Charleston to Bedford: Top Five Popular Attractions
If you're looking for a road trip filled with history and natural beauty, travel between Charleston, South Carolina, and Bedford, Indiana. The 800-mile journey goes through some major cities, small towns, and scenic countryside. One of the most popular stops is Knoxville, Tennessee, right in the middle of the trip. It's a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, museums, parks, and many places to eat and drink.
Now for the Top Five Places to See List:
Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC One of the largest and most opulent estates in America, Biltmore Estate is well worth a visit. Completed in 1895 by George Vanderbilt, this massive French Renaissance chateau-styled house has over 175,000 square feet of living space and a beautiful garden. Tour the house and see the priceless art, antiques, and rare collections on display, including works by Renoir, Cezanne, and Durer. The gardens are a favorite for many, with miles of trails, streams, and beautiful blooms year-round.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg, TN Experience the stunning beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which stretches across Tennessee and North Carolina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited national park in America, thanks to its scenic drives, hiking trails, fishing streams, and abundant wildlife. The foliage in autumn is spectacular, and the many waterfalls and scenic overlooks make for excellent photo opportunities.
Mammoth Cave National Park - Mammoth Cave, KY Get ready to explore the world's largest known cave system with over 400 miles of underground passages, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. Take a guided tour through the winding limestone passages, underground rivers, and massive chambers that make up this mysterious landscape. The park also offers guided hikes, bird-watching, and camping opportunities.
Indiana Dunes National Park - Chesterton, IN Located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, the Indiana Dunes National Park offers stunning sand dunes, clear water, and a diverse landscape for nature lovers. Visitors can hike, swim, fish, and camp in the park. The vintage beach town of Chesterton has plenty of charming shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore after a day at the beach.
West Baden Springs Hotel - West Baden Springs, IN Step back in time to the golden age of luxury and architecture at the West Baden Springs Hotel in Indiana. This historic hotel, once called the eighth wonder of the world, was built in 1902 and is known for its stunning atrium dome, Tiffany glass skylights, and opulent decor. Walk the beautiful grounds or enjoy a spa treatment at the luxury spa. Don't forget to try the famous Pluto Water, sourced from a nearby mineral spring.
For the best route to take on this trip, consider taking Highway 40 instead of Interstate 70. This will give you a chance to see some of the classic small towns and landmarks along the way, such as the World's Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri, or the Lincoln State Park in Indiana. However, if you're in a hurry, take I-70 instead, which is a more direct route. No matter which way you go, this road trip is sure to be filled with adventure and unforgettable experiences. Happy travels!