#Road Trip from Centre, Alabama to Summerville, South Carolina
Are you planning a road trip from Centre, Alabama to Summerville, South Carolina? This route offers some of the most scenic views and exciting stops in the Southeastern United States.
Did you know that this trip takes approximately six hours and covers over 350 miles? You will be able to see beautiful landscapes, national landmarks, and historical sites along the way.
Halfway Point: Thomson, GA
If you need a break halfway through your journey, consider stopping at Thomson, GA. This small town is home to the Watson-Brown Foundation and offers tours of the historic Hickory Hill, which is the home of the foundation.
Length of the trip
The total length of this trip is approximately six hours, but it depends on how much time you devote to each place. Despite being a long trip, it is worth taking your time to enjoy each stop.
Top Five Places to Visit
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - This Institute is a historical museum dedicated to the struggle for civil rights in the United States, with a focus on Birmingham. Learn about the significant events of the civil rights movement and experience pieces of history such as the confessional door from the 16th Street Baptist Church. A must-see point of interest here is the Greyhound Bus Station, where Freedom Riders were brutally attacked in 1961.
Rock City Gardens - This iconic roadside attraction is a natural wonderland. Walk along the Enchanted Trail and take in panoramic views of seven states. Don't forget to pause at points of interest like Lover's Leap, a 2,000-foot drop to the valley below, or Fairyland Caverns, featuring life-size fairytale characters.
The Biltmore Estate - America's largest private residence offers a grandiose look into the life of a Vanderbilt family through art, gardens, and architecture. Take in the gorgeous grounds and gardens, or visit the iconic Biltmore house filled with decor, art, and artifacts. A must-see point of interest is the village that is located on the estate, which shows how the workforce connected to the estate carried on their daily life.
Congaree National Park - Covered in over 27,000 acres of old-growth forest, Congaree National Park is a natural treasure. Explore the trails and boardwalks through the untouched environment filled with biodiversity and experience the world’s largest intact tract of hardwood bottomland. A must-see point of interest is the Life in a Longleaf exhibit displayed within the Harry Hampton Visitors Center, which showcases how fire adapted the longleaf pine forest.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens - This 17th-century plantation is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been owned by the same family for over 300 years. Stroll through the vast gardens and the magnificent plantation home, take a house tour, or travel back in time with guided tours that showcase important African American and Gullah history.
Point of Interest Recommendation
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute - Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark is just a few minutes away from the institute, where you can explore a grand industrial museum featuring preserved furnaces, blast machinery, and other equipment.
- Rock City Gardens - Don't miss out on stopping at the charming town of Chattanooga or take an adventure on Lookout Mountain's Incline Railway.
- The Biltmore Estate - Consider traveling to nearby Asheville, NC. This town is filled with breweries, restaurants, shops, and quaint streets to explore.
- Congaree National Park - Make sure you pack a picnic to enjoy within the beauty of the park.
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens - Head to nearby Charleston, SC, to explore the charming city steeped in history and Southern charm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the road trip from Centre, Alabama, to Summerville, South Carolina, is well worth your time. With five exciting places to visit, any traveler can plan a diverse itinerary. From Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute to Summerville's Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, there are unique points of interest at each stop. So, pack your bags and embark on a road trip of history, culture, and nature.