chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops

You can also catch Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg, a festival of Bavarian food, drink, and music accompanied by the fabulous Smoky Mountains Oompah band. Amtrak is a rail service that connects the US and three Canadian provinces. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. After a quick pit-stop at Louisville, KY to feed our V8 engine hauling us; we had lunch at Taco Bell in Lexington city. Each state has a DOT that gives a list of current construction projects. Alert: This site requires a JavaScript enabled browser. Additionally, it contains an archive of documents and Historical photographs. May consider driving around. Wearing a face mask on public transport in Smoky Mountains is recommended. A road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will take you to one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit, through some of the most majestic mountain scenery, taking in many interesting attractions along the way. web site are responsible for checking the accuracy, completeness, currency and/or suitability of all information. We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.This information is compiled from official sources. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We are travelling from Canada to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Theres also six underground zip lines that make up the worlds only fully underground zip line course. For travel flexibility, you can board or get off a Greyhound bus at official Greyhound stations, partner stations and curbside stops. It is about 20-30 minutes from Lexington. Hello my husband and I will be traveling with our 11month old from Chicago to Hilton Head Island on Saturday, May 14th and trekking back on Saturday, May 21st. Stop 1: Sevierville Distance from Knoxville: 29 miles Pay homage to the great Dolly Parton at her Dollywood theme park. Chooseyouractivities and places to visit. United Airlines, Delta and Alaska Airlines, Inc. fly from Chicago to Smoky Mountains every 2 hours. When you board one of Pink Adventure Tours signature pink Jeep Wranglers, youll soak up more information than you thought possible on your Smoky Mountains tour. By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Famous for the Kentucky Derby, and the birthplace of Muhammad Ali. Take an architectural boat tour to get a strong sense of the citys past and present. Hotels are already set in said places as we had points. Check out our best short vacation ideas for Gatlinburg to get started! Lexington is a great town. Rome2rio makes travelling from Chicago to Smoky Mountains easy. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. There is currently construction on I-65 N after you exit I-265. Indiana area. Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. The treeless Dollar caters primarily to beginner and lower intermediate skiers; the primary mountain for advanced skiers is Bald Mountain, or "Baldy", next to the city of Ketchum. After making the journey to reach the Smokies, which in itself is an excellent road trip, make the most of this magical mountain wonderland by taking an excursion through the park to fully explore this magnificent landscape. Fly Chicago O'Hare to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum, Fly Chicago Midway to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum, Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC), Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage & Ski Museum, There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres. Experience a Gatlinburg vacation packed with fun by scheduling things around these extraordinary Gatlinburg events in 2023! The 2 bridges on I -65 are toll bridges. Leaving Lexington, take the I-75 S heading through the rugged landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the biggest rock-climbing destinations in the world, before continuing on to Knoxville. After cruising through the few miles of the road which meanders along the Little River, we parked here and spent couple of hours on the river, enjoying the stream of cool flowing water. From here, take the I-95 S for the final stretch of the journey which will take you to Miami. Other than that, you can hit the open road whenever you feel like it. Users of this Finally, before heading to Miami, take a trip to Tampa and witness the wonderful museums, historic Ybor City neighborhood, and the fabulous Busch Gardens. From Nashvillehead toward Chattanooga then Atlanta. Jays Potato Chip factory. Walk along sloped decks, see the grand staircase, touch an iceberg and witness hundreds of original artifacts. We did the following in a 4 day trip: rafting at Lower Pigeon River; hiking at Laurel Falls; visiting Cades Cove, Gatlinburg downtown including Skylift and The Little River Scenic Drive. But to truly experience Louisville, you need to go underground. Prepare yourself for the best Smokies vacation possible with your favorite people by knowing what to pack when going to the mountains! These medium and long distance intercity services operate at speeds of up to 240km/h, to more than 500 destinations. The main route is red, while the alternative route is in blue. You can easily avoid the smaller roads that go through the Smoky Mountains From Nashville.head toward Chattanooga then Atlanta. The Mega Cavern underneath Louisville, Ky. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Smoky Mountains right here. Newfound Gap. Started in the 1960s, this parkway is still a work in progress with only sections of the 72 miles stretch completed. Smoky Mountains is 1h behind Chicago. