in downtown Charlotte, it is the highest-rated museum in the city, boasting 4.5 stars out of 161 reviews on Yelp. Several artifacts were found inside, however they are no longer on site. ($): For lunch, you cant go wrong with this Chicago eatery! The mission of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is to reveal stories of freedoms heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times challenging and inspiring everyone to take courageous steps of freedom today. This place was on my short bucket list and I was not disappointed at all! Inaugurated in 2004, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center pays tribute to the struggle for freedom of American slaves who escaped from bondage by crossing the Ohio River from the South. You will get wet when you walk behind the falls so wear a poncho or rain coat if you have one! Since opening in 1973, the phenomenal theme park has entertained generations of families from the Carolinas. In the epicenter of downtown Greenville, this stunning 32-acre oasis is a joy to wander. or get a budget Best place to stay in Lexington while attending the Rolex 3 day event? Hyatt Regency Louisville The building, designed by Boora Architects of Portland and Blackburn Architects of Indianapolis, features three pavilions that celebrate the courage, cooperation, and perseverance of our freedom fighters. Charlotte's Hall of Fame is definitely the stop of choice for NASCAR enthusiasts, with Glory Road's banked ramp that simulates a racetrack. The website iExit is perfect for all of that and more. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Centerbrings to life the importance and relevance of struggles for freedom around the world and throughout history. Racing fans are on cloud nine when they visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, North Carolina. Other popular stops include Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Market Square, and Keeneland Association Inc. We enjoyed both gift shops. Other than that a nice souvenir shops and a great fireworks selection. The gorgeous building showcases iconic and legendary race cars once a part of NASCAR racing. The views are breath taking. You could check out National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and Maker's Mark Distillery, or the always popular James B. Beam Distilling Co.! A great experience amazing staff but I do recommend if you travel during cooler/cold temps especially with rain bring a BLANKET & heavy jacket for open cars. We will be back. *Lovely gift shop with lots of items for sale with all their different brand logos. Tallulah Gorge State Park is beautiful, well-maintained, and incredibly enjoyable. to try this iconic destination for breakfast. Just punch in Point A and Point B into the application and Roadtrippers will show you what routes are available plus highly rated points of interest, restaurants, cafes, and hotels along the way. This sets the scene for the laid-back Pawleys Island with its 40 kph speed limit, gorgeous beaches and attractions on and off of the water. Racing fans galore will love to explore all of the interactive exhibits, including racing simulators, racing artifacts, and a one-of-a-kind theater with in-car feeds from some of the worlds top drivers. See gas prices, accommodation options, Wi-Fi availability, and restaurants all conveniently compiled on one page. Along the way stop at Muscatatuck Wildlife Refuge, which boasts a whopping 8,000 acres of wetlands and nature. They also have a generous military discount which is always appreciated. Myrtle Beach is full of attractions, home to 14 distinct communities and 60 miles of sand along the Atlantic Ocean. ($$): Tuck into breakfast at this Louisville destination, a midwestern chain specializing in hearty American food. Keep on coming back to this wonderland. Very windy up there. I was able to pick up the tickets with ease and hd plenty of time to look around before boarding the train. J was a great raft guide, and was super knowledgeable of the area. The structure's exterior is wrapped in travertine stone and copper. The hiking portion was enjoyable because they would stop to show us things in nature giving us a breather and knowledge to take home with us! We had such a great time on our white water rafting adventure. Thanks Lacey! Rooms are comfy with nice little extras. and delicious bourbon. Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. After some heavy snow days in Chicago land we started our road trip on 22nd of December. For starters, the cost was reasonable to say the least. I would definitely do this tour again, and would recommend French Broad Adventures to anyone looking to add a little bit of adrenaline to your trip. Not as big as the Nashville zoo, but they just seem to have better Layout /Exhibits / Lot of places to stop and rest with benches, Picnic tables. You can drive from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. Seasonal, family-friendly amusement park featuring towering roller coasters, waterslides & more. Rustic corn-whiskey distillery brewing moonshine in copper stills & offering tours. Staffs were nice and attentive , on location guards are available , there is a decent crowd / queue for water slide. If your loved one is crazy about cars, you must take her to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Finally, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is your destination after driving about 180 miles (280 km) or 3.5 hours. You can also take your pet on the trails. Staff is very helpful. Including one of the worlds tallest and