Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Burlington, North Carolina and Madison, Alabama

If you are planning to embark on a road trip from Burlington, North Carolina, to Madison, Alabama, you are in for a treat. From scenic view drives to historic landmarks and quirky tourist spots, this trip has something for everyone. The halfway point of the trip, Dandridge, TN, is a charming town in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip:

Stop 1: Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive that connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. The road offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. There are also numerous overlooks and picnic areas along the way. A must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Fun fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited unit of the National Park Service, attracting more than 15 million visitors annually.

Stop 2: Visit the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is a 8,000-acre estate in Asheville, North Carolina, that includes a 250-room chateau, a winery, and beautiful gardens. Built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, it is the largest privately owned home in the United States. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the chateau, explore the gardens and grounds, and sample wines at the winery.

Fun fact: The Biltmore Estate was used as a filming location for the movie "The Last of the Mohicans."

Stop 3: See the Saturn V Rocket at the US Space and Rocket Center

The US Space and Rocket Center is a museum and education center in Huntsville, Alabama, that showcases the history of space exploration. Visitors can see artifacts and exhibits related to the Apollo missions, spacecraft, and the International Space Station. The museum's signature attraction is the Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever flown and a centerpiece of the Apollo moon landings.

Fun fact: Huntsville, Alabama, is known as the "Rocket City" because it was the site of a major rocket development center during the Cold War.

Stop 4: Check out the Unclaimed Baggage Center

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is a unique shopping destination in Scottsboro, Alabama, that sells lost and unclaimed luggage items at discounted prices. The store receives millions of items each year from airlines and travel companies that are unable to locate the owners. Visitors can browse through clothing, electronics, sporting goods, and even jewelry, all at a fraction of the original price.

Fun fact: In 2011, the Unclaimed Baggage Center acquired a diamond-encrusted Rolex watch worth over $25,000.

Stop 5: Visit the Jack Daniel's Distillery

The Jack Daniel's distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is a must-visit for whiskey lovers. Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the production process and the history of the iconic brand. The tour includes a visit to the barrelhouse, where the whiskey is aged, and a tasting of the various products.

Fun fact: Jack Daniel's whiskey is made from a mash of corn, rye, and barley, and is filtered through sugar maple charcoal before being aged in oak barrels.

In conclusion, this road trip offers a blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and offbeat attractions. The route covers approximately 540 miles and can be completed in about nine hours driving time, not counting stops. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!