Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carmel, Indiana to Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Have you ever taken a road trip and needed to break up the drive with interesting stops along the way? From Carmel, Indiana to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the drive can be long, but there are plenty of hidden gems to explore and enjoy. The drive covers approximately 700 miles and takes around 11 hours. As you make your way through scenic highways and byways, there are five unexpected places you should stop at on your journey.

Halfway Point: Point Pleasant, WV

Before diving into the five unexpected places, it's important to mention the halfway point of this trip, Point Pleasant, WV. This little town is nestled on the banks of the Ohio River and is a great stop to stretch your legs and learn about its rich history. Dubbed as the “Home of the Mothman,” Point Pleasant is famous for a supernatural creature that allegedly terrorized the town in 1966 and has since been immortalized in pop culture.

1. Louisville, KY: The Land of Booze

As you make your way down, the first unexpected stop is Louisville, KY. It's a city known for racing, and of course, bourbon. You can start at the iconic Kentucky Derby Museum and explore exhibits about the race, or visit Churchill Downs itself. Another great place to try is the Old Forester Distilling Company, where you can tour the distillery and sample some local bourbon. All that whiskey might leave you feeling hungry, so head over to the popular Butchertown Grocery to try their famous fried chicken and waffles.

2. Asheville, NC: Beer Town USA

Asheville, NC is a scenic mountain town that is famous for its craft beer. It's home to over 100 breweries, ranging from small shops to large corporate breweries. You can take a guided tour to sample the best brews of the town with Asheville Brewery Tours. Besides beer, the city has a thriving arts scene to explore. For lunch, check out Early Girl Eatery, known for its farm-to-table Southern comfort food.

3. Lexington, VA: Robert E. Lee's Hometown

Lexington, VA, is a historic town that dates back to Colonial times. It's the hometown of famous Civil War general Robert E. Lee, and you can visit the Lee Chapel and Museum, which is on the grounds of Washington and Lee University, one of the oldest universities in the country. Lexington also has great hiking and scenic routes to enjoy. While you’re there, make sure you try Southern Inn Restaurant’s famous peach cobbler.

4. Blowing Rock, NC: Sloping Rock Formation

Blowing Rock, NC, is a scenic town close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to the Blowing Rock. This natural "attraction" is a strange rock formation that is said to create a huge wind tunnel known to “blow” items horizontally. It's a magical place to explore and hike around, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors. Try out Woodlands BBQ's famous sandwich, and enjoy the mountainous view.

5. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY: Roaming In An Underground Limestone Cave

Last but not least, as you make your way back to Indiana, stop at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. It's the longest cave system in the world, boasting over 400 miles of underground caves to explore. You can take a guided tour to navigate the complex and learn about the history behind the caves. It's a great place to cool down during hot summer months or simply enjoy the experience of being underground. Local favorite diner, College Street Cafe, has a mouth-watering BLT Baconnaise sandwich that is not to be missed.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of unexpected places to stop on a drive from Carmel, Indiana, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Whether you want to sip on some bourbon, sample craft beer, learn about history, or explore nature, the trip has it all. So, pack your bags, stock up your playlist, and hit the road. With these stops and many more on the way, it's an adventure that you won't soon forget.