We're talking about a vacation this summer so we can plan ahead. My mother (who will pay for it) said she'd love to go to Yellowstone, but it looks like it's about a 24-hour drive for us. Still, I like the idea of going to a national park. We're in Indiana, so this image shows about the limits of where we're willing to drive. Maybe 14-15 hours at most, which puts most of the ones in the image in range.
However-
• We've already been to Indiana Dunes and Gateway Arch.
• My daughter is scared of caves, so Mammoth Cave is out.
Out of the rest, which would you most recommend so I can suggest it to my mother?
Is there anything not in Indiana that is within this area that you think is more worth visiting than a national park that also would take a decent amount of time to visit and see different things? (Not a city, obviously.)
Any advice appreciated. Thanks!
+1 for Smoky Mtns. So much to explore, Clingmans Dome, waterfalls, elk, bears, restaurants close by, but you can get as far away from the tourist-ty stuff as you like. Secluded cabins to downtown hotels. Dollywood for the kids is good. I live in Georgia, but try to get up there with the family every year or two. Also Smoky mountain knife works is worth it if you're into knives, outdoors, camping...
It's looking the most promising right now just due to all the things to do in Gatlinburg as well. We can't help it, we enjoy a good tourist trap.
Adding to the smoky mountain suggestion, the Gatlinburg area has a lot of fun touristy places to go. I haven’t seen the Apple Barn mentioned yet, but they and Cruze Farms Ice cream are both top notch dessert places. And I’ll 2nd The Local Goat for some good food.
Here's another for the Smokies. I'm about an hour and change east of Gatlinburg, it's a great area to spend a few days for sure. Dollywood is surprisingly awesome, the Aquarium is great, mountains like Clingman's Dome are beautiful.
+1 for the apple barn, definitely eat there while you're in town! Like what cracker barrel should be if it was real food and actually good.
Also, if you're into blacksmiths and actual hand-forged knives, definitely check out Viking Blade Forge, it's a small place in the middle of nowhere with a few similar shops nearby. Definitely worth it. Contact us page w/ address