Road trip Houston to DC- where should we stop?
 

We are planning a one way road trip from Houston to Washington DC, traveling with two toddlers. We can take up to 6 days to complete the trip, so I was hoping for suggestions on what route we should take (up 59 or 65?) and places we might enjoy stopping along the way? Any and all advice much appreciated!

A lot depends on what you find interesting and have not seen yet.

One route would be I-10 to New Orleans, then north on I-59 to Memphis, I-40 to Knoxville, I-81 to Front Royal, then I-66 into DC.

Many variations . . Chattanooga TN . . Ashville NC . . Charolette

We do this trip several times a year. We avoid Atlanta and I-95 like the plague . . traffic is really bad on both.

I think Rich meant north on I-55 to Memphis - 59 goes through Birmingham to Chattanooga. Memphis and Nashville are both fun to visit, though I don't know how much your toddlers would get out of either. Memphis has a great zoo, and Nashville has some family-friendly attractions, but Chattanooga would be a better bet for them. It's really family-friendly and a great size for an overnight or two-night stay.

I generally avoid Atlanta as well. If your kids were old enough to want to do the World of Coke or CNN or something like that, that would be one thing, but not so much with toddlers.

I also love Asheville, especially if you're into hiking or outdoor activities, but it's not on a direct route, so depends on how far out of the way you're willing to go. Plus it's not that far from Chattanooga, so you might prefer just doing one of the two and stopping somewhere further.

Have done the Houston to Charlotte trip.
Going THROUGH Atlanta isn't all that bad.
Birmingham (prior to Atlanta) has some attraction.
Asheville would be a nice stop.
Go across NC to Winston Salem and then up 95
I'm not sure if you want things to do or just stops.
Going through the GSMNP could be very nice as a diversion.

Yes . . I-55 North to Memphis

Thank you all! I completely forgot to check in on my thread! doh!

We did the Memphis-Ashville route with lots of hiking a few years ago, so decided to go by Atlanta. Thinking of visiting Stone Mountain instead of going through the city. Any suggestions for the rest of the way: Charlotte? raleigh area? Richmond?
We usually plan one activity in the morning so that we can drive in the afternoon/evening when the kids sleep. Thanks again!

I live in Atlanta. What sorts of things do you enjoy doing? We can help you better if we know your interests.