The Top Five Best Places to Visit on a Trip between Chapel Hill and Arlington

If you're looking for a road trip that mixes history, culture, and fun, you can't beat the route between Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Arlington, Virginia. With plenty of stops along the way, this journey has something for everyone. Our top five picks for places to visit will take you along winding roads and through charming towns and cities. So, put on your walking shoes, fill up your gas tank, and let's hit the road.

Halfway Point: Petersburg, VA

Before we dive into our top five picks, let's talk about the halfway point on this trip – Petersburg, VA. This historic town played a crucial role in the Civil War and has plenty of fascinating sites to visit, including the Petersburg National Battlefield and the Siege Museum. But, if you're looking for more modern attractions, the quaint downtown area has plenty of delicious restaurants and unique shops to explore. Make sure to stop by Demolition Coffee for a caffeine boost and some tasty pastries.

Now, let's move on to our top five favorite places to visit on this trip.

Stop 1: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Title: Explore the Home of a Founding Father
Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

Located just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. This stunning estate offers a glimpse into the life of one of America's most celebrated Founding Fathers. Take a guided tour of the house, explore the gardens, and learn about the history of slavery at Jefferson's plantation. Make sure to check out the visitor center, which houses fascinating exhibits and artifacts related to Jefferson's life.

Stop 2: Shenandoah National Park

Title: Take a Drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

If you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss Shenandoah National Park. This park is home to over 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a scenic drive on Skyline Drive, the park's main thoroughfare, and stop at one of the many overlooks for breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including black bears and white-tailed deer.

Stop 3: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Title: Step Back in Time to a Revolutionary Era
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history. This small town played a crucial role in the Civil War, and before that, it was the site of John Brown's raid on a federal armory. Take a guided tour of the town to learn about its role in American history, explore the museums and exhibits, and stop by the nearby Appalachian Trail Conservancy for a hike on one of the most famous trails in the world.

Stop 4: Antietam National Battlefield

Title: Learn about the Bloodiest One-Day Battle in American History
Sharpsburg, Maryland

Antietam National Battlefield is the site of one of the bloodiest battles in American history. On September 17, 1862, over 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in action. Today, visitors can take a self-guided driving tour of the battlefield, learn about the strategies and tactics used by both sides, and explore the visitor center, which includes exhibits about the battle and the history of the Civil War. Make sure to stop by the Dunker Church, one of the most iconic buildings on the battlefield.

Stop 5: Arlington National Cemetery

Title: Pay Your Respects to Those Who Served
Arlington, Virginia

Our final stop on this trip is Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 400,000 American service members and their families. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the cemetery and the stories of some of the people buried there, including President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Medgar Evers. If you time your visit right, you can witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which takes place every hour on the hour.

Wrapping Up

We hope this top five list gives you some inspiration for your next road trip between Chapel Hill and Arlington. With so much history, nature, and culture to explore along the way, you're sure to have a memorable journey. So, pack your bags, grab your map, and hit the road!