Any Suggestions for Stops from Chicago to Orlando About This Page:

[BrerRalston1]

We are planning on driving down to Orlando at the end of July and are trying to think of places that we could stop along the way that would be interesting for kids age 3 to 6. We are also traveling with an infant. Nothing that would take too long, maybe an hour or two at the most. We've thought about Mamouth Caves (because we've previously visited there before). We're planning on trying to drive down in two or three days, and the same coming back up to Chicago.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[mom2my4dwarfs]

[ QUOTE ]
We're planning on trying to drive down in two or three days, and the same coming back up to Chicago.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[/ QUOTE ]

We drove from the Chicago area last year. We didn't stop anywhere on the way to visit. But I did want to warn you that if you stop for the night in Tifton, GA, don't stay at the Comfort Inn!

[Loster]

Let us know which route or highways you are taking and maybe we can come up with something.
My thought was Louisville, KY. I don't know if you have boys but don't they have the Louisville Slugger bat company or a tour of how to make bats, what about the mountains, or if you are stopping somewhere at night and you could see a major league ballgame or even a minor league game. I have a boy and a girl and I can't think of much for a girl but for boys there's some idea.

Sue

[BrerRalston1]

Thanks for the suggestions. We will avoid Tifton, GA Comfort Suites - and the Louisville Slugger company may be our first stop.

Any other ideas. Are there nice short rest places. We most likely will be going through Louisville to Nashville to Chatanooga to Atlanta to Orlando. Although, we haven't completely ruled out going through the Smokey Mountains.

[Nala]

I about fell off my chair laughing when I read the tip to NOT stay at the Comfort Inn in Tifton GA. A co-worker gave me the same advise before our trip this past Janauary. That must be one really bad place!



You would think since we make the same trip (we are about 150 miles south of you) that I would know some great places to stop. We are always so desperate to get to WDW however, we never take time to stop along the way to take in any other attractions.



If you go through Nashville to Chatanooga you will go through the western tip of the Smokeys. I have heard that the aquarium in Chatanooga is very nice. You could also check out the Chatanooga Choo Choo. There is also a place called Look Out Mountian and boast a view of seven states. (I think it is between Nashville & Chatanooga???) In southern IL you could stop in Metropolis and see Superman. And don't forget to stop once you cross the Fl border at the welcome center for some OJ.



Hopes this helps. Have fun planning!

[Geri604]

There's a few tourist-y things to do in Chattanooga - in addition to Lookout Mountain (which I can remember stopping at on my very first trip to WDW when I was 10 - see 7 (I think) states!!!), and the Chattanooga Choo-Choo, there's also Ruby Falls.....you'll actually see billboards for this every couple of miles.

If you're going through Louisville, you'll miss Metropolis it's on I-24, which is the way we usually drive to FL (we're up near the WI border along the lake). We take I-57 to I-24 to I-75 to the turnpike. Seems to be a little better than going through Indiana. Our stops are usually in Clarksville, TN and Valdosta, GA.

[kv3291]

[ QUOTE ]
If you go through Nashville to Chatanooga you will go through the western tip of the Smokeys. I have heard that the aquarium in Chatanooga is very nice.

[/ QUOTE ]

The aquarium is Ripley's (of Ripley's Believe It Or Not fame) is there. We haven't gone to that Ripley's Aquarium, but we always go to the one in Myrtle Beach, SC. It is GREAT!!!! My ds (3 1/2), my dh and myself always enjoy it. There are moving sidewalks that take you through tunnels under water to give you the greatest views of all kinds of sharks and fish, there are touch tanks for rays and horshoe crabs, and lots of other cool stuff. It usually takes about 2 hours. I would recommend that as a nice break to walk around a bit and there is usually a half decent snack bar. Your kids would love it!!!

[Grammy Grumpy]

Atlanta hosts the Coca-Cola museum, which is fun but is in the downtown area. Depending on the day/time you are there it might not be the thing to do. If you have AAA order a trip-tik and get the guide books. They have LOTS of useful information in them.

We live in east center IL and go the same way to WDW. We are going in June but will only stop overnight in the Marietta GA area on the way there and back to see family.

Have a great trip!

[homeschoolmom]

We drive from Bloomington/Normal. We enjoy taking I-74 east to Cincinnati, then I-75 (I think) south through Lexington and Knoxville. Just seems an easier and more enjoyable route than down through Puducah. However, you end up in Chatanooga either way. Lexington has tons to do and see: Kentucky Horse Park, Fort Boonesborough is nearby, Mary Todd Lincoln's girlhood home and Henry Clay's home come to mind. Indianapolis of course has the fantastic children's museum (worth 2 days visit in itself). And if you go through Knoxville you will see the Smokey Mts.--absolutley beautiful country!!! Lookout Mountain in Chatanooga has the wonderful Point Park as well as Ruby Falls (which I saw as a child, but haven't been to since). I also understand the aquarium in Chatanooga is very good, but haven't seen it yet. A good source to read is Off the Road USA which talks about sights within 30 miles of the nation's interstates.
Good luck with your planning. No matter on which route you decide or cities in which you stop, there is so much to do in this great country I know you'll find it difficult to choose. Isn't that a pleasant problem to have Enjoy your planning!!