Coming from Southern Illinois and looking for a nice place for some road riding the last week March. A few years ago we did Chief Ladiga trail and stayed at Mt. Cheeha in Alabama. Ideally looking for a slightly touristy town for some sightseeing and shopping along with nice roads or trails for riding. Any recommendations?

You've done flat, interested in climbing?
Not really sure I'd call it touristy, but if you like us in AL, the Mentone area can be interesting in an outdoor way.
On the other side of the state, and if you're into music, there's Muscle Shoals with the Natchez Trace not far away.

Across the state line into GA, I did a couple day bike tour of civil war sites W & NW of ATL centering around Kennesaw Mountain. If the weather hadn't been so cold, probably would have extended it up towards Chattanooga. Busy roads, though, in many places.

If I'm really thinking touristy, though, and not mixing up with spring breakers, Asheville NC / Biltmore, Grove Park Inn, Blue Ridge Parkway, breweries, etc.