fastest roller coasters. Tennessee Homemade Wines takes pride in the fact that their produce they use is local, and their wine is locally processed. The story of slavery in America is told at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, which is a fantastic museum right on the river in downtown Cincinnati. The museum opened in 2004 to share the history of the Underground Railroad and beyond. *Get your tour tickets in advance if possible. Many people left before hand. This temple to American motor sport is a fuel-injected ride of exciting events, high octane theater (you'll watch pulse-racing action on a 64 foot screen), and gleaming marvels of engineering. The drive from Chicago to Myrtle Beach is 945 miles (1520 km). Columbia (18 answers) Tennessee Homemade Wines is a winery that produces and stocks locally crafted wine using locally-sourced fruits. There you can buy snacks, drinks, extra shirts and jackets if you needs it. Since Cincy is around 650 miles away, I would save the lodging money . An ideal resort in this part of Kentucky is the Grand Victorian Inn. Tucked away along the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is home to a spectacular civil rights museum; The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. We went on a weekday morning last fall and it was a zoo. Allow yourself a couple of hours to explore the museum, which has plenty to offer both adults and kids. They have all kinds of flavors, including blackberry, apple, and peach. Continue south and you'll soon arrive in Louisville, another great city to enjoy. Jerry user. The city unsurprisingly played a huge role in both abolitionism and the Underground Railroad. Complete with over 60 rides and attractions, live entertainment, authentic regional cuisine and Carolina hospitality - you'll see why Carowinds is frequently recognized as one of the best theme parks in the nation. This charming hotel, rich with history, is just a 15 minute drive from the entrance of Mammoth Cave National Park, so it will be easy to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a few hours. I'd recommend avoiding the main part of the park and hiking the Profile Trail to Calloway Peak. How soon do you need to insure a new car? Simply input in your two cities and Travelmath will tell you the biggest cities or most popular destinations to stop in along the way, along with the distance and time between each one. The quickest of the two takes you via West Virginia and spans a distance of 995 miles and around 16 hours and 35 minutes to drive. My experience may have been slightly different considering the theme/event selected for our train ride. For NASCAR fans and families alike, its one of the coolest places to see in Charlotte. *Many picturesque spots with lots of bronze statuary to take some great group photos. Definitely keeping it on hand next time I'm there, which will hopefully be next year. We spent all three days at the beach, and avoided all other attractions, shows, museums etc. The view is breathtaking. : Once you get to Louisville, explore on foot before dipping into this museum for a primer on baseball history. There is a trail to follow that leads to different angles to see the waterfall. Famous musicians like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and June Carter, and Patsy Cline are all lifelong members. It will even calculate the estimated cost of driving! The tour guide was knowledgeable and it was fun to learn. , which rises almost 200 feet into the night sky and provides incomparable views of the beach. Everything was organized, safe and fun. A fun experience in the gift shop is that you can buy an unsealed bottle and dip it in the wax yourself. Parked 8 bikes easy! Explore one of the Carolinas' most beloved sports at this interactive museum dedicated to all things NASCAR. Walk the paved path with handrails with gorgeous views all the way. The Liberty Bridge, designed by the architect Miguel Mosales, has become an iconic symbol of our town. Continue on I-70 before taking Exit 33A to join Interstate 75 (I-75) South to make a quick visit to Wright Brother National Museum, a great attraction for history buffs. Gatlinburg is the most popular city on the route it's 9 hours from Chicago and 7 hours from Myrtle Beach. Rejoin I-65 south and follow the road to Nashville, the capital of country music. It features up to 10 miles of towing plus jump starts, tire changes, fuel deliveries, and more. Casey and Ashley were excellent tour guides that knew a lot about the formations and answered all of your questions. Sited on the Ohio River banks where many escaping slaves crossed during their journeys north, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center stands as a solemn and significant tribute to all whove fought and continue to fight for liberty and independence around the world. The employees are well informed about the distilling process and where the fruit comes from, as well as the different kinds of wines. French Broad Chocolate Lounge Its known for a vibrant arts scene and historic architecture, including the dome-topped Basilica of Saint Lawrence. I definetly recommend this attraction . One of the friendliest environments I have ever been in. For a day of limitless family fun you can take the children to Carowinds amusement park. Yes! Hope you enjoy it, as we did. Charlotte is a major city and commercial hub in North Carolina. Much better atmosphere than my visit back in November 2021. Wicked Weed Brewing (6 mentions) A very nice recreation area. One of North Carolinas most beloved amusement parks, Carowinds is a family-friendly attraction with a variety of rides that will make any thrill-seeker happy. Clay is buried at the Lexington Cemetery, which has an arboretum, lakes and a Romanesque gatehouse. 