Road Trip -Chicago to South Carolina
 

I'm packing up and hitting the road. Planning on stopping the first night in Indianapolis and then aiming for Columbia S.C. for the second night.....now this is where you come in seasoned travelers. Is there a must see recomendation along the way. Parts where I need to keep my eyes peeled and do you recomend a neater hotel establishment to spend the night than the typical holiday inn express etc?

I've never driven through these here parts and I'm looking forward to the whole experience.

I'm off, like a dirty sock.

I am not sure that I can tell you one must see place along the way. There are many worthwhile. I have driven that direction a couple of times on drives to/from NC and WI. I think Asheville, North Carolina is a great location between the two that would put you fairly close to Columbia on the first day. You could see the Biltmore House and still make it to Columbia the following night, even if late, or just see some of the city.

In Columbia stay at the Hampton Inn in The Vista on Gervais Street. Beautiful area and lots of cool shopping and great dining and nightlife within walking distance.

Or stay at Claussens Inn on Greene Street in Five Points. Same set up, great dining and shopping but more of the twenties crowd where The Vista crowd is a little older.

Some suggestions:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame

Soldiers and Sailors Monument (downtown Indianapolis)

Vincennes - Grouseland (800-886-6443) is the home of the Territory's first governor and USA's ninth president, William Henry Harrison.

Columbus Indiana - if interested in great architects' buildings.

Madison has 133 blocks of 19th century historic buildings.

Ohio River Scenic Byway - near Leavenworth.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial - Lincoln City, Indiana.

take a tour of Churchill Downs, Louisville KY

if in your interests, take a tour/visit to Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington KY

Cumberland Falls State Park, KY - 125 feet wide, 60 feet drop "Niagara of the South" waterfall

worth going out of your way to MAMMOTH CAVES NATIONAL PARK, KY

Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, KY on #25E

a must! drive through GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TN

again, if it interests you -- Graceland is in Memphis, TN,
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is in Nashville, TN

Biltmore estate - Asheville NC


Hope that helps get you started. Lots to see & do. Look up the websites of any of the above for more details.