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. The Lewis and Clark Bridge (toll) is on I-265. An important thing to know is the citys name is actually pronounced Luhlville by the locals and everyone else in Kentucky. The I-40 corridor between Asheville to TN is steep and in Knoxville, you get on I-75 which will also have a steep incline until you get to KY . Stayed in Chattanooga for two nights and saw the sights there, then ended up in Gatlinburg for two or three nights. chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops. Also it helped us to party hard every night when we came back tired from the sight seeing and outdoor activities. Your email address will not be published. Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November. This blogging bear loves sharing the Smoky Mountains with everyone. For an incredible scenic drive, take the two-lane Foothills Parkway located off Hwy. Streams, rivers and waterfalls appear along hiking routes that include a segment of the Appalachian Trail. If you're going on a road trip from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Chicago, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Pigeon Forge . It will allow you to relax, unwind, and be fully refreshed before continuing your drive. Catch a tour from Pigeon Forge. Fans of all ages can take a nostalgic journey through musical history with the hits of Stevie Wonder to the Temptations, and many more. Meet our new guest blogger! Be sure to enjoy the magnificent 23 miles of Daytona Beach and experience the thrill of the many theme parks of Orlando. The road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has so much to offer and we advise taking at least three days to make the trip, but even then, it will still be impossible to explore everything on this route. During my years living in Illinois, I took numerous road trips from Chicago. A popular area in the northern part of the forest is Red River George and Natural Bridge SP, in the southern end, Cumberland Falls SP. A total of 2,448 miles (3,940km) weave, wind, rise and dip through . Pass through the Woods Ferry conservation area before heading east onto the I-10 towards Jacksonville. The population was 1,406 at the 2010 census, down from 1,427 in 2000. It is important to allow time to enjoy the many amazing attractions and places along the way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The series is called If Trees Could Sing, and its the result of a Metro Parks and The Nature Conservancy partnership. The social distance requirement in Smoky Mountains is 2 metres. A Smoky Mountain road trip is the perfect summer family vacation getaway in America's Appalachian Mountains. The top stops along the way from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (with short detours) are Horseshoe Hammond, Louisville Mega Cavern, and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The Little River Scenic Drive was at a few minutes drive from Laurel Falls and it is best to visit them together. READ MORE - Road Trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Sherman Minton on I-64 is toll free but the bridge is currently under construction. Ghoomaphirna is all about passion for travel and road trips. Kat_Cubs_fan - We will probably go through Indianapolis, Louisville & Lexington. If you plan to check out the city, the Hyatt Centric Downtown is a fabulous place to stay. Misty Morning at Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountain National Park Photo: Jonathan Hill. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta and United Airlines offer flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sun Valley/Hailey/Ketchum Airport. If you saw the 1975 movie Nashville, youll recognize this iconic structure. long term rentals in vilcabamba, ecuador; celebrity fight night; chicago to smoky mountains road trip stops Additionally, you clear your favorites list by clicking "remove all" on the favorites bar. The road climbs some 3,000 feet along the edge of the mountain, and passes through a stunning number of . The Skylift ride, the glass bridge glimmering with the kaleidoscopic views of the city, everything seemed magical in the nocturnal obscurity. Alternatively, you may use, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Forum, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tourism, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hotels, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Rentals, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Vacation Packages, Flights to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Restaurants near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Things to Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos, Great Smoky Mountains National Park Travel Guide. The one time i took 65, i left VERY early (5.30 AM) and beat the morning rush if you get out early on a saturday morn, you SHOULD be OK, but you'll still encounter a lot of trucks. IMO, the few advantages of 65 over 57 is it's about 30 or 40 miles shorter (big whip if you get stuck in traffic), it's more scenic (57 doesn't start getting interesting till southern ILL), and it allows you to circumvent downtown nashville more easily as traffic there can be just as bad as chicago at times. but since you're stopping there one of the ways, it's a moot point. second the chattanooga traffic comment we just passed thru there over t-giving and it was HORRIBLE, and there's no viable way to get around the city because it's surrounded by mountains. also, about a half hour north of chattanooga along I-24 is the monteagle pass.. it's one of the steepest stretches of interstate i've ever experienced and best done during the day.. people fly up and down that stretch, so be aware of that since there are some pretty decent turns on it as well. if it's been raining, there are some pretty cool waterfalls (albeit man-made as they tumble down the road cut) along the way, but watch your speed! First, 10 hours of driving takes a lot of energy and time you might rather want to use for enjoying your visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here are five reasons why you should. Continue south on the I-65 for a further 115 miles, through rolling hills of horse country, crossing the famous Ohio River to arrive at Louisville. After spending few hours in Oakridge, we continued our driving and entered into Smoky Mountain park from the Gatlinburg side and drove around Gatlinburg city for some time before going to our rental home that we had booked up in the mountains. