driving Orlando to Kentucky? help please
 

Hi All
Family of 4 (kids girl 8 & boy 15) from Australia, we are spending some time doing the "theme park thing" in Orlando and have been invited up to Shepherdsville KY , we would like to drive and see some of the US on the way rather than flying and missing it all.

Plan is to leave Orlando 31 March looking at 5 days in Shepherdsville and then need to be in Atlanta for 15 April to go home.

Our issue is that we really don't know what's in between, any ideas on a route that will include some cool things to do and see, we don't want the kids to think that the US is just theme parks, there last visit last year was just that, 7 days and they didn't leave Disneyland (their Aunt won a trip so it was all planned).

Any thoughts and ideas greatly appreciated. Are we mad driving?

Deonie

carrentals.com

2 weeks from Orlando to Kentucky and back to ATL driving

will be fun and totally doable I live in the SouthEast

in Pensacola FL on the border with AL.

classic.mapquest.com directions distances route for me

Orlando up to I-10 Tallahassee Pensacola/AL beaches

orangebeach.com Mobile AL then I-65 to Montgomery Birmingham

Nashville Kentucky... back down to Knoxville and

Gatlinburg Great Smokies to Cherokee NC and down to ATL.

Should be a great road trip for you lots of cheap

cupon hotels along your way based on budget easiest or.

Usually get my very best deals bidding priceline.com

hotwire.com would just book day of no worries...

thanks, you have even mentioned a few places that I had picked out, although I think it's from what we've seen on the TV..... :) Pensacola definitely being one of them!

Looks like I have a little bit of research, on sites in thee places, and driving on the wrong side of the road!!

You have mentioned online booking on the day? Is it possible to purchase a 30 day sim card with internet, so we can book while on the go?

Here is the route I would take:

Orlando to St. Augustine (very historical oldest city).

Then up I-95 to Savannah and/or Charleston (both are great).

Then take I-26 to Asheville, Smokey mountains (lots to see here).

From here you can then head to Kentucky through Knoxville TN.

On your way back to Atlanta you can take I-65 to Nashville.

Then head down to Chattanooga then down to Atlanta.


These are just my suggestions, hope you have a great trip.

I have just been to Pensacola, and it is lovely, but for a sightseeing trip I would come up the east coast to Charleston for a day or so. You can go to the beach along the way, if you want, but I think Australia has beautiful beaches. Then up I26 to Asheville and the Biltmore House. Then on (couple of hours) to the Smokey Mountain National Park/Cherokee for a day or so. Head west to Shepherdsville (you can drive through the Park to get to I40 to Knoxville and on) for your time there. Go south to Chattanooga (Tennessee Aquarium and Civil War sights) and to Atlanta. IF you do go through Montgomery Alabama do go see the Southern Poverty Law Center's monument to the American civil rights movement.
With all due respect to qwo, I think this gives more than roadside views for long distances along the Gulf.

Awesome thanks Gretchen, My son has been learning about famous conflicts and so I think some Civil War sights will be great, and everybody loves an Aquarium.

With these suggestions I know have some good ideas.

You are right about the great beaches here in Oz, but we live about 1hour away and with a pool in the yard, we never go to the beach, such a shame...

