Refuge close to the Gulf Shores (Alabama)
> It is called Bon Secure, west on Hwy. no. 180 from Gulf Shores.
> Take a 'Pine Beach Trail'.
> However, be aware that this is about 1 mile trip to the beach
> and it may be not so easy in the summer heat. But the nature
> you will see is marvelous and full of variety. You'll  pass a forest,
> marsh, lagune and finally -  dunes. Since the stroll is relatively long
> do not expect many people hanging around.


TENNESSEE
=========
That's very far north. Maybe we will make it anyhow.

NASHVILLE [ E: 440, N: 36-09-57, W: 86-47-04 ]
---------
Larry:
> A real "American" town, if you like "country music". Opryland ammusement
> park is there.

CHATTANOOGA [ P: 169565, E: 685, N: 35-02-44, W: 85-18-35 ]
-----------
Larry:
> See "Chatanooga Choo Choo".
What's that?


MISSISSIPPI
===========
Larry:
> There is not much in Mississippi, other than the big river itself
> (worth a look, or even a river cruise on a paddleboat, if you have time).

SHIP ISLAND [ N: 30-13-11, W: 88-55-07 ]
-----------
Jaroslaw:
> From Gulfport or Biloxi in Missisipi you may try the boat trip to
> Ship Island (not a big deal, but the Island is nice and the trip
> not so expensive).

Is Mississippi really that dull?
Doesn't have anybody any suggestions?


LOUSIANA
========

NEW ORLEANS [ P: 557515, E: 5, N: 29-57-16, W: 90-04-30 ]
-----------
Here are some infos I got upon my request. Much more can be found in the
travel-l database.

Jaroslaw:
> New Orleans is the most interesting thing as far as entertraitment is
> concerned. Try to find out if there is a Parade during your vist.
> French Quater is the place you want to be at night, specially the
> Burbon Street.

John H E:
> New Orleans is great!  Lots to see and wonderful food.

Larry:
> A must see - great restaurants, real jazz, wonderful "atmosphere".
> Classic America - could be high point of trip.

Michele:
> In New Orleans, you need to visit the Riverwalk, Jackson Square,
> Jazz Clubs, and Pat O'Brien's.
> Also, be sure you get a taste of some spicy Cajun food.


****************************************************************************
 Wilhelm Pitzeier jr.  //  willi@eichow.tuwien.ac.at
 Technical University of Vienna, Austria // Institute for Computer Graphics
****************************************************************************
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