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, and their signature heavenly bed will ensure the perfect restorative sleep, so you are fully refreshed and ready for the day of adventure ahead. It was supposed to be 3 and half hours of drive, but as we were nearing mountains, we noticed huge traffic again and it took us almost 5 hours to cover the 190 miles drive from our hotel to Smokey Mountains park. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. It was almost 10:30 PM by the time we got off the Skylift and finding food was a huge pain at that time in Gatlinburg. Leaving Louisville, take the Interstate 64 E into the heart of Bluegrass Country, and after 80 miles, you will arrive at Lexington. this is the wonderful thing about Tripadvisor one can learn so much from others! Start in Chicago and head down along the historic Route 66 to reach St. Louis, the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways, and the Ozarks Mountains. Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the national park due to its plentiful wildlife and many historic buildings you can explore. Typically 84 flights run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. It is moments away from the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Centennial Olympic Park. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this outdoor concert venue has 4,000 fixed seats and room for an additional 7,000 people on the Great Lawn. If just stopping for the night with no plans to sightsee, the same advice would apply: stay near an interchange. When using our "search" feature, you can make a list of favorites. Chicago may be the best city in America to take road trips from, so there are endless possibilities for car vacations. Forgot to mention leaving Chicago around 4am on Saturday morning so baby can hopefully sleep for most part to Nashville Ill of course plan to stop a few times alone the way. Gatlinburg sky lift, Gatlinburg scenic overlook, Gatlinburg space needle were some of teh other attractions that we covered in the Gatlinburg town. Wheres the best place to start exploring this city that sits on the turquoise shores of Lake Michigan? Road trips don't come more iconic than Route 66, which makes its way from Santa Monica in California to Chicago, Illinois. Head east to Hilton Head. Tip: If you are a vegetarian, best to carry your own food or plan ahead with the restaurants where you want to eat. And the glass bridge was totally worth the hype! From Gatlinburg, take the US-441 south to Cherokee and then join the US-23 passing through Franklin and Tallulah Falls, continuing for 197 miles as you make your way into the Deep South and the city of Atlanta. The mountain town of Pigeon Forge in eastern Tennessee is a must for fans of Dolly Parton, as it's where her Appalachian-themed Park Dollywood is located. Donna Sapolin January 30, 2021 Take the scenic route from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Asheville, North Carolina and soak up the majestic beauty of mountains dressed in winter white. Columbus, IN is known for their architecture. Simply provide a contact name and email so that we can reach you. There are around 230 Greyhound stations across the US where you can both catch your bus and buy tickets, that are also available on the official website and via the mobile app. May be Tripadvisorcan be a good and reliable source for planning what all attractions you want to cover in Smoky Mountains National Park. Consider Nashville Chattanooga Cloudland Canyon State Park Report inappropriate content Nancy B 10 posts 3. The hotel is conveniently located in Whiskey Row close to the city's main attractions. The inclusion of this information does not imply endorsement by Cabins USA Gatlinburg. Rent an RV with Outdoorsy There is construction in area and is sometimes down to a crawl. You can tour these facilities and learn about how world-famous Kentucky Bourbon is made! After doing an availability search for your desired vacation date, our site will produce a list of available cabins. Cabins USA Gatlinburg respects our guest's privacy and never shares this information with third-party sites. To aid you in your planning, we have compiled our own list of some of the main places to go and the best things to see along the journey. Here are our recommendations. Its bustling energy is countered by the friendliness of the people, which can catch you off-guard if you are not from the Midwest. View our suggested park itineraries. Am I allowed to travel from Chicago to Smoky Mountains? Next day morning we started after the breakfast and enjoyed driving on the beautiful highway that connects kentucky with Smokey Mountains, and passes through valleys and hills full of life. We are stopping in Nashville, TN on the way there and sleeping overnight and then stopping in Lexington Kentucky to stay overnight on the way back. The views from our cottage did not disappoint. 