Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, NY to Gainesville, VA
Buffalo, New York, and Gainesville, Virginia, are two fascinating East Coast cities that are worth a visit. If you are embarking on a road trip between these two cities, there are several unique attractions you should add to your itinerary. This trip takes approximately nine hours, with the halfway point being Altoona, PA.
Niagara Falls
One of the top five things to do on this road trip is to visit Niagara Falls, located approximately 25 minutes from Buffalo, New York. Niagara Falls is an impressive set of three waterfalls that straddle the border between the United States and Canada. Tourists from around the world come to see this incredible natural wonder. Visitors can take a boat tour to get up close to the falls and experience the mist and roar of the powerful waterfalls.
Interesting Fact: Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is an exciting destination located between Buffalo and Albany, about halfway on this road trip. This 524-mile canal system played a crucial role in the United States' economic expansion and growth in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the canal towns along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, including Schenectady and Little Falls, have preserved their charming historic towns. Visitors can bike, boat, or walk along the canal path and explore these historic towns along the way.
Interesting Fact: President Thomas Jefferson was delighted with the Erie Canal project, stating, "It is a little short of madness to think of building such a canal."
Hershey Park
Located about three hours from Buffalo, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Hershey Park is an exciting destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. This park is home to thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and more than 70 attractions for visitors of all ages. The park also offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the Hershey's Chocolate World attraction, where visitors can see how chocolate is made, create their candy bars, and sample exclusive chocolate treats.
Interesting Fact: More than 70 million Hershey's Kisses are produced every day at the Hershey's Chocolate Factory.
Monticello
Monticello is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in early American history. Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, and the author of the Declaration of Independence. This historic home is located in Charlottesville, Virginia and offers visitors an opportunity to take a guided tour of the house, gardens, and plantation cemetery. The tours showcase Jefferson's life and achievements as well as explore his contributions to architecture, farming, and science.
Interesting Fact: Thomas Jefferson designed and supervised the construction of Monticello himself.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is the largest and most popular caverns in the Eastern United States, located approximately an hour and a half from Gainesville in Virginia. Visitors can explore the incredible underground world filled with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and other impressive limestone formations. The caverns offer guided tours that provide an educational experience viewed from walkways throughout the caverns.
Interesting Fact: Luray Caverns is the only cavern in the world with stalacpipe organs.
Conclusion
The trip from Buffalo, New York to Gainesville, Virginia, is an excellent road trip with many exciting attractions and a length of approximately nine hours. The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor offers historical significance, while Hershey Park will provide fun and an excellent place to stop on your journey. If you are interested in early American history, Monticello will be a memorable experience. Luray Caverns, one of the top five things to do located just before arriving in Gainesville, will offer unique experiences and lasting memories. Take this journey for the adventure of a lifetime!