9 minutes off the main route, 77% of way to Myrtle Beach. Each concert will support a different nonprofit each week as well. The National Underground Railroad Center, located near The Banks, is a history museum with a variety of displays about the Underground Railroad. You will make a stop in a small town where you can grab a beer or 5 and a bite if you're not pleased by the meals served on board. The Gatlinburg location is referred to as The Holler, so youll know youre in the right place!. The museum sits just beside the Ohio River, the natural barrier that separated slave states from free states. It boasts of recipes passed down from original Ole Smoky families, who were among the first people to step foot in the region. The building, which is built similar to a race track, features exhibits honoring NASCAR drivers and crew chiefs, owners, and broadcasters. : Get some rest at this historic building that opened in 1924 and offers warm, cozy accommodations at good rates. Enjoy and definitely Good Luck! We were told most people get through this in about 2 1/2 hours. local activities and attractions to check out: Want to plan out your whole trip? The guide also said that there were flint formations inside the cavern as well that were used to create arrowheads. and leave at 3:05 pm. Its a charming cafe that offers healthy meals and an extensive cocktail list. We went with a group of 6 and everyone had a blast! Try to plan your trip at a time when there are no Reds games so you aren't competing for parking. Seeing the evolution of the American made motorcycle. The NASCAR Hall of Fame will open to members on Sept. 12-13 and to the general public on Sept. 16 at reduced capacity. We definitely took advantage of their amazing selection and sales. Join Interstate 26 (I-26) East, driving past Flat Rock and crossing into South Carolina. The park hosts an impressive fifty seven rides,. What a gorgeous race track. We visited in December 23. When you visit, you can take in the excitement of the racing season, learn more about the history of the track, and peruse the equestrian-themed gifts and souvenirs in the Keeneland Shop. They do stop for a couple of breathers on the way up to give you a spot to catch your breath. Every May, its race course Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby, a renowned horse race whose long history is explored at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The attendant was very helpful, knowledgeable, and Super Sweet. The Downtown Art District is filled with galleries and museums, and in the nearby River Arts District, former factory buildings house artists' studios. Carowinds is a fantastic place where romantic couples can unleash the passion and sportier side within them by going for the crazy rides. Gatlinburg In reality, it was a persons house for each location with a sign in front stating what we should imagine it to be. If we ever come back to the area I would definitely go back again! Loaded with NASCAR history, it provides many areas that will make your photos special. Known for its vibrant local culture, it's also home to the sprawling and historic Biltmore estate, the eclectic Folk Art Museum and endless breweries, including the famed New Belgium Brewing Company. Its known for horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks like Keeneland. Turned out it was much better than I expected. It is fitting the museum calls Cincinnati home as it is where thousands of slaves crossed the Ohio River to freedom. Carowinds is one of the East Coast's largest family amusement parks. Best place to stay and we are already planning to return. 242 Poverty Branch Rd, Barnardsville, NC 28709, USA. find the closest city to your stopping point to look for hotels, The top stops along the way from Chicago to Myrtle Beach (with short detours) are Falls Park on the Reedy, Carowinds, and Ole Smoky Moonshine. What a blast! We'd recommend taking a minimum of between three and four days to complete this trip. Gatlinburg is the most popular city on the route it's 9 hours from Chicago and 7 hours from Myrtle Beach. We parked downtown and took advantage of the free 2-hour street parking - it was about a half mile walk. There are plenty! We decided to give it a closer look in harsh winter when the temperatures were almost touching zero degree centigrade. You can just visit a distillery like Ole Smoky Moonshine. If youre looking for something with a kick, try their Sour Apple or White Lightnin flavors. This classy venue offers live horse racing events & lush surroundings for visitors. Pros: Gorakhpur to Pokhara | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Rocky Mountain National Park | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna. 38,000-sq.-ft. museum housing 300+ rare motorcycles, with related exhibits, photos & memorabilia. With freezing temperature, and some sun, at the beach we enjoyed sea foods, fries and few drinks here and there. There were lots of different types of formations and most of them are still growing. 