Thanks
D

I would second gmoney's recommendation for going to Ashville, North Carolina and the Biltmore house. There are a couple of great hotels in Ashville, The Grand Bohemian is in town within walking distance of shops and restaurants, or for a grand old hotel, The Grove Park Inn has beautiful views and one of the best spas in the country. Lot's of hiking in the area and beautiful scenery. The Smoky Mountains are also beautiful, but AVOID the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge tourist traps filled with tacky stuff. In the Smoky Mountains my favorite place is Cades Cove, located in the National Park. If you go out there early in the morning or in the evening you will see lots of wildlife, maybe even a bear! There is a loop road that circles through a valley and is very beautiful and historic. While in Kentucky your kids might really enjoy Mammoth Cave, a HUGE cave with tours. If you have never been in a really big cave it is quite interesting. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Here's a few places to stop and rest if you go through GA to TN and KY. Get off I 75 at Exit 22 in Valdosta, GA and go E on Valdosta Road to Smok'n Pig BBQ for Top 10 in the US BBQ. Or go to Old South BBQ in Valdosta, GA. Get off I75 at Exit 63A at Tifton, GA and go W on 8th Street W to Pit Stop BBQ for good road food. Get off I 75 at Exit 169 at Macon, GA and go SW on Tom Hill Blvd. to Riverside Dr. Take a left and go S about a mile to Fresh Air BBQ for outstanding GA smoked BBQ. Get off I 75 at Exit 187 and go S to Johnston Street. Take a right and go to Grit's Cafe for outstanding southern cooking for lunch or dinner. Get off I 75 at Exit 198 at Jackson, GA and go E about a mile on High Falls Road to good country food at Falls View Restaurant. Before you get to Atlanta, GA get off I 75 at Exit 233 at Morrow, GA and go S on Jonesborough Road to Southlake Parkway. Take a right and go to Anderson Diner for outstanding country food.
Don't stop for Atlanta, GA. The traffic is too bad. Get off I 75 at Exit 259B and go 1 mile W on I 285 to US 41 or Cobb Parkway. Take a right and go .7 mile to Thompson Brother's for good BBQ. Get off I 75 at Exit 273 in Kennesaw, GA and go W on Cherokee Street to Big Shanty Smokehouse for good BBQ. Get off I 75 at Exit 290 at Cartersville, GA and go W on Canton Highway to the dead end at Highway 61 and go S to Slope's BBQ for good road food.Get off I 75 at Exit 283 in Emerson, GA and go W on Highway 293 to Doug's Place for good country food. Get off I 75 at Exit 293 at White, GA and go NE on Highway 411 about a mile to Wes Man's Restaurant for outstanding country food. It's a little joint but the food is first class. Get the bananna pudding cake for desert. Or get off I 75 at Exit 283 in Emerson, GA and go W on Highway 293 to Doug's Place for good country food. Get off I 75 at Exit 333 in Dalton, GA and go E on Highway 52 to Glenwood Ave. Take a left and go to E Morris. Take a right and go 4/5 blocks to Miller's BBQ for good road food.
Smok'n Pig BBQ @ 4228 N. Valdosta Rd., Valdosta, GA. 229 - 245 - 8227.
http://www.smoknpig.com/
Old South BBQ @ 1700 West Hill Avenue, Valdosta, GA 229 - 247 - 6700.
Pit Stop BBQ @ 1112 8th St. W., Tifton, GA 229 - 387 - 0888.
Fresh Air Bar B Que @ 3076 Riverside Dr., Macon, GA. 478 - 477 - 7229.
http://www.freshairbarbecue.com/
Grit's Cafe @ 17 West Johnston Street, Forsyth, GA 478 - 994 - 8325.
http://www.gritscafe.com/
Falls View Restaurant @ 42 Towaliga River Dr., Jackson, GA 478 - 994 - 6050.
Anderson's Diner @ 1395 Southlake Pkwy., Morrow, GA 678 - 422 - 3643.
http://andersonsdiner.homestead.com/index.html
Thompson Brother's BBQ @ 2445 Cobb Parkway SE, Smyrna, GA 770 - 818 - 9098.
http://www.thompsonbbq.com/
Big Shanty Smokehouse @ 3393 Cherokee St., Kennesaw, GA. 770 - 499 - 7444.
http://bigshantybbq.com/
Slope's BBQ @ 1133 North Tennessee Street, Cartersville, GA 770 - 386 - 9090.
http://www.slopesbbq.com/
Doug's Place @ 696 Georgia 293, Emerson, GA 770 - 382 - 9063.
Wes Man's Restaurant @ 3167 Highway 411 NE, White, GA 770 - 386 - 9933. I75/EXIT293.
Miller Brother's BBQ @ 606 East Morris Street, Dalton, GA 706 - 278 - 7365.

