Day 1: Fried Chicken and FDR

Orangeburg SC to Social Circle GA

We got started driving fairly early this morning at 7:30 and headed west from Orangeburg, SC, drove around Aiken, SC, and headed west on I-20 toward Atlanta. I had researched some good road food fare on Roadfood.com to avoid the ubiquitous fast food and found a recommended restaurant in Social Circle, GA, a few miles east of Atlanta and just off I-20. We arrived at the Blue Willow Inn at 11:00 am and sampled a fantastic buffet of Southern home cooking with the best fried chicken I've ever had and a selection of excellent desserts.

Social Circle GA to Warm Springs GA

We got on the road about 12:00pm and took the loop around Atlanta to I-85 south. Then we drove down Alt US 27 south to Warm Springs, GA (3:00 pm) to tour the "Little White House" where FDR sought treatment for his paralyzed legs due to polio from 1924 to 1945, and where he died on April 12, 1945.

We also stopped by the springs and pool facility which was built in 1928.

 Warm Springs GA to Auburn AL

 

After the tour, we headed west through FDR State Park (a couple of surprisingly stunning views) and back onto I-85 south and into Alabama. At 4:00 pm (now central time), we arrived in Auburn, AL, at the Hampton Inn. We took advantage of the complimentary light supper and beer at the hotel.