21 minutes off the main route, 59% of way to Myrtle Beach. Also, looking to go to DC after the 14th, looking for suggestions for that too before we head back to Chicago. questions about Louisville: One of their most popular flavors is Blueberry Bammer. Two things immediately come to mind when you say Kentucky: bourbon and horses. How long is the drive from Chicago, IL to Myrtle Beach, SC? Enjoy some beautiful views and interesting landscapes along the way. This is an incredible ode to American motoring history. Its located just outside the city in historic downtown Beloit. Word of caution for cave goers. Know Myrtle Beach? Travel questions & answers. Routes are easy to share via email or social media but there's no way to edit your starting and ending points nor is there a way to accommodate multiple stops. The tasting was so good! Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Chicago to Myrtle Beach. The Afterburn roller coaster gives riders the impression of actually flying a fighter jet. Theres nothing worse than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire, cracked windshield, or an empty tank. We divided our drive in two parts. You can also take a tour of their distillery to learn more about the moonshine making process! They tasting consisted of 5 pours. Nice drive in. The tasting was good 4 small pours but that is legal standard. At exit 109A follow US-421 and then I-40, making a stop at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro. 9:12 pm arrive in North Myrtle Beach. Lexington (28 answers) 930 miles. Very windy so you have to watch your step. Restaurants reservations by destination. Guided tours offer and inside look at racing artifacts, exclusive stories and so much more. route with multiple stops. Parking was great, no issues getting in or out however, we did stay until all races were done. In the 1700s, settlers moved into the areas now known as Townsend and nearby Cades Cove. Uptown is also known for the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which celebrates the sport of auto racing through interactive exhibits and films. Camping along the way? All staff were, pleasant and helpful. According to the United States Census Bureau, the consolidated population of Indianapolis and Marion County in 2020 was 977,642. There will be crowd on weekends , for each round expected 15 mins waiting time but you will not feel bored since you will be watching others slide and it is fun to watch. There were a few places where there was a low overhang but nothing too strenuous to deal with. ($$-$$$): Enjoy breakfast at this spot in Indianapolis, dubbed a "student union for adults." Situated along the French Broad River and surrounded by hills, Asheville oozes charm. Join I-73 before merging with I-74 to Exit 319. A low waterfall down a 60-ft.-long rock makes for a natural slide at this unique swimming hole. Shes the best and will help you out. While it's the longer of the two routes, you'll be taken through Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, taking in the splendor of Asheville, past the Mammoth Cave and plenty of stunning forests before arriving at Myrtle Beach. The Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery is famous for its original unaged corn whiskey. I strongly suggest that you visit the bar around back before you go into the gift shop. This place is "Starting" to grow on me. If that's not enough, guests also have access to the Adelaide Spa and the Asheville Treetops and Adventure Park which offers zip-lining, mountain biking and other activities. restaurants around Louisville: We went on a Sunday and it was insanely busy. Interactive museum with film, animation & multimedia exhibits focused on slavery in America. Youll find loads of iconic spotsand a fair few hidden gemsas you head southeast! In this authentic moonshine still you can learn the history of Tennessee moonshine and experience the distilling process from beginning to end. Picturesque park with waterfall views, a curved suspension bridge & many acres of gardens. ($$): Theres no better dinner spot for you to finish your day in Nashville. Coming here is one of the most fun things to do in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is 383 miles from Chicago, and you will find it during your trip to Myrtle Beach. Try to go by a scenic route. Or get a full Chicago to Myrtle Beach flight plan. Despite that the eatery was open, there were rangers directing traffic and at the gate. Your total trip with all stops is around 950 miles / 1520 km, taking roughly 16.5 hours for the whole trip. Also, where to stop over night on the drive there, a mid way point. We visited on a Sunday and even got to chat with the owner, Matt. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is a US organization for racing cars sport. 9:00 am start in Chicagodrive for about 2.5 hours, 11:41 am Crawfordsville Considered more than a museum, this entertainment facility is a high-tech venue that's impressive even for non-NASCAR fans. Amazing!! It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. drive for about 3 hours. The atmosphere was vibrant and the wines (cold and warm) were very good. People from all over the state will tell you that this green oasis in the heart of the city is one of the most relaxing and beautiful urban environments in all of South Carolina. Find the best place to stop on your next road trip. Greenville is a city in South Carolina. The Trippy halfway point tool automatically calculates the exact midpoint along a route, but it also searches for the best place to actually stop based on recommendations from Trippy members. The boxcar that we were on was warm and had enough space to walk around and find our seat. The NASCAR Hall of Fame honors drivers who have shown exceptional skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs and owners, and other major. However, if you only need the halfway point MeetWays works in an additional how 115 