Where should we go & what should we see?

[pjinthedaks]

We are in the process of planning our long trip of 2015 and would greatly appreciate any suggestion all of you could offer. So far we know that we would like to travel from New York State to the Amish country of Ohio. From there we would like to go to Kentucky and Tennessee before stopping in the Great Smoky Mountains. Then through the Blue Ridge area and Pennsylvania before returning home. Where would you recommend that we stay and what are the can't miss stops? Thank you in advance for any suggestion that you can give us!

[twins89]

Unless you all are real cavers, one day at Mammoth is enough. Get off the main roads when in Ohio and stop at some of the homes that sell things like baskets, or hand made furniture. It is a great area to visit. We just did KY and TN. Lots of bourbon in KY, one or two distilleries is plenty unless you are a true bourbon drinker. Woodford reserve is probably the most beautiful tour to take. Visit downtown Louisville for the Louisville Slugger factory, Churchill downs. Lexington has some great horse farms to see. Once again get off the main roads and see what is out there.

[ken56]

If you have never seen the Biltmore house......you should. It can take the whole day to do the house, gardens and winery. Wife and I have been there several times and always enjoy it. It is a bit pricey at 69 bucks a ticket, then throw in a meal or 2 and a case of wine to bring home and wow. They do offer a discount if you buy tickets online tho. Check their web site.... Biltmore.com.

[wildtoad]

Asheville is nice. Biltmore estates. Lookup Campfire Lodgings for a nice well kept campground. Close to the parkway and few good local places to eat.

[magnusfide]

Sounds like a great trip. I don't know your exact route but here's what I do when planning our treks.

I would use mapquest.com and see where we would end up after 200-300 miles. Then I would use woodalls.com and http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/ to locate a campground.

Once I know where I am stopping I'd check the local chamber of commerce sites for those towns. Have found some hidden gems in those c of c sites including bluegrass festivals, ethnic festivals and some little known natural wonders. I'll also use tripadvisor.com for reviews and side trip ideas.

We aren't shoppers but we always stop at Lehmans Non Electric store in Dalton OH. They have great stuff that can be used for camping. https://www.lehmans.com/default.aspx

[agesilaus]

Mammouth Cave is a must see. Figure a couple of days to take the tours.

Take the Blue Ridge Parkway back up north when you are done.