On the Road: Driving from Carmel to Washington

If you're planning a road trip from Carmel, Indiana to Washington, District of Columbia, you'll be happy to know that you have a few different routes to choose from. Depending on how much time you have and what kind of drive you're in the mood for, you'll find that there are options that offer beautiful scenery, interesting stops, and quicker travel times.

Route 1: I-65 S to I-70 E (826 miles, 12 hours)

This is the most direct route between the two cities, taking you straight down I-65 South to I-70 East. This route will get you there the fastest, but it's not the most scenic. You'll drive through Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati before crossing into West Virginia and arriving in Washington, D.C.

If you're traveling with kids, you may want to make some pit stops along the way. The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a great option in Louisville, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and learn a bit about baseball history. In Cincinnati, the Newport Aquarium is a fun way to spend an hour or two. And in West Virginia, you could take a short detour to visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where you can learn about the Civil War and hike some scenic trails.

Route 2: I-69 S to I-64 E (881 miles, 14 hours)

This option takes you south on I-69 to Evansville before heading east on I-64. While it's a bit longer than the first route, it offers some gorgeous scenery and a chance to drive through the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. You'll pass through cities like Louisville and Lexington before crossing into West Virginia and ultimately arriving in D.C.

If you're looking for gorgeous scenery and some fun stops that are more off the beaten path, this route is for you. The best stop on this route is Shenandoah National Park, where you can hike some fantastic trails and take in breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Route 3: I-74 E to I-75 S to I-64 E (873 miles, 14.5 hours)

This route takes you through the heart of the Midwest before heading south on I-75 to Lexington and then east on I-64. It's a bit longer than Route 1, but it offers plenty of interesting stops along the way. Cities like Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati offer lots of options for food, shopping, and entertainment, while Lexington serves as the thoroughbred horse capital of the world.

If you're traveling with kids, the Kentucky Horse Park is definitely worth a stop, where you can see all kinds of horses up close and learn more about these majestic animals. And if you're looking for some history, you could check out the Mary Todd Lincoln House or Ashland, the former home of Henry Clay.

No matter which route you choose, the drive from Carmel, Indiana to Washington, D.C. is a long one. But with some fun stops and interesting detours along the way, you can turn the journey into an adventure. So grab some snacks, make a playlist, and hit the road!