Road Trip. Chicago, Head South and Back

hyperfish

This year we fly into Chicago, pick up a car and as usual we have no fixed itinerary. The return flights, Doncaster-Dublin-Chicago are booked as is the car.

I will find accommodation off the cuff as we go.

We will head South and may even get as far as New Orleans but this is not a requirement, it depends on what we find along the way. Then at the end of two weeks we fly home from Chicago.

We have a few things on the list but I would like to hear your suggestions. You guys have done us proud in the past.

Things on the list so far:

Mammoth Cave National Park KY
Nashville TN
Gracelands Memphis TN
The Gibson guitar factory tour Memphis TN​
A paddle boat trip on the Mississippi is a must but I haven't checked on this yet.

Thanks in anticipation, Colin.

George a L

If you are heading deep south New Orleans would take a trip or even a few nights at Gulf Shores Alabama.

hyperfish

Thanks for your suggestion, I'll keep that in mind.

hyperfish

No issues with the flights other than problems with my ESTA. Nice guy at Dublin sorted that out. Turns out the check in girl at Doncaster typed the wrong passport no.
O'Hare was a bit chaotic but we left that behind us when we picked up the car. It's a Mitsubishi Outlander, not bad but was hoping for something a bit bigger.
Drove 60mi south to Merilleville and got into bed at 10pm (4am uk).

hyperfish

Early start today, South into Indiana.  Visited Blue spring Caverns. A boat trip in a cave system. Very quiet, only one more couple there
                                                                               
                                                                               

Staying at Springmill Inn tonight.
                                                                               
Not a decent restaurant in the area. KFC it is then

deantown

If you go to New Orleans, take a trip on the paddle boat "Natchez" we did and enjoyed it very much.

hyperfish

Cheers mate, I'll check that out if we get that far.
Early start, set the satnav to avoid interstates. Quiet roads and quiet places.
                                                                               
                                                                               
Stretched out legs by the lake.
                                                                               
A bit unusual.
                                                                               
Arrived at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. Did the 2 hour tour. Steps could be a bit challenging.
                                                                               
Took the interstate towards Nashville Tn.
                                                                               
Checked into a Hampton Inn, reasonably priced in downtown, but thought $32 to park the car was a bit steep.
On the toon tonight.

hyperfish

Nightlife in Nashville.
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
                                                                               
Live band in every bar.

Philly112

Looks good mate! Really look forward to your road trips.

deantown

Hopefully in October, we could be flying in to Chicago and doing a road trip too. In the meantime I shall be reading all your posts and gaining as much info as poss. We may be doing Nashville from Houston next year though, so many possibilities, just have to make a decision lol.