Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Buena Vista, Virginia to Orlando, Florida

If you're planning a road trip from Buena Vista, Virginia to Orlando, Florida, you may be wondering about the best places to stop along the way. This drive covers about 850 miles and takes around 13 hours if you drive straight through, but why not break up the journey with some unexpected and fun pit stops? Here are five places that you should check out:

1. New River Gorge Bridge – Fayetteville, West Virginia

The New River Gorge Bridge is a must-see destination on your road trip. As the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, it's a true engineering marvel. Visitors can walk on the catwalk beneath the bridge and experience breathtaking views of the surrounding gorge. It's a popular spot for base jumpers, so you may even witness some daredevils leaping from the bridge. When you're done admiring the bridge, head over to Pies & Pints in Fayetteville for some delicious gourmet pizza and craft beer.

2. Mammoth Cave National Park – Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. Visitors can take guided tours of the caves and learn about the history and geology of this fascinating underground world. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a Wild Cave Tour and crawl through some of the undeveloped parts of the cave. After your cave exploration, stop at BunBunBakery in nearby Glasgow for some mouth-watering treats like cinnamon rolls and donut holes.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Music lovers won't want to miss a stop in Nashville, Tennessee. Known as the "Music City," Nashville is the birthplace of country music and home to famous venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Take a stroll down Broadway and soak up the lively atmosphere, listen to live music in one of the many honky-tonks, or visit the famous Ryman Auditorium. Don't leave Nashville without trying some hot chicken at Hattie B's – the spiciest chicken in town.

4. Santee State Park – Santee, South Carolina

Located exactly halfway between Buena Vista and Orlando, Santee State Park is a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy some outdoor recreation. The park features a beautiful lake, hiking trails, camping sites, and even a 1930s-era homestead that you can tour. Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the cypress trees to see wildlife like turtles, alligators, and great blue herons up close. For a tasty meal, head to Clark's Inn and Restaurant in nearby Santee for Southern cuisine like shrimp and grits or fried catfish.

5. St. Augustine, Florida

As the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States, St. Augustine is a history lover's dream. Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Spanish Quarter and visit historic sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. The town is full of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants, including the famous Columbia Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious Spanish and Cuban dishes since 1905.

Overall, this road trip from Buena Vista, Virginia to Orlando, Florida is full of surprises and interesting stops along the way. From natural wonders to cultural landmarks, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, grab some snacks, and hit the road – adventure awaits!