Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago, IL to East Ridge, TN

Chicago, IL and East Ridge, TN are about 680 miles apart, but the drive there provides excellent opportunities to explore the midwestern and southern states. The route passes through major cities, small towns, and scenic natural landscapes that are well worth a visit. This article explores five unexpected places to stop when making the trip.

The Halfway Point: Louisville, KY

Louisville, Kentucky, marks the halfway point on this trip. The city is famous for its bourbon, horse racing, and baseball. Make sure to visit Churchill Downs, home of the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. You can take a guided tour of the grounds, visit the museum, and see the iconic twin spires. Baseball fans can head over to Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can see how baseball bats are made and even hold some famous game-used bats.

Foodwise, Louisville is known for its Hot Brown sandwich, a local specialty made with turkey, bacon, cheese, and Mornay sauce. Check out the Brown Hotel's version of this sandwich, which has been served since the 1920s.

1. Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest, IL

Located in the Shawnee National Forest just off the interstate in Illinois, the Garden of the Gods is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. It is a natural landmark known for its unusual rock formations, stunning vistas, and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, rock climbing, hiking, and camping in the area.

When in Illinois, try the famous Chicago deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's Pizza. The restaurant is a chain, but it's a well-regarded one. Their deep-dish pizza is an iconic Chicago staple, with buttery crust, chunky tomato sauce, and lots of cheese and toppings.

2. Mammoth Cave National Park - Cave City, KY

The world's longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave, is located near Cave City, Kentucky. Visitors can tour the cave, which has more than 400 miles of explored passageways, by walking through them with a guide. The park also offers cave exploration tours, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

When in Kentucky, another food item to try is the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, which originated in Louisville but can be found all over the state. The sandwich is made with turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and topped with Mornay sauce and cheese on toast.

3. Jack Daniel Distillery - Lynchburg, TN

The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the most famous in the world. The distillery, located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is open for tours seven days a week. Visitors can see how their famous whiskey is made, from the charcoal mellowing process to the barrel aging. You can also taste their range of whiskeys or grab a bottle to take home.

When in Tennessee, try some hot chicken, a Nashville specialty. Hot chicken is fried chicken that is marinated in spices and served with bread and pickles. Hattie B's Hot Chicken is a restaurant in Nashville that serves some of the best hot chicken around.

4. Lookout Mountain - Chattanooga, TN

Lookout Mountain is a scenic mountain located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Visitors can take a scenic drive to the top and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding areas. You can also visit the Ruby Falls cave, Rock City Gardens, and the Incline Railway, a funicular railway that takes visitors to the top of the mountain.

When in Chattanooga, visitors should try the local dish called the Chattanooga Chew, which is a delicious dessert made with pecans, marshmallows, and caramel. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. in Chattanooga serves some of the best Chattanooga Chews in town.

5. Smoky Mountains National Park - Gatlinburg, TN

The Smoky Mountains National Park is a beautiful natural destination located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Visitors can explore the park by driving along the scenic roads, hiking to waterfalls, or just sitting back and enjoying the views. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, elks, and deer.

When in Gatlinburg, visitors should try the local specialty called the Moon Pie. The snack consists of two cookies with marshmallow filling in between, all covered in chocolate. The Moon Pie Company in Chattanooga makes some of the best Moon Pies around.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from Chicago, IL to East Ridge, TN provides an excellent opportunity to explore the best of the Midwestern and Southern states. The trip is long, but visiting the unexpected locations makes it all worth it. From natural wonders like Garden of the Gods and Lookout Mountain to famous landmarks like Churchill Downs and the Jack Daniel Distillery, there's something for everyone. And of course, don't forget to sample some of the regional specialties along the way, whether it's deep-dish pizza, bourbon, Hot Browns, hot chicken, Chattanooga Chews, or Moon Pies. So, hit the road and embark on this unforgettable journey through America's heartland!