Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Cincinnati, Ohio

If you're looking for a scenic road trip that will take you through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, then driving from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Cincinnati, Ohio, is definitely worth considering. The journey takes just under eight hours if you're driving straight through, but that would be a real shame as there are plenty of unexpected places to stop along the way. Here are just a few of the highlights you definitely won't want to miss:

Halfway Point: Fayetteville, WV

Before we get onto the individual stops, it's worth mentioning the halfway point of this road trip: Fayetteville, West Virginia. This small town is the perfect place to take a break from driving and stretch your legs. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and there's a range of activities to enjoy. You could go hiking in the New River Gorge National Park, go fishing on the New River, or even try white-water rafting.

Now onto the destinations on either side of Fayetteville.

Stop #1: Lexington, VA

The first stop on our list is Lexington, Virginia, which is around two hours into the journey. This charming town is home to the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University, which means there's a real sense of history here. You can visit the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, where the Confederate general is buried, or head to the Virginia Military Institute Museum. However, one of the real highlights of Lexington is the food. You can't leave without trying the famous fried chicken at the Southern Inn Restaurant.

Stop #2: Hocking Hills, OH

Just over three hours into the journey, you'll arrive at Hocking Hills in Ohio. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and is the perfect pit stop for nature lovers. You can explore the Ash Cave, which is the largest recess cave in Ohio, go zip-lining, or try your hand at rock climbing. However, for those who prefer something more relaxed, there are a variety of vineyards in the area, like Hocking Hills Winery, where you can sample the local wines.

Stop #3: Columbus, OH

Around halfway between Hocking Hills and Cincinnati, lies Columbus, Ohio. This city has a thriving arts and culture scene, and there's plenty to see and do, so it's worth staying a night or two. You can visit the Columbus Museum of Art, which is home to famous works like Monet's Water Lilies, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or even take a tour of the Ohio Statehouse. When in Columbus, try a Buckeye Donut, a well-known local pastry.

Stop #4: Dayton, OH

Just over an hour from Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio, is a city with a rich aviation history. Here you can visit the National Museum of the US Air Force. This museum is home to over 360 aircraft and missiles, so it's a must-visit for any aviation enthusiasts. The Wright Brothers National Museum, based in Dayton, is also worth a visit. You won't want to miss out on the local favorite, Marion's Piazza pizza while in Dayton.

Stop #5: Cincinnati, OH

Last but certainly not least is Cincinnati, Ohio. This city has something for everyone, whether you love sports, culture or even breweries, this city has it all. You can visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, take a Riverboat cruise on the Ohio River or visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It's hard to resist Graeter's Ice Cream when in Cincinnati, so make sure to indulge in some.

Conclusion

While the road trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Cincinnati, Ohio, can be completed in just under eight hours, we highly recommend taking your time and stopping off at some of these unexpected places along the way. You'll taