The Unforgettable Road Trip from Camden, South Carolina to Charleston, West Virginia
Driving from Camden, South Carolina to Charleston, West Virginia can be quite an adventure. It takes approximately six hours and covers about 370 miles when traveled by car. The trip takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Piedmont of North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia before arriving in the capital city of West Virginia. Along the way, there are several unexpected stops that can make your trip more memorable. Here are the top five places to stop on your road trip.
Halfway Point: Mount Airy, NC
Mount Airy, North Carolina, is one of the most important stops on a drive from Camden, South Carolina, to Charleston, West Virginia. It is a quaint southern town that is known as the birthplace of the actor Andy Griffith. The downtown depicts a small southern town with a statue of Andy Griffith and a museum that captures his life's essence. Visitors can take a stroll down Main Street and grab lunch at Snappy Lunch, one of the oldest diners in the state. Snappy Lunch is well known for its pork chop sandwich and provides a small-town feel that will leave unforgettable memories.
1. Lexington, Virginia
Lexington, Virginia, is a beautiful, traditional town located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. It is home to two quaint universities: Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Visitors can explore the beautiful campus grounds, or perhaps take a step back in time at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, where you can take a moment to pay homage to the revered general. It's also worth checking out the historic downtown district, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee from TAPS or dine in one of the great local favorites like the Southern Inn or the Red Hen.
2. Blowing Rock, NC
Blowing Rock, NC, is a small town tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Its downtown area offers plenty of shopping, dining, art galleries, and entertainment options. The town is also home to the famous "Blowing Rock" rock formation that is known for the wind that flows upwards from the mountains. Make sure to visit Appalachian Ski Mountain, which is one of the oldest ski resorts in North Carolina. Visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air while boating on Price Lake at the Julian Price Memorial Park. Don't miss out on farmstead cheese from the local Ashe County Cheese factory or grab your favorite ale at the Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn.
3. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a place worth stopping and visiting on your road trip. It provides a unique opportunity to take an underground tour of an abandoned coal mine while learning about the coal mining history. Visitors can see the coal mines with mining equipment and learn and observe the culture and the daily life of the miners. Afterward, you can immerse yourself in the culture and memories of a bygone era, all while enjoying a bowl of homemade soup at the Coal Miner's Cafe.
4. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, Charleston, WV
The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is a unique and fascinating destination to stop and explore on your way to Charleston, WV. It pulls together history, science, and technology into an artful combination that both parents and children will love. You can experience a live demonstration in the Caperton Planetarium that projects a 360-degree live show that satisfies the curiosity of children and adults alike. Visitors can also explore a plethora of interactive exhibitions in the Avampato Discovery Museum offering one-of-a-kind experiences. There are several exotic burgers offered at the cafe, including the "Green chili cheddar burger" or "the West Virginia style chili dog," the perfect options for travelers to take a brief break.
5. Kanawha Falls
Kanawha Falls is a small but beautiful area located in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. It offers a perfect break on your drive from Camden to Charleston, where visitors can unwind with the calming sound of the waterfalls and the surrounding nature's beauty. You can take a walk at the "walk on water" bridge that was built over the most scenic spot of the falls. It is a sacred place that shares local folk stories and history where you can cool yourself off on a hot summer day. Moreover, you can have a taste of southern cuisine from "Roma's Pizzeria and Restaurant", offering the perfect location to have pizza, pasta, wings, and many more.
Hit the Road!
From quaint southern towns to fascinating science and technology centers, the road trip from Camden, South Carolina to Charleston, West Virginia provides an endless amount of adventures and experiences. Visitors can freshen up their travel journey in the charming towns of Mount Airy, Lexington, or Blowing Rock and learn about the coal mining history by visiting the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine or enjoy the Kanawha Falls beauty. As you embark on your journey, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the road and try out some of the local cuisine. A road trip of a lifetime awaits you!