We're planning to move my youngest daugher into college at the end of August. We'll be driving from DC to Wash U and plan to do the trip in two days. The best route appears to be on I-70. Midway point looks between Columbus and Indianapolis -- any ideas on where to stay? My two girls, 20 and 17, will want a nice break from the road. I've never made the trip -- any suggestions will be very appreciated!

Columbus is probably more "mid-way" then Indianapolis. The other option would be Dayton. Columbus is a cute town and there are nice places in town. I would try to get something near the Short North or Downtown instead of on the Interstate. It's easy to get back onto the highway and will be a lot more attractove to your daughters.

Also, I would definitely avoid the Penn. turnpike and instead take 70 to 66 across the top half of W.Va through Morgantown, then connect to 70 again in Washington, PA. It's great highway, much prettier, maybe faster, and you can avoid the Turnpike.

"Cute" sounds like a great adjective after a long road trip! There is a Crowne Plaza in Columbus -- is that in the area you mentioned? There's also a place called The Lofts. Familiar? And thanks for the route tip.

The Crowne Plaza is nice. The lofts looks really inteersting, although I haven't stayed there. Anywhere near the Convention Center would be a good locale. There's a Drury Inn that I really liked.

There's a nice Westin downtown, but in a less interesting neighborhood. The Short North will remind you of a cross between Adams Morgan and DuPont Circle in DC.

Also, it's 68, not 66.

Mike -- Perhaps we should press on to Dayton. What do you think? You seem to be the expert! Any nice places to stay in Dayton?

Never stayed in Dayton. It's only an hour from Columbus, so I am not sure it gains you much. The trip from Columbus to St. Louis is probably 7-8 hours.

If you're looking for a hotel in St. Louis, check out the Clayton area. It's close to Wash U. and a nice area for shops and restaurants, too. Congratulations to your daughter for getting into Wash U! It's a fabulous school and it's hard to get accepted there. I think she'll love it there.