Road Tripping from Burlington to Matthews: Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit
Embark on a journey from Burlington, North Carolina, to Matthews, North Carolina, and discover the hidden gems that lie in between. This road trip will take you through beautiful landscapes and scenic routes. Buckle up and let's hit the road!
An interesting fact about this road trip is that you will be traveling on the Historic Piedmont Highway. This highway was built in the 1920s and connected rural and urban areas in the state. Today, it is a popular tourist route, known for its beauty and historical significance.
Halfway between Burlington and Matthews lies the city of Lexington, NC. Lexington is known for its barbecue, and it hosts the Lexington Barbecue Festival every October. If you're a fan of good food, make sure to stop by and indulge in some mouth-watering BBQ.
This road trip covers a distance of approximately 130 miles and takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. However, we recommend taking your time and splitting the trip into two days to fully explore the destinations.
Here are the top five places to visit on your road trip from Burlington, NC to Matthews, NC:
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park - Step back in time and learn about one of the most significant battles of the American Revolution at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. With over 220 acres of beautifully preserved landscapes, visitors can take a tour and learn about the history of this important battle.
Point of Interest: Make sure to visit the visitor center and watch the film, "Battle for the Back Country," which explains the events leading up to the battle.
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens - Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a living history museum that features restored original buildings and gardens from the Moravian settlement of Salem. Take a guided tour or explore the area on your own and get a glimpse into Moravian life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Point of Interest: Don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous Moravian cookies at the Winkler Bakery.
- Pilot Mountain State Park - For outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to Pilot Mountain State Park is a must. This iconic mountain rises more than 2,000 feet above the surrounding landscape and offers spectacular views from the summit. Hike one of the many trails or enjoy a picnic with gorgeous views.
Point of Interest: Keep an eye out for the distinctive rock formations, known as "The Big Pinnacle" and "Little Pinnacle."
- North Carolina Transportation Museum - Explore the history of transportation in North Carolina at the North Carolina Transportation Museum. With exhibits featuring historic trains and cars, visitors can learn about the state's transportation history and view beautifully restored artifacts.
Point of Interest: Take a ride on the turntable and sit in the operator's seat to get a unique perspective of the trains.
- Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site - Go back in time and learn about the gold rush era at the Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site. Visitors can tour the restored underground mine and see the original equipment used by gold miners.
Point of Interest: See if you can spot a fleck of gold in the River banks that surround the mines.
In Conclusion, this road trip from Burlington, NC, to Matthews, NC, is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. With a mix of history, culture, and outdoor beauty, there is something for everyone. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and make memories that will last a lifetime.