Looking for ideas, driving back from HHI to Ohio, what to do for 1 night?

[marynvince]

We'll be arriving HHI June 25, departing Friday July 2. Want to drive 6-8 hours friday back toward NE Ohio, anyplace interesting to stop at? Ball of yarn museum?

 

[mrsR123]

Have you been to Wright-Patterson AFB? The museum there is amazing.

 

[pamickey]

How about stopping at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC? It looks like you would take I-95 to I-26 to Asheville. Afterwards, you would catch I-81 north to I-77 to Ohio.

Or, if you're into Nascar at all, you could go through Charlotte to go to the new Nascar Hall of Fame Museum that just opened.

Terri

 

[hmcfall711]

Any number of East Tennessee areas come to mind. (Because its where I am orginally from)

Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Knoxville (has lots to do if that is what you are interested-Women's Basketball Hall of Fame [great area for kidos to burn of energy]), Bristol, Jonesbourgh, Bays Mountain, Panter Creek State Park, Davy Crockett Birthplace, and not East Tennessee but I agree with Asheville, NC. In Asheville, I suggest the Farmer's Market, Biltmore, and the McDonald's at Biltmore (it is actually in the small area outside of the estate).

Driving directions would be pretty much the same as OP stated. Those places past the I-81 split, I would just go to I-40 then north on I-75.

 

[vandy]

Another vote for the Biltmore estate and the Asheville area.

 

[marynvince]

I have us booked in Asheville for two nights on the way back to enjoy the Biltmore and surrounding area. Thanks for the suggestion as it looks awesome. If anyone has any activity suggestions, I'm all ears.

 

[Disney grandma]

From your picture it looks like you have younger children. They might not be interested in the Biltmore and it does take quite a long time to tour it completely. The surrounding area is beautiful. I noticed someone mentioned Gatlinburg, and it too is a beautiful area. There are mountains all around, and the town itself is fun to walk up and down the streets. There is a very nice acquarium there and miniature golf that all ages would enjoy. Dollywood is also located near there and has lots of fun family activities. We have been to this area many times, beginning 46 years ago on our honeymoon.

 

[LJC1861]

I think you and the kids will LOVE Biltmore. The House is amaing, and if you rent the audio tour you will hear all about life in the house and all sorts of interesting stories and details about what you are looking at. After touring the house, visit the Farm area and the newly opened Antler Hill Village shopping area.

I also believe that kids tour free all summer! I am not sure of the age cut off, but you should find info on www.Biltmore.com

If you need any other suggestions or assistance while you are in town, do not hesitate to ask.

Linda

 

[mecllap]

marynvince: don't wait til you get to Asheville to fill up the gas tank. Fill up at one of the last exits before leaving So. Carolina (15, 10, 6, etc.). If you need gas in Asheville, go to a different part of town for it than around Biltmore (it's often $.10 a gal more there, and our gas is higher than other places anyway). (eta: It takes me about 7 hours from HHI, but I need rest stops).

The audio tape in Biltmore House is really good -- it has about two hours of info on it, but I think it's $10.00 each now (including kids -- check at biltmore.com). The gardens are great. You can take your own picnic and eat on the grounds, and there are several restaurants, and great ice cream. Costs for everything there are similar to Disney. There isn't much to the petting farm, but it's kind of fun for little ones (well, my 10yo still likes it).

It takes me 10-12 hours of driving time to get from WDW to Asheville, but some people (esp. with 2 drivers can do it more quickly). It's really fun to go to our minor league baseball games; they're having fireworks after the game on Sat. July 3.

We have sometimes needed to escape from I-95/I-26 and take back highways, when traffic obstructions have gotten serious, so take along good state maps of So. Carolina and Georgia.

And, yes the McDonald's by Biltmore is worth a stop --it's featured on the Travel Channel's Unique McD's show. Downtown is fun to check out -- lots of neat architecture, and there should be fireworks on the 4th.

 

[5forDiz]

I'd say Washington DC ( but jmho I'd estimate that it will take at least 8hrs maybe bit more ) & I don't know if you'd prefer to be on a more westbound course.

On our way back to NY from HHI this summer we are considering stop in Charlotte / Lake Norman NC ( our DS & eldest DD are Nascar fans ) and just outside that area is Carowinds which we may check out as well; they have some specials they run on ticket pricing like a twilight ticket from 4pm on for $23 ( on july 2nd the park is open to 10pm ) try this link
http://www.carowinds.com/ It's not WDW but it looks like it could be fun for couple of hours

And then continuing on home from there maybe via Blue Ridge Parkway.

