From BBQ to Sushi: Traveling Between Burlington, NC and Richmond, CA

If you're planning a cross-country road trip, it's important to know how long it will take you to get from point A to point B. The trip from Burlington, North Carolina to Richmond, California is certainly a long one, but there are several different routes you can take depending on your preferences and schedule. In this article, we'll go over each route's distance and estimated travel time, and even throw in some recommendations for sightseeing and snacking along the way.

The Classic Route: I-40 + I-80

Probably the most direct route from Burlington to Richmond is to take I-40 West all the way to Barstow, California, and then switch to I-15 and later I-80 to Richomond, California. We have distance of approx. 2,700 miles. This route will take you through the heart of the country, past cities like Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas. It's a beautiful and diverse drive, showcasing everything from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains to the Mojave Desert. However, it's also the longest of the three routes, taking a total of approximately 38 hours of driving time.

Our recommendation for this route is to take a break in Nashville and check out the hot chicken scene. Visit Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish for some extra spicy fried goodness. After driving through Oklahoma City, Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que in Albuquerque, will be the perfect sustenance for a long day of driving.

The Scenic Route: I-40 + Route 66

If you have a bit more time and want to see some of the famous landmarks and scenery along Route 66, you can take I-40 West to Santa Rosa, New Mexico. From here, you can catch Route 66 all the way to Barstow, California, where you'll connect with I-15 and then I-80. The total distance with this route comes out to approximately 2,800 miles. The drive on Route 66 has some great highlights like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona and the World's Biggest Rocking Chair in Fanning, Missouri. As you might expect, this route will take you a bit longer than the direct route, approximately 43 hours of driving time.

Our recommendation for this route is to stop at Clanton's Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, for some world-famous pie and chicken fried steak. In Holbrook, Arizona, you can stop at Romo's Restaurant for some authentic Navajo tacos, and in Barstow, California, grab a burger at the famous Peggy Sue's Diner.

The Coastal Route: I-85 + I-20 + I-5

If you don't mind driving a bit out of the way and taking a more scenic route, you can follow the coast of the United States along I-85 and I-20 to Atlanta, Georgia, and then catch I-5 all the way up through California. The total distance with this route is slightly more than 3,000 miles. This trip will take you through some cities like Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles and finally ending on Richmond. It provides travellers with a great mix of city life, coastal scenery, and desert landscapes. It's also the shortest of the three routes, taking a total of approximately 36 hours of driving time.

Our recommendation for this route is to check out the sights and sounds in New Orleans, Louisiana. Don't miss the famous Cafe Du Monde for some delicious beignets and Cafe au Lait.

No matter which route you choose, be sure to factor in your own personal speed and rest stops. Make a plan for enjoyable breaks and scenery along the drive. With the right planning, time and some great food, the will be an incredible experience!