Just before you get to the I 24 Exit at Chattanooga, TN get off I 75 at Exit 1B and go W on Ringgold Road to Wally's Restaurant for outstanding country food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For outstanding burgers and country food go past Exit 180A to the next Exit and go N on S Market Street 5 blocks to E Main Street and take a right. Go to Rossville Avenue and take a right. Go two blocks to a Chattanooga institution for breakfast and lunch at Zarzour's which has been in the same location since 1919.
Wally's Restaurant @ 6521 Ringgold Road, Chattanooga, TN 423 - 899 - 6151.
http://www.wallysrest.com/
Zarzour's @ 1627 Rossville Ave., Chattanooga, TN 423 - 266 - 0424.
http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurant/R.../2618/zarzours
Monteagle, TN is about half way between Sarasota, FL and Chicago, IL. This would be a nice place to stop on your trip. Jim Oliver's has a Best Western Lodge connected to the restaurant. It would be a nice place for the night and have a quiet southern dinner in Monteagle.
High Point Restaurant in Monteagle at Exit 134 is in a historic building and serves dinner only 7 days a week. Jim Oliver's Smokehouse and Lodge at Exit 134 has outstanding southern country food serving breakfast all day and dinner in the evening in a very nice atmosphere. Mountain Breeze Cafe is next to JO's Best Western Smokehouse and serves ice cream, cold drinks and sandwiches. Modern Dave's in Monteagle, TN is open for lunch and dinner serving mix of good southern food, BBQ, seafood and steaks.
High Point Restaurant @ 224 East Main St., Monteagle, TN 931 - 924 - 4600.
http://highpointrestaurant.net/
Jim Oliver's Smokehouse Hotel and Lodge @ 850 West Main St., Monteagle, TN 931 - 924 - 2268.
http://www.thesmokehouse.com/
Mountain Breeze Cafe @ 828 West Main St., Monteagle, TN 931 - 924 - 2233.
http://mountainbreezecafe.com/index.html
Modern Dave's Cafe @ 38 West Main St., Monteagle, TN 931 - 924 - 8363.
http://www.moderndavescafe.com/
Jim and Nick's BBQ @ Exit 78B in Murphreesboro, TN has outstanding southern BBQ. Five Sense's Restaurant and Bar in Murphreesboro, TN serves outstanding southern country cooking in a nice atmosphere. Marina's on the Square in Murphreesboro, TN is a great local restaurant for lunch or dinner. Legend's Restaurant @ Exit 70 off I 24 in Smyrna, TN has good seafood and steaks. Whitt's BBQ @ Exit 57B near Antioch, TN is very good. If you stop in Nashville get off I 24 at Exit 47 and go W across the bridge to 6th Ave. Turn right and go to Monell's for outstanding all you can eat country buffet. City House in Nashville has outstanding pizza and pasta for dinner only. At Exit 24 off I 24 in Pleasant View, TN Cafe Ameno serves outstanding breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere.
Jim and Nick's BBQ @ 436 North Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 615 - 893 - 1001.
http://www.jimnnicks.com/
Five Senses Restaurant and Bar @ 1602 West Northfield Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 615 - 867 - 4155.
http://www.fivesensesrestaurant.com/
Marina's on the Square @ 125 North Maple St., Murfreesboro, TN 615 - 849 - 8881.
Legend's Restaurant @ 1918 Almaville Road, Smyrna, TN 615 - 220 - 2115.
http://www.legendssteakhouse.com/
Whit's BBQ @ 1800 Antioch Pike, Antioch, TN 615 - 331 - 4604.
Monell's Dining @ 1235 6th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 615 - 248 - 4747.
http://www.monellstn.com/ndininginfo....
City House @ 1222 4th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 615 - 736 - 5838.
Cafe Ameno @ 254 Village Square, Pleasant View, TN 615 - 746 - 6702.