ETA : whoops, sorry just read through entire thread & I see you booked Asheville. Have a great time and hope you'll post back about it afterwards.

 

[LJC1861]

Marynvince,

Where are you staying here in town?

 

[marynvince]

I'd say Washington DC ( but jmho I'd estimate that it will take at least 8hrs maybe bit more ) & I don't know if you'd prefer to be on a more westbound course.

On our way back to NY from HHI this summer we are considering stop in Charlotte / Lake Norman NC ( our DS & eldest DD are Nascar fans ) and just outside that area is Carowinds which we may check out as well; they have some specials they run on ticket pricing like a twilight ticket from 4pm on for $23 ( on july 2nd the park is open to 10pm ) try this link
http://www.carowinds.com/ It's not WDW but it looks like it could be fun for couple of hours

And then continuing on home from there maybe via Blue Ridge Parkway.

ETA : whoops, sorry just read through entire thread & I see you booked Asheville. Have a great time and hope you'll post back about it afterwards.

so i wanted to do something different. Family wanted to get home on the 4th, if i was staying for the 4th, we would have gone to dc for the fireworks. Thanks for suggestion though.

 

[marynvince]

Marynvince,

Where are you staying here in town?

on priceline, reg price 169 per room per night for $75 per room per night. seems like the location is right downtown?

 

[marynvince]

marynvince: don't wait til you get to Asheville to fill up the gas tank. Fill up at one of the last exits before leaving So. Carolina (15, 10, 6, etc.). If you need gas in Asheville, go to a different part of town for it than around Biltmore (it's often $.10 a gal more there, and our gas is higher than other places anyway). (eta: It takes me about 7 hours from HHI, but I need rest stops).

The audio tape in Biltmore House is really good -- it has about two hours of info on it, but I think it's $10.00 each now (including kids -- check at biltmore.com). The gardens are great. You can take your own picnic and eat on the grounds, and there are several restaurants, and great ice cream. Costs for everything there are similar to Disney. There isn't much to the petting farm, but it's kind of fun for little ones (well, my 10yo still likes it).

It takes me 10-12 hours of driving time to get from WDW to Asheville, but some people (esp. with 2 drivers can do it more quickly). It's really fun to go to our minor league baseball games; they're having fireworks after the game on Sat. July 3.

We have sometimes needed to escape from I-95/I-26 and take back highways, when traffic obstructions have gotten serious, so take along good state maps of So. Carolina and Georgia.

And, yes the McDonald's by Biltmore is worth a stop --it's featured on the Travel Channel's Unique McD's show. Downtown is fun to check out -- lots of neat architecture, and there should be fireworks on the 4th.

I'll definitely make sure i fill up ahead of time. And you are the second person to advise me about the Mcds, so we will check it out. I am really psyched about the biltmore visit. It will be like a vacation within our vacation. The baseball game sounds like a great idea too so thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Have a great day!

 

[marynvince]

I think you and the kids will LOVE Biltmore. The House is amaing, and if you rent the audio tour you will hear all about life in the house and all sorts of interesting stories and details about what you are looking at. After touring the house, visit the Farm area and the newly opened Antler Hill Village shopping area.

I also believe that kids tour free all summer! I am not sure of the age cut off, but you should find info on www.Biltmore.com

If you need any other suggestions or assistance while you are in town, do not hesitate to ask.

Linda

and mine are older than the pick, plus we'll have a friend in tow so the free kids deal is really going to help. I showed them all the website and they seem excited too. I'm looking forward to it. I think we will try the audio tour.

 

[LJC1861]

Marynvince,

Yes, the Renaissance is right downtown and a good choice especially for the price you got!

As for other things to do in the area....the Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through town. On the east side you will find the Folk Art Center, a museum and gift shop featuring the high end crafts of the Southern Highlands Craft Guild. There is some pretty amazing stuff there and they often do demonstrations on different mountain crafts. A short distance down the parkway towards town is the Destination Center which focuses on the parkway itself and the wildlife in the area.

On the western end of the Asheville section of the parkway is the NC Arboretum. In addition to beautiful gardens and hiking trails, there are 2 exhibition buildings and a world glass bonsai display.

There are tons of great restaurants downtown and lots of shopping and galleries as well. The park in the center of town, Pack Square is newly restored and is beautiful. Asheville is a very artsy little city and I am sure you will love it!

Linda