G.B.
Check out Little Switzerland NC. It's 10 hours 48 minutes from Chicago and 10 hours from Tampa.
It's so gorgeous! Just lovely nature and area. We've been to Wildacres for educational classes and love that whole area. We've also thought about retiring there at some point.
From Tampa to Little Switzerland driving directions.
https://www.google.com/search?q=tampa+flo+driving+to+litt...
From Chicago to Little Switzerland driving directions.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&...