What’s Not to Love? The Next Chapter in Our Margaritaville Road Trip Story
Prelude
Back in November and December 2024, we started talking with Alan & Carie about another visit to Latitude Margaritaville. It didn’t take long before the plans came together—April 20–25, 2025. As always, the destination was part of the excitement… but the journey getting there was just as important.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – Hitting the Road
We kicked off the trip the right way—with a stop at one of our favorite local spots, Java Station 31. Coffee in hand, we headed south, picking up I-65 to I-265, then I-64 through Lexington before connecting to I-75.
A must-stop along the way was Buc-ee’s in Richmond, Kentucky. It’s hard to pass that place without stretching your legs, grabbing snacks, and just soaking in the over-the-top roadside experience.
From there, it was a long but smooth push through Knoxville, around I-640, and onto I-40 toward Asheville. We picked up I-26 south into Spartanburg, South Carolina, where we checked into the Best Western Plus.
That evening, we met up with Pat’s coworker, Karen, and her husband Manases, who had recently moved to the area. Dinner at Smoking Butt Heads was the perfect way to unwind after a full day on the road—good food, great conversation, and a reminder of how travel often reconnects you with people along the way.
Sunday, April 20, 2025 – The Scenic Route South
After a quick Dunkin’ Donuts stop, we traded the interstate for slower, more scenic roads—the kind that make a road trip feel like a road trip.
We headed out of Spartanburg along State Road 56, passing through small towns like Dutchman, Cross Anchor, and Clinton. Along the way, we made a few classic roadside stops, including the Sugar n’ Spice Drive-In neon sign and a quiet photo stop near Pauline.
Continuing along State Road 39 into Saluda, we picked up US 178 through Batesburg and Pelion, eventually passing through the town of North, South Carolina—one of those quirky geographic names that always makes you do a double take.
From there, we followed US 321 through a string of small towns—Livingston, Neeses, Norway, and Denmark—where a vintage Coca-Cola mural caught our attention. In Olar, we stopped to photograph an old gas station for sale, the kind of place that feels frozen in time.
By the time we reached Sycamore, Fairfax, Estill, and finally Hardeeville, we were ready. Latitude Margaritaville had officially come into view—and just like that, we had arrived.
April 21, 2025 – Settling In
The day was all about easing into Margaritaville life. Time with Alan & Carie, a grocery run to Publix, and simply enjoying the laid-back rhythm of the community. No rush, no agenda—just being there.
April 22, 2025 – Island Time & Hilton Head
After another Dunkin’ run and lunch with Alan & Carie, we headed back to the model home park. It’s always fun to walk through the different homes, seeing the layouts and décor—each one adding a little more inspiration.
That evening, we made our way to Hilton Head Island for dinner at the Sea Shack with Alan & Carie, along with Jad and Diane. The fried clams and fries were a standout—simple, classic, and exactly what you want near the coast.
After dinner, we headed to Coligny Beach Park for a short walk along the shore. By chance, we ran into Jad and Diane again, and the night continued at the Tiki Hut right on the beach. Ocean breeze, live music, and good company—it was one of those nights that just falls into place.
April 23, 2025 – Wildlife & Beaufort
We set out for a day of exploring, starting at the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. It didn’t disappoint—we spotted alligators, a broad-headed skink, a great egret, and an anhinga. The mix of wetlands and wildlife made for a memorable start to the day.
From there, we headed to Beaufort, South Carolina, parking near Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park along the Beaufort River. A walk over to Bay Street led us to lunch at Q on Bay, followed by some browsing through local shops.
Stops included Beaufort River Glass, The Spice & Tea Exchange (fun to realize we have one back home in New Albany), Cook on Bay—filled with unique kitchen gadgets—and Kilwins for fudge and ice cream, a tradition we’ve enjoyed since visiting MackinawCity.
Beaufort had that perfect coastal charm—relaxed, scenic, and easy to enjoy at your own pace.
April 24, 2025 – One More Day in Paradise
Another easygoing day—coffee, time with Alan & Carie, and soaking up the last full day in Margaritaville. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones.
Friday, April 25, 2025 – Heading North
After one last Dunkin’ stop, we began the journey home, heading north through Ridgeland and along Highway 278. Along the way, we made a stop near the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage to photograph another old gas station—one last roadside find before leaving the coast.
We continued through Pineland, Estill, and into Georgia, stopping at the Georgia Welcome Center near the Savannah River. Built in 1960 with a mid-century modern style, it felt like a fitting stop for us—equal parts travel and nostalgia.
From there, we passed through Hiltonia, Sardis, and Waynesboro, with a stop at Pineland Bakery for fresh baked goods. In Wrens, we couldn’t pass up Stuckey’s for snacks—another classic roadside staple.
By evening, we arrived at Nantahala Village Resort in North Carolina. Dinner at Tommy’s Paradise across the street was… memorable in its own way. Not the highlight of the trip, but part of the experience nonetheless.
April 26, 2025 – Mountains, Rivers & The Road Home
The morning started with a small detour—we accidentally headed the wrong direction on US 19—but it led us to a pedestrian bridge over the Nantahala River, so we called it a win and made the stop.
Back on track, we followed US 19 through Bryson City, tracing the Tuckasegee River, then the Oconaluftee River into Cherokee. We grabbed coffee at Sugar Bear’s and stopped at the Southwest store for souvenirs.
Cherokee brought a couple of classic roadside sights, including the Pink Motel’s neon sign and another Wigwam-style sign—both reminders of the kind of Americana we’re always drawn to.
From there, we followed US 441 through the Smoky Mountains, stopping at overlooks like Charles Webb and Newfound Gap. We even stepped onto the Appalachian Trail for a short walk—nothing major, but enough to say we did it (again).
Continuing through Gatlinburg and into Pigeon Forge, we stopped at The Island and kept the Margaritaville theme going with a meal at Margaritaville Restaurant. Of course, we couldn’t leave without picking up a few items for our tiki-inspired living room back home.
After that, it was time to head home—retracing our interstate route, but bringing back another set of memories, stories, and roadside moments that made the trip what it was.
🔗 Related Links
- Finding Our Own Margaritaville: A Road Trip Story That Changed Us
- The Trip That Started It All: Car Camping to Margaritaville
- What’s Not to Love? The Next Chapter in Our Margaritaville Story
- Back to Margaritaville: How a One-Week Trip Turned Into a Month-Long Stay
- Margaritaville for a Month: First Stop in Pigeon Forge
- COMING SOON:
- Living the Good Life at Margaritaville: Food, Friends, and Everyday Moments
- Day trips to Savannah, Charleston, Beaufort, and more
- The road trip stops along the way
- And how the music became part of the story
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