Get off I 65 at Exit 2 in Franklin, KY and go Nashville Road in Franklin, KY to Jim's BBQ for outstanding KY country food. Get off I 65 at Exit 26 in Bowling Green, KY and go W on Cemetery Road or Fairview Avenue to Chestnut. Take a left and go to Brickyard Cafe for fine Italian for lunch and dinner. Get off I 65 at Exit 65 in Munfordville, KY and go S on Main Street to Big Bubba Buck 's BBQ for good Kentucky BBQ. Get off I 65 at Exit 86 at Glendale, KY and go to The Whistle Stop or Tony York's for outstanding southern country food for lunch or dinner. Get off I 65 at Exit 94 in Elizabethtown, KY and go W on Mulberry to Commerce Drive. Take a left and go to Texas Outlaw BBQ for good road food.
Jim's BBQ @ 6111 Nashville Rd., Franklin, KY. 270 - 586 - 9851.
Brickyard Cafe @ 1026 Chestnut St., Bowling Green, KY 270 - 843 - 6431.
http://www.brickyardcafe.net/
Big Bubba Bucks BBQ @ 1802 Main St., Munfordville, KY 270 - 524 - 3333.
Tony York's @ 201 East Main Street, Glendale, KY 270 - 369 - 6000.
The Whistle Stop Restaurant @ 216 East Main St., Glendale, KY 270 - 369 - 7969.
http://www.whistlestoprestaurant.net/
Texas Outlaw BBQ @ 220 Commerce Dr., Elizabethtown, KY 270 - 234 - 8586.

Check with hertz.com and nationalcar.com as they've been having the best car rates for Aussies, with collision insurance, liability insurance and one way drop fee usually included. If you get rate quotes from other agencies, read the find print to see what's included. National has an office right inside Disney World.
Reserve, but do not pre-pay as rates might go down. Check the rates again in mid-MARch as sometimes phenomenal deals pop up for late-March rentals going north out of florida.

OMG You guys are really amazing!!! Littleman my mouth is watering big time, and your instructions are very specific, funny how before the Cali trip I really didn't want to go to the US, now I just cant wait to get back!!!

Joesorce.... I've already booked the car - with the exchange rate as it is 1AUD buying USD1.04 (no commission as I'm in finance) I just jumped in, will work with my Bali shopping philosophy, .... I'm happy paying that.... and be done with it... Hindsight is a wonderful thing but I also just need to know that the car is booked, and it's a tip that I've written in my book for next trip, when it's just the 2 of us and not so important to get a specific bigger car.

thanks again everybody for your tips, I definitely have some work to do

If you drive up I-65 to Shepherdsville, Mammoth Cave is a good idea (or perhaps a day trip from Shepherdsville). There are lots of tours to choose from ranging from 45 minutes to 8 hours. Some tours sell out so you may need to book in advance.
http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/gocavetours.htm

thanks kybourbon. Mammoth Cave is on the not negotiable will do list, we have a Mammoth Cave down here it is fantastic although I haven't been down it for some 15/16 years now, but just hearing "Mammoth Cave" bring back such good memories.

We have just booked our Road trip night 1 accom in Jacksonville FL about 2.5 hours driving on day 1 that should do us. Then.... OMG winging it totally to Shepherdsville as we down't want to be tied down and unable to see something that might just be a little further due to existing bookings... This is so not my style so a little overwhelming but hubby tells be along with the kids - don't worry Mum it'll all work out. So that's the holiday theme. Mum is NOT to WORRY!!!... looking forward to the adventure

>>>we have a Mammoth Cave down here it is fantastic<<<

"This is the world's longest known cave system, with more than 390 miles explored."

Your kids might get a kick out of the nearby Kentucky Down Under. A drive by perhaps (pictures next to the sign?)instead of a visit.
http://www.kdu.com/

I really like gmoney's itinerary, if you can fit it all in comfortably - gives you a great overview of a lot of the South. A second vote for the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga; it's really fantastic. There are lots of threads here for specific cities (Charleston, Asheville, the Smokies, Nashville, Atlanta...), so reading through those questions and trip reports will be really helpful as you figure out what exactly you want to do in each place.

The only thing I'd be a tad concerned about is finding hotels in each spot - you're hitting the tail end of spring break season (US school systems don't all have the same week for spring vacation), plus Easter will fall in the middle of your trip. However, you're not really going to spring break hot spots (places like Pensacola would be much more crowded than, say, Asheville or Atlanta), so you might be just fine. I'd have a few options listed in each place you plan to stop, so you at least aren't starting from scratch in every town. You might plan ahead for Easter weekend, though - it's not a major travel weekend in the States, but many schools and businesses get Good Friday off, so it'll be a little busier than a typical weekend.