Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
The road trip from Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina is a journey of about 630 miles. The trip is dotted with exciting sites and activities, and it takes approximately 10 hours on the road. The three states covered during the trip - Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina, each have unique attractions and landmarks that make the trip a delightful experience. The halfway point of the road trip is Thornburg, Virginia. Here are some of the best things to do during the drive.
1. Visit the Appalachian Trail - Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,200-mile footpath that stretches from Maine to Georgia and passes through 14 states. Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania is the only town on the trail where it runs directly through the town center. Hiking the trail provides a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful and rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. The trail is also a great place to observe wildlife, including deer, black bears, and over 2,000 species of birds.
Interesting Fact:
The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, and it is managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
2. Visit the National D-Day Memorial - Bedford, Virginia
The National D-Day Memorial was established to honor the soldiers who participated in the Normandy invasion during World War II. The memorial is located in Bedford, Virginia, and it celebrates the heroism of the soldiers who fought and died in the war. Displays in the memorial include a Bronze statue of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a display of Allied and German military equipment, and a collection of World War II posters. Visitors will also learn about the local Bedford Boys, who lost their lives in the Normandy invasion.
Interesting Fact:
Bedford, Virginia was chosen to host the D-Day memorial because the town lost the highest percentage of its population per capita during the war.
3. Visit the Transportation Museum - Roanoke, Virginia
The Transportation Museum in Roanoke, Virginia, celebrates the history of transportation in the United States. The museum features a collection of more than 50 locomotives and railcars, including the famous 611 steam engine, as well as antique cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Visitors can also learn about the history of aviation in the United States by visiting the museum's aviation gallery, which features a collection of antique aircraft.
Interesting Fact:
The museum's 611 steam engine was built in 1950 and is one of the last steam engines built by the Norfolk and Western Railway.
4. Visit the North Carolina Zoo - Asheboro, North Carolina
The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro, North Carolina and is home to more than 1,600 animals from around the world. The zoo features exhibits of polar bears, cougars, gorillas, elephants, and many other exotic animals. The zoo also has a number of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages, including camps, workshops, and guided tours.
Interesting Fact:
The North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, and it has over 2,500 acres of exhibits and animals.
5. Explore Wilmington - Wilmington, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina is a charming seaside town with a rich maritime history. Visitors can explore the town's many historic landmarks, including the Cape Fear River, which played a crucial role in the town's development. The USS North Carolina battleship, which served in World War II, is also located in Wilmington and is open for tours. Visitors can also enjoy the town's many beaches, golf courses, and shopping centers.
Interesting Fact:
Wilmington, North Carolina has been used as a location for more than 400 film and television productions, including The Hunger Games, Dawson's Creek, and One Tree Hill.
The article's end purpose urges readers to embark on this 10-hour road trip from Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This trip is packed with excitement and adventure, and visitors can experience incredible landmarks such as the Appalachian Trail, the D-Day Memorial, the Transportation Museum, the North Carolina Zoo, and Wilmington. In total, the trip covers three different states, each with their unique attractions. It truly is a great way to spend time during a vacation.