321 just west of Townsend 18 miles up Chilhowee Mountain. With 4 different families, and nomads from the age of one and half years to 35 years, it was truly a friends and family road trip. Through rolling hills and glorious mountain landscapes, this road trip has something for everyone. Chicago to Arches National Park, Utah | Road trip | GhoomnaPhirna, Chicago to Duluth | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna, Gorakhpur to Lumbini, Nepal | Roadtrip | Ghoomnaphirna, Chicago to Myrtle Beach | Road trip | Ghoomnaphirna. Once you get to Indy you really have two options: I-65S through Louisville or I-74E through/around Cinci and then south. The 580-mile road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. Do any of you have any suggestions for places to see along the way? Stay Why Smoky? Enjoy classic scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee or along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Re: Chicago to Naples Fl drive A road trip from Chicago to Myrtle Beach covers four distinct types of landscape: bustling cities, peaceful countryside, dramatic mountains, and sandy beaches. questions regarding any content should be directed to the appropriate organization and not necessarily to Cabins If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Shells08, what route are you taking to get to P.F.? What makes Chicago one of the best cities to visit is that it has a cosmopolitan feel with none of the attitude of similar-sized cities on the coasts. Made with polished stainless steel, the sculpture features an arch that enables you to walk under it and see your contorted reflection in the steel walls. Once you arrive at Tyson McGee, we recommend that you rent a car to drive the remaining 1 hour to the Smoky Mountains. Don't forget the annual Watch Grass Growing Festival and the ever popular See (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? March 5, 2020 Tori Peglar Leaving Atlanta, take the I-85s for 161 miles to the delightful city of Montgomery. Sign up for our newsletter! Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request. While this may seem like quite a long distance, the scenic landscape and attractions along the way will make . It is close to all the restaurants and attractions that Pigeon Forge is known for. The quickest way to get from Chicago to Smoky Mountains is to fly which costs $180-$650 and takes 6h 26m. Find all the transport options for your trip from Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains right here. Key stops are Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville, Lexington, Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg as well as Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While in the Richmond KY area, check out the new Buc-ees that just opened. Covering 21,000 route miles (34,000km) Amtrak operates more than 300 trains daily. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps . Greyhound carries around 18 million passengers a year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) a year on their fleet of around 1700 vehicles. In the bourbon capital of the world, enjoy a VIP experience and take the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You can view your selected properties by click the "favorites" tab at the top of the search bar. Geez, some people are easily amused. Currently, there is no shuttle service that connects to Gatlinburg. USA Gatlinburg. A trip to Nashville is not complete without immersing yourself in its vibrant music scene. You can easily avoid the smaller roads that go through the Smoky Mountains. I use AllTrails.com as my trail guide and have found their trail inventories well-equipped, here is the link to other hiking options at Smoky The cavern is actually man-made and offers experiences for the whole family. I simply put in directions to Waze but I would love a better understanding of current traveling conditions and tips from people that have taken this journey or familiar with the area. Chicago to Miami Road Trip Itinerary. Under the favorites tab on the search bar, you can view your selected favorites. If you're looking for some unique food to try along the way, Skyline Chili is a fast casual restaurant chain that's only based in the Ohio River valley. Another Tip: The Little River Scenic Drive is full of tiny little splash pods. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. LeConte in the Smokies, then start planning your trip to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN today! Thanks Ravekid, for all your recommendations. Rome2rio has everything you need to know about travelling with Amtrak, Rome2rios guide on the bus operator has all the information you need. Enjoy a unique dining experience in the stunning Sun Dial Restaurant, on the upper floors, offering unparalleled 360-degree views over the city. Nonetheless, It offers a panoramic view of the park and is less visited than other roads in the area. Cabins USA Gatlinburg does not endorse any of Ticket fares are divided into five subclasses: Saver, Value, Flexible, Business and Premium. We will be traveling with our dog near the end of March from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? And you can now go glamping near Gatlinburg, Tenn. Getting there can be as fun as the park itself. Rising 73 floors above downtown Atlanta, the hotel offers world-class service and impressive amenities. Get a free Great Smoky Mountains National Park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. It turns out you dont have to head to Athens, Greece, to see the Parthenon, which was completed in 432 B.C. Ordinarily, flying is a more expensive way to make it to the Smoky Mountains, but if you're coming from Chicago, you might want to consider it for several reasons. 1. Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply. I've never really stopped anywhere along the way, though I've done some research on the areas and might visit them in the future. You'll find loads of iconic spotsand a fair few hidden gemsas you head southeast! Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $220-$330 and takes 46h 9m. Since it looks like you're a baseball fan, you might enjoy the Louisville Slugger museum and factory. . Further east is Batesville, IN, and within miles a smaller city/town called Oldenburg. Look for the tree signs around the park with QR codes and web addresses. Take a walk and explore the historical Whiskey Row area with its fabulous selection of restaurants, urban distilleries, and shops. There are several bridges in the Louisville area. Continue your journey past the Gold Mine Trail, before reaching Melrose, where you will take the US-321, passing Townsend and Wears Valley before arriving back at Pigeon Forge. It was outlandish, insane and incredible trip all together. The Lincoln Bridge handles northbound traffic. It was labor day weekend of 2010, when we planned this trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, with stops and traffic, the whole drive can take up to 11 hours. customize this trip Day 1 11:00 am start in Chicago drive for about 2.5 hours 1:41 pm Crawfordsville stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:41 pm drive for about 2.5 hours 5:00 pm Sellersburg (Indiana) We are stopping in Nashville, TN on the way there and sleeping overnight and then. Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Clingmans Dom - highest point at Smoky with stunning views. Would highly recommend carrying picnic chairs and some water floats for kids to enjoy the stream. You could detour to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park if weather permitting. Road Trip from Chicago to The Great Smoky Mountains, Snow Tubing at Blackwell Forest Preserve, Warrenville, Best Spring Break Road Trips from Chicago, Road Trip from Chicago during historic Winter Storm, Road Trip from Chicago to Pensacola and Florida panhandle, Disney World Lightning Lanes + Tips and Park Planning Strategy, https://www.alltrails.com/us/tennessee/gatlinburg, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/laurel-falls2. Founded in 1995, it has collections in skiing, mining Sun Valley, sheep, and Hemingway. A third of the way into the journey, 472 miles from Chicago, Nashville is a fabulous place to visit. The state capital of Georgia also boasts awesome food, culture, and nightlife scene. They serve a unique Greek-style chili on spaghetti noodles and heaping portions of cheddar cheese you don't want to miss! Yes, travel within United States is currently allowed. www.outdoorsy.com. Tip: Rather than towing a ton of groceries from home, do it near the destination. With so many firsts in this trip, its always going to be special in our memories, and believe me Smoky mountains National Park islike that. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/tennessee/laurel-falls2. There are lots of things to do in Gary IN if you take 90. If you're planning a fly-and-drive vacation, arrive in Knoxville . Then, stretch your legs, head to the Music City Walk of Fame on Nashvilles Music Mile to see the names of accomplished artists with a Nashville connection of all musical genres. Visitors to Sun Valley are relatively close to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, accessed over Galena Summit on Highway 75, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. If you live in Chicago, IL and you want to explore some of the most gorgeous mountains in all of Appalachia, check out our guide on how to get to the Smoky Mountains from Chicago! Take as many days as you can allow to cover this impressive journey and look forward to a truly memorable road trip of a lifetime. The period between June and August is an excellent time to go on a road trip from Chicago to the Great Smoky Mountains. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its not every day that you see horses frolicking from your front-yard. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. Compare Favorites The roughly 420-mile route follows I-40 from the Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the mighty Mississippi River in the west. To make it easier for your plan, we have compiled this list of our favorite attractions along the way: The beauty of a road trip from Chicago to Miami is that you can do it at any time of the year. Smoky Mountain Brewery Trails Gatlinburg Trail.very close to Riverhouse at the Park and Bearskin Lodge Laurel Falls.very popular.try to be at trailhead by 7 AM. Making the trip in May will also appeal to sports fans, with both the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500 usually taking place at this time. This is about 9 hours and 17 minutes of driving non-stop. Explore these articles to learn more about fun e -, Make the most of your vacation in the Smoky Mountains with our tips and tricks! There are many hotels and resorts in Louisville, but none beats the elegance and beauty of Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection. It's a popular time for winter sports lovers and skiing enthusiasts and the local Christmas markets make it extra special at this magical time of year. The sprawling landscape encompases lush forests and an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. Exceptions may apply, for full details: Centers for Disease control and prevention (CDC). See the Gary Railcats stadium. Great Smoky Mountains National Parkstraddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Great Smoky Mountains costs only $133, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. We plan to then head out on mornings around 8am, Nashville to Hilton head, Hilton head to Lexington, and Lexington to Chicago. The citys Market Square is a fantastic place to spend some time as the restaurants and shops lining the area are great. Head south 4 hours and 45 minutes to Louisville, Ky. Long known for its legendary Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby and the longest continually running sporting event in the country. Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the towers feature water flowing out of an outlet, which gives the illusion that water is pouring out of the mouths of the faces appearing on each tower. They have a very, very small air museum that I've only driven by. It comes in very handy. We had rafting reservation at Lower Pigeon River which was in jeopardy thanks to a chock-a-block jam in Gatlinburg. In this car lover's heaven, be sure to visit the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.