Interstate 85 — Petersburg, VA to Montgomery, AL

Hampton Inn Greenville I-85

246 Congaree Rd, Greenville, SC 29607 · $$

Greenville is the hidden gem of I-85 and the Hampton Inn here puts you close to that incredible downtown. If you're connecting from I-75 in Atlanta to I-77 in Charlotte, Greenville is the natural midpoint overnight. Pool, breakfast, and a downtown that's genuinely fun to walk around in the evening. The food scene here punches way above its weight class. Don't sleep on Greenville — unless you're literally sleeping here, in which case, do.

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Discovery Place Science - Charlotte

301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202 · $$

Charlotte's science museum is right in uptown and the hands-on exhibits are designed for exactly the age range that's been losing it in your back seat for the past four hours. The rainforest dome has live butterflies landing on your kids. The physics labs let them build things and break things. If you're passing through Charlotte and the back seat is approaching DefCon 1, Discovery Place is the pressure release valve. They'll come out tired and happy.

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Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville

601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601 · $

Greenville's downtown has a waterfall. A real one. In the middle of the city. Falls Park has a suspension bridge over the falls, a walking trail along the river, and the entire Main Street is lined with restaurants and ice cream shops. If you need to stop for lunch between Atlanta and Charlotte, Greenville is the answer. The kids walk, you eat, everyone sees a waterfall, and for thirty minutes you forget you're on a road trip. Free to visit.

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The Peachoid

I-85 between Exits 90 and 92, Gaffney, SC 29341 · $

A one-million-gallon water tower painted to look like a peach, complete with a hand-painted leaf. Built in 1981 to push back at Georgia's 'Peach State' nickname (South Carolina actually grows more peaches). Visible for miles on I-85 between Charlotte and Atlanta, and required viewing for House of Cards fans (Frank Underwood references it in the pilot). Pull-off is on the frontage road at Exit 92 if you want a closer look. Five-minute stop.

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Buc-ee's - Auburn

2500 Buc-ee's Blvd, Auburn, AL 36832 · $

The Auburn Buc-ee's sits right on I-85 between Atlanta and Montgomery, which is prime 'everyone needs to get out of this car right now' territory. You're about two hours from Atlanta heading south, the kids have exhausted their screens and their patience, and the beaver appears on the horizon like a gas station guardian angel. Standard operating procedure applies: bathroom, brisket, beaver nuggets, back in the car. War Eagle.

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Beacon Drive-In - Spartanburg

255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306 · $

The Beacon has been serving Spartanburg since 1946 and the move-in line is legendary. You walk up, the guy behind the counter yells 'Call it!' and you'd better know what you want because the line behind you does not have patience. The Chili Cheeseburger A-Plenty is a burger buried under onion rings and fries. Your cardiologist would not approve. Your road trip self doesn't care. Right off I-85. Closed Sundays.

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