Top Places to See When Driving from Bellefontaine, Ohio to Columbus, Georgia

Whether it's a planned road trip or an impromptu one, driving from Bellefontaine, Ohio to Columbus, Georgia could be a fun adventure, especially if you're looking to explore new places and create lasting memories. This drive could take around seven hours but, with the right itinerary, it can be a journey filled with breathtaking views, interesting stops, and delightful experiences.

In this article, we've compiled a list of some of the top places to see when driving from Bellefontaine, Ohio to Columbus, Georgia. So, buckle up, put on your favorite playlist, and let's embark on a fantastic journey across several states.

Visit Cincinnati, Ohio

The first stop on our journey from Bellefontaine to Columbus, Georgia is the bustling city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati is just an hour and a half drive south from Bellefontaine, and it's worth the stop. With its many attractions, it's easy to get lost in the spirit of the city and lose track of time.

If you're visiting Cincinnati, the first place you should visit is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. It's the second-oldest zoo in the United States and has over 500 animal species from around the world, including white Bengal tigers, black rhinos, and gorillas.

Another place that you should see is the Cincinnati Art Museum. This museum has a vast collection of over 67,000 works of art, spanning over 6,000 years of art history. Some of the notable pieces include pieces from Monet, Rembrandt, and Picasso.

While in Cincinnati, make sure to try out Skyline chili, a meat-based sauce with hints of cinnamon and cocoa, served over spaghetti. You can find it at local chains like Skyline and Gold Star, which originated in Cincinnati.

Explore Louisville, Kentucky

Leaving Ohio, our next destination is Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville is two hours and 30 minutes away from Cincinnati and has several fun activities that you should try.

One thing that Louisville is known for is the Kentucky Derby, a horse racing event that takes place annually at Churchill Downs. However, if you're not visiting during the derby season, you could still tour Churchill Downs and even visit the Kentucky Derby Museum and see exhibits on the event's history.

If you're a lover of baseball, you could visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Here, you can learn about the history of baseball in Louisville and the manufacturing process of their famous bats. Additionally, you can see the World's Largest Baseball Bat on Main Street, a 120-feet-tall replica of Babe Ruth's bat.

Finally, if you're a bourbon fan, visit the historic Old Forester Distillery, which is a 45-minute tour that lets you learn the step-by-step guide to making small-batch bourbon. You'll also get to learn about the Whiskey Row district's heritage along the way.

Experience Nashville, Tennessee

Our next stop is Nashville, Tennessee, located two and a half hours from Louisville, Kentucky. Nicknamed the "Music City," Nashville is the perfect destination for music lovers, with several world-renowned music venues.

A must-visit place in Nashville is the Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry is a live concert venue that has showcased legendary country music stars like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Catching a live show at the Opry should undoubtedly be on your Nashville bucket list.

Another great place to visit is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It's a massive museum that recognizes and preserves the history of country music. You'll find artifacts like Elvis' solid gold Cadillac and memorabilia from the likes of Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw.

If you're a foodie, you need to visit Hot Chicken places like Hattie B's or Prince's Hot Chicken, places that originated the Nashville Hot Chicken trend. Nashville Hot Chicken is a southern style fried chicken served with a dry rub of cayenne pepper. It's served at different spice levels, and it's highly recommended that you try it with a cold drink.

See the Scenic Nature of Chattanooga, Tennessee

An hour-and-45-minute drive from Nashville, and we're in Chattanooga, Tennessee, located in the Appalachian Mountains and home to several natural attractions. Chattanooga boasts of a fantastic mix of history, beautiful scenery, and distinctive attractions.

One recommendation would be a visit to Signal Mountain. The town is located minutes from downtown Chattanooga. The road to Signal Mountain is quite windy, but the view is rewarding. The view at the top from Signal Point boasts of panoramic views of the city and the Tennessee River. There's also a hiking trail at the top, which is quite easy.

Another place that is worth a visit is the Ruby Falls. It's an underground cave system with a 145-foot waterfall at the end of the walking trail. The tour takes about an hour, and you get to see the cave system's unique formations and learn about its history.

Finally, visiting Rock City Gardens, a natural wonder on top of Lookout Mountain, is a must-do in Chattanooga. The gardens feature more than 400 native plant species, a variety of geological wonders, and a 100-foot waterfall.

Enjoy the Charm of Athens, Georgia

Our last stop before our final destination is the beautiful city of Athens, Georgia. Athens is just an hour's drive east from Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, considered the largest natural wilderness area in the state.

One attraction you should visit while in Athens is the University of Georgia campus. Here, you can take a walking tour of the campus and admire its historical and architectural architecture. Additionally, you can visit other attractions located on campus-like the practically perfect Georgia Museum of Art or the colorful State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

A trip to Athens wouldn't be complete without trying some of the local cuisine. You could visit the Last Resort Grill, a restaurant that serves southern and Mediterranean dishes or visit the Royal Peasant, where you can find an excellent craft beer or enjoy a slice of homemade pizza in a cozy atmosphere.

Conclusion

Driving from Bellefontaine, Ohio, to Columbus, Georgia, could be a long trip, but it doesn't have to be a tedious one. There are several stops you could make along the way to learn new things, explore new destinations, and have a fun-filled journey. With our top places to visit list, you're on your way to an unforgettable trip.