Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago, Illinois and Charleston, South Carolina

Driving from Chicago, Illinois all the way down to Charleston, South Carolina is a road trip that stretches over a thousand miles and takes around 16 hours without any stops. No matter how you cut it, that's a long drive. But what if we told you there are some interesting and unexpected places to stop along the way, that will not only break up the monotony of the drive but also provide you with a unique experience? Here are five places that you should check out on your trip.

Halfway Point: Williamsburg, KY

Before we get started, we have to mention Williamsburg, KY - the midpoint between Chicago and Charleston. Spend a night in this small town to break up the journey. You might find that Williamsburg is more of a traditional stopover for your trip, however, it is worth checking out Main Street for a warm welcome and local shops.

1. Mammoth Cave, KY

Just an hour south of Williamsburg, Mammoth Cave is a national park with one of the most extensive cave systems in the world. Take a guided tour and hike on the surface in the surrounding park. After the tour, grab some southern cuisine at Mammoth Smokehouse and enjoy a juicy BBQ pork sandwich or pulled chicken.

2. Gatlinburg, TN

Less than a two-hour drive from Mammoth Cave, Gatlinburg is a town with a population of less than 4,000 people, situated on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stroll on the street together with interesting characters dressed in old-world costume, dine on pancakes with apple butter at the log cabin Pancake Pantry, or take a treetop canopy walk, experiencing the beauty of the forest from above the tree line.

3. Asheville, NC

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant city known for its craft breweries, stunning architecture, and culinary delights. Take a quick visit to Biltmore Estate, explore the gardens of North Carolina Arboretum or stop by Grove Park Inn and relax with a glass of wine on the patio. And before you leave, don't forget to check out one of Asheville's notable food scenes, such as the French Broad Chocolate Lounge to indulge in your sweet tooth.

4. Charlotte, NC

Further down the road, make sure you stop by Charlotte, North Carolina's largest city and financial hub of the Southeast. Charlotte offers visitors various activities and places to visit, including the US National Whitewater Center, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, or Carowinds Theme Park. While exploring Charlotte, try something new with a classic Southern dish, such as fried chicken and waffles at Tupelo Honey.

5. Hilton Head, SC

In Hilton Head, South Carolina, you will find some of the best nationwide beaches, golf courses, and resorts in the country. Take a moment to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a peaceful day on the beach before heading back to the busy city life. For a quick bite, head on over to Watusi for burgers or fish tacos.

Conclusion

Taking the road trip from Chicago to Charleston is a unique experience that provides great places to travel and unexpected destinations to explore. Along the journey, don't forget to take in all of the sights, interesting local shops, and great food that you can experience along the way. With a million and one places to stop between these two cities, these five places are just the tip of the iceberg. So, make sure to take your time and enjoy your journey.