countries. The museum is located downtown near the Ohio River, and permanent exhibits include "Slave Pen," "Escape! Your email will not be provided to third parties. We had a wonderful time at Tennessee Homemade Wines in downtown Gatlinburg. Straddling the North Carolina South Carolina state line is the awesome Carowinds amusement park, which lies on the outskirts of Charlotte. I live in Chicago and it is a 1,000 mile drive. A longer route via Nashville is further at 1,095 miles and takes 17 hours and 30 minutes to drive. Carowinds covers an enormous area of over 400 acres and includes one of the countrys highest and fastest roller coasters, the Fury 325 try it if you dare. Such a great experience on the tour. Although this option is shorter, it passes less well-known cities. Above all, we found the horse betting is a lot like March Madness, there is no crystal ball on who will win so picking your favorite name or cool color is definitely a strategy . Although, you can use the elevator to go up the chimney rock but since we also brought the puppies, we opt to climb the stairs from the bottom all the way up to the falls view. This stop excels where others fail. Have Fun! Not only will you be able to include a couple of great overnight stops along the way, but you'll also get to enjoy those fantastic views and iconic cities. 11 minutes off the main route, 73% of way to Myrtle Beach. Our guide Devin was fun and very well informed on the cave history etc. halfway point The road is very narrow so you have to be careful. While photographing a conference in Greenville I got to walk around and enjoy the park during one of the breaks. Ole Smoky Moonshine is Americas most visited moonshine distillery. Plan along with your friends with live syncing and collaborative editing. To reach the midway point from Myrtle Beach to Chicago, you would drive for about 7 hours, 34 minutes or roughly 476 miles from Chicago to the halfway stop. With locations in both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, youre never far from an Ole Smoky Moonshine whenever youre in the Smokies!. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. No long forms. You cant visit Tennessee without trying some authentic Tennessee moonshine!. Ole Smoky Moonshine is probably the most popular place to go to taste moonshine. Things to do and places to eat/drink during girls weekend? Fortunately we were able to switch seats and sit together. A post shared by Carowinds (@carowindspark) on Oct 2, 2017 at 3:59pm PDT. See alsoIris Bookcafe is a Coffee and Book Lovers' Paradise. 865-412-1030. Even if your visit does not coincide with a race meeting at the Charlotte Motor Speedway you can still give your children a taste of race day magic by visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame. And if you have a car lover like I do, this will definitely win you all the cool points!. I cant recommend it enough! But the most fun had to be the pit lane simulator where you physically have to do a pit stop on a car. Glory Roadan exhibit that honors iconic moments, people, and tracks in racingfeatures eighteen vehicles that are a perfect backdrop for any race lover. Whether you attend one of the many events Carowinds puts on during the year or just go on a regular day, you are sure to have a blast. It features tons of fresh ingredients, delicious eats, and a warm atmosphere. What an incredible experience that was chatting with him about the collection and watching him fire up one the bikes. This is definitely a trip that requires some rest along the way, so why not take advantage of the drive and get the most out of every stop? The views are spectacular. When it opened in 2010, it was one of four licensed distilleries in the state and the first federally licensed in eastern Tennessee. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Chicago, IL to Myrtle Beach, SC. I cant list the best Charlotte, NC attractions for families without mentioning the NASCAR Hall of Fame. They do have sell some allocated bourbon in lower gift shop, but like all bourbon at many times sold out. Will definitely have to come back some time for their spelunking tour. Chicago to Myrtle Beach road trip, or go to the main page to Where to stay from Chicago to Indianapolis. You dont have to be a NASCAR fan to enjoy this museum, although many NASCAR enthusiasts find the NASCAR Hall of Fame to be a particularly thrilling experience. Stayed in one of the single queen cottages. Continue heading east through Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests before arriving at Columbia. Featuring over 20 different types of Smoky Mountain moonshine, theres something for everyone at Ole Smoky. I would recommend this visiting. It definitely worth the trip here. Join a Race Viewing Party with surround sound and immersive visuals. Love the Dog run by the Public restrooms. stop when planning a long road trip from one location to another. This is a great option for an overnight rest since there's an abundance of local attractions, as well as fantastic live music to enjoy. Operating hours will be from 10 a.m. Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsport complex located in Concord, North Carolina which features a 1.5 mi quad oval track. Unlike other cities on the rust belt', Columbus has a reputation as a hip city that attracts a younger crowd. Just happened to see a sign and decided to detour and check it out. Right when you get off the elevator, there is a another gift shop. Patrice J. Williams is a travel and style content creator, fact-checker and author of the thrift shopping book.