Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, NY to Charlotte, NC
Buffalo, NY, and Charlotte, NC are two great cities separated by a 650-mile route that offers travelers an opportunity to enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes and attractions in the northeastern United States. The road trip takes about 10 hours non-stop, but it's worth taking a couple of days to make stops and explore the exciting destinations along the way. The highlights of the trip include breathtaking views of the Appalachians, historic sites, charming small towns, and natural wonders. Halfway between the two cities, travelers will encounter Weston, WV, a tiny town full of history and charm.
Canalside, Buffalo, NY
Canalside is a vibrant and trendy waterfront area in downtown Buffalo. The area is a mix of historical landmarks, green spaces, and modern buildings. Visitors can take a walk along the Erie Canal Harbor, visit museums such as The Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park or the Buffalo Museum of Science. For families, there is the Explore & More Children's Museum, and during the summer, Canalside hosts concerts and outdoor movies.
Interesting Fact: Canalside was the western terminus of the Erie Canal, completed in 1825, which connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes, and made Buffalo one of the busiest ports in America.
Corning Museum of Glass, Corning, NY
The Corning Museum of Glass is a world-renowned art museum dedicated to glass. Visitors can engage in glassmaking activities, watch live glassblowing demonstrations, and experience a vast collection of glasswork from artists worldwide. The museum has an extensive collection of ancient Greek and Roman glass and contemporary works of art and design.
Interesting Fact: The Corning Museum of Glass is home to the smallest glass objects ever made, known as the 'Little Flowers.' They measure only 0.05mm in diameter, and it took the Corning Museum staff to produce these tiny glasswork.
Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA
The Fallingwater is a stunning architecture masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. The house is cantilevered over a waterfall, and the design served as Wright's inspiration for organic architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour and see the impeccable beauty of the house, which blends with the natural environment.
Interesting Fact: Fallingwater is considered one of the most influential and beautiful architectural wonders ever built, and it's the only Wright's house that's opened to the public for visits.
Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle, PA
The Ohiopyle State Park is known as Pennsylvania's outdoor playground. It's a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, waterfalls, rock climbing areas, and some of the best whitewater rafting opportunities in the state. Visitors can explore miles of scenic beauty, do some bird watching, or have a picnic by the riverbank.
Interesting Fact: Ohiopyle State Park was created in 1965, and its natural beauty has been preserved ever since. It's home to several threatened and endangered plant and animal species, such as timber rattlesnake.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
The Biltmore Estate is a unique attraction that combines architectural marvel with opulent luxury. The estate was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895, and it's now a 8000-acre property that includes a chateau-like mansion, stunning gardens, and beautiful winery. Visitors can tour the mansion, stroll in the gardens or indulge in the estate's culinary delights.
Interesting Fact: The Biltmore Estate is America's largest privately-owned house, and it contains over 2.4 million cubic feet of living space.
Conclusion
The road trip from Buffalo, NY to Charlotte, NC is a fantastic journey that takes visitors to some of the most picturesque and exciting destinations in the northeastern United States. Travelers can enjoy the Canalside, delve into the art of glassmaking at the Corning Museum of Glass, be amazed by the Fallingwater, experience the natural beauty of Ohiopyle State Park, and indulge in the luxurious opulence of the Biltmore Estate. The trip is approximately 10 hours long, but stopping along the way will make the drive more enjoyable and memorable.