Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carmel, Indiana to West Union, South Carolina

Are you looking for an exciting road trip from Carmel, Indiana to West Union, South Carolina? This route covers around 540 miles via I-65 South and I-75 South, and takes approximately 8 hours by car. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the beauty of the Midwest and Southeast by making pit stops along the way. Here are five unexpected places to visit during your journey.

The Halfway Point: Corbin, KY

Corbin, KY is a small city about halfway through the journey, making it the perfect stop for a break. You can visit the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken. See the exhibit of his unique story and experience the origins of his global empire. You can also take a stroll at the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park and enjoy the bright moonbow at night.

Favorite food: Hot Browns at Colonel’s Deli

1. Nashville, TN

Nashville, TN, is around 4 hours from Corbin. It is the heart of country music and the perfect place to experience southern hospitality. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, which offers exciting exhibits with over 2.5 million artifacts. Then, stroll down Broadway and enjoy the live music from over 50 honky-tonks and music venues. Do not forget to take a tour of the famous Ryman Auditorium, the mother church of country music.

Favorite food: Hot chicken at Hattie B's

2. Birmingham, AL

Birmingham, AL, is approximately 3 hours from Nashville. It is home to the historic civil rights movement and offers several museums and landmarks dedicated to its history. Visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and learn more about the movement and the fight for equality. For art lovers, visit the Birmingham Museum of Art, which features over 27,000 works of art from around the world.

Favorite food: Fried green tomatoes at Irondale Cafe

3. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, GA, is about 2 hours from Birmingham. You can visit the largest aquarium in the western hemisphere, the Georgia Aquarium. It features over 100,000 animals from 500 different species, including whale sharks, beluga whales, and bottlenose dolphins. You can also tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes The King Center and his birth home. Finish your day by observing the city skyline from the top of the SkyView Ferris Wheel.

Favorite food: Peach cobbler at The Varsity

4. Greenville, SC

Greenville, SC, is around 2 hours from Atlanta. It is a charming and historic town with exciting outdoor activities and a thriving downtown scene. Visit Falls Park on the Reedy, a picturesque waterfall located in the heart of downtown. Greenville is also home to numerous city parks, trails, and biking paths, including the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The trail connects Greenville to other towns, offering scenic views of the countryside.

Favorite food: Shrimp and grits at The Lazy Goat

Conclusion

This journey from Carmel, Indiana to West Union, South Carolina offers a range of destinations for any traveler. Whether you are a museum-goer, history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, there is something for everyone. From the heart of southern hospitality to the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, here are five unexpected places that will make your journey unforgettable.