Georgia/North Carolina/South Carolina

On the Road: Atlanta, Asheville, Charleston and Savannah

Program No. 23348RJ
See these four historically significant cities of the South from the perspectives of famous icons, the common man and slave as you visit museums, estates and historic districts.

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At a Glance

Hit the road in Georgia and make your way from Atlanta to Asheville, Charleston and Savannah as you explore these four gems of the Southeast. Learn the stories of both historic giants and lesser-known men and women who made their mark on the south—from Martin Luther King Jr. and Jimmy Carter, to plantation slaves and Civil War soldiers. Study the cultural significance of literary contributions from authors like Margaret Mitchell and Thomas Wolfe. Explore the architecture of historic district townhouses and great mansions and estates alike, and enjoy evening performances for a taste of folk and spiritual music of the past and present.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to 1.5 miles, sometimes on dirt paths or uneven pavement. Standing in museums for up to an hour. Climbing stairs. Boarding coach.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the Biltmore Estate’s architecture and 8,000 acres of gardens, and learn how wine is made at the estate’s Antler Hill Farm and Winery.
  • Learn about Gullah culture at Boone Hall Plantation, and take in the grave history and yet beautiful architecture of Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters.
  • Dine where the famous have dined — Paschal’s Restaurant — and enjoy a cooking class as you learn about Southern cuisine.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Lee Knight
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Lee Knight
Lee Knight View biography
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Profile Image of Ruth Miller
Ruth Miller View biography
Ruth Miller, a graduate of Duke University, has lived all over America and journeyed throughout the world. As a Charleston historian and excursion leader, she enjoys tying local history into the American story and worldwide events. Ruth is the author and co-author of numerous books, including “Charleston Charlie — A Family Activity Book for Kids of All Ages,” “Touring the Tombstones,” and “The Angel Oak Story.” She is a member of the South Carolina Historical Society and the National Trust.
Profile Image of Joyce Harvison
Joyce E Harvison View biography
Joyce Harvison epitomizes Southern hospitality. A native of Savannah, she has worked for the last 30+ years in Savannah's Historic District, first as an insurance agent, and the last 16 years as a Director of Groups/Charters with a local trolley company showing off the city’s best sights to visitors from near and far. She revels in treating family, friends, and visitors to the best possible time, including hidden gems when they visit her home town. Joyce has two daughters and three grandchildren.
Profile Image of Anne Peery
Anne Peery View biography
Anne Peery has traveled extensively in the Southeastern United States. She has served in various leadership roles including the Executive Director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Anne holds a B.S. in education from Mississippi State University. She has worked with a volunteer group making medical-grade PPE for first responders in the Big Bend region of Florida.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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