I've got to make a choice for next summer's roadtrip. Because of funds, we can only choose one place to go (usually we can do both). So, I've considered the Smokies of NC/SC/GA/TN, or Chicago. Both would be a week long vacation, and are new territory for me.
Some things to consider:
Smokies
- Generally cheaper; no need to pay for parking (not sure if Great Smokies NP or Blue Ridge Parkway charges admission)
- Less overall traffic, though depends on how COVID plays out
- Exciting trip there and back, would go through WV and over the New River Gorge
- More distance to cover - ex. Mt. Mitchell is far from Tail of the Dragon, or even Asheville
- Less variety of food, unless I want to drive all the way to Atlanta or Asheville. Personally, I like barbeque but still something to think about
Chicago
- More expensive - hotels, restaurants, parking, transit, etc.
- Boring trip through Ohio and Indiana
- More variety - though the suburbs are boring
- More interesting, world-class restaurants; special dishes like the deep-dish pizza can be found there versus BBQ extravaganza
Would still have to deal with tourist traps. Maybe would ride an alpine coaster in TN to say I've done it. Still, tourist traps in Chicago are more expensive than the Smokies - though being at the top of the Sears Tower is a tempting proposition, even though I've been on taller towers (CN Tower in Toronto).
Again, feedback is welcome, especially if any of y'all have experience with these places.
I live in the suburbs of Chicago, so I know a thing or two about Chicago if you decide to come here.
First of all, there are a select few things outside Downtown that are worthwhile seeing if you haven't seen them already. I always recommend the state park extravaganza in the Illinois Valley, which is just 1.5 hours west down I-80. Though the drive is boring west of Joliet, there are an abundance of canyons, and a few small little waterfalls right off the side of the canyons, at
Starved Rock and
Matthiessen State Parks. (
Off Exit 81 on I-80 in Illinois)Second of all, Chicago (and its suburbs) has a lot of diverse food too. Aside the usual deep-dish pizza, I've had some of the best Pakistani food in my life (and that's saying a lot, since I've been to Pakistan) at Bundoo Khan (Devon Ave "Little India", Chicago) & Bundoo Khan Express (Naperville). Would recommend the chicken tikka, you have the choice of spicy or non-spicy
(but you gotta specify!).
Finally, the route from Pennsylvania to Chicago is indeed a snoozefest west of Toledo. If you're going in any season other than the winter, you could try one of these two partial shunpikes.
(If you're crunched on time, try Shunpike #1 or stay on the normal course).Shunpike #1: (Adds 5 miles & 14 minutes)
Take the usual route from Pennsylvania to Bristol, Indiana - then exit at Exit 101 off I-80/I-90 to IN-15.
Take IN-15 southbound to US-20 westbound (which will turn into the freeway alternative to I-80/I-90 through the South Bend area), then exit 73A to IN-2 westbound.
IN-2 goes west until it turns back into US-20, then follow to I-94 west in Michigan City, off MM 40 (I-94).
Shunpike #2: (Adds 65 miles & 51 minutes)
Take the usual route from Pennsylvania to Toledo, Ohio - then exit at Exit 64 off I-80/I-90 to I-75.
Take I-75 southbound to I-475 northbound (the Toledo bypass), then US-23 northbound (a freeway) to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Pick up I-94 at Exit 35 in Michigan (MM 180 off I-94).
Follow I-94 westbound to Indiana.
Whether to pick Chicago or not is up to you, but these tips are from a Chicago-suburb resident to you! Enjoy.