Advice for trip from LA to Philadelphia (and back)?

Hi all,

My wife and I are planning a 4 week road trip from LA to Philadelphia and back with our dog and were wondering if you have any advice/suggestions on where we should go.

We have two rough draft routes so far (one for the way there, and another for the way back). The only criteria are:

• We want to see the southern states (but not New Orleans.. we have both been there)
• Our final destination is Philadelphia
• We want to stop in Champaign, IL for a couple of days to visit family
• We don't want to unnecessarily add a ton of driving time if can avoid it

Our primary interests are:

• Exploring new cities/towns and taking in sights/cultures of different states
• Local hidden gems
• Food
• National parks (that allow dogs)

To Philadelphia (2 weeks): https://imgur.com/a/S5us5aR

To LA (2 weeks): https://imgur.com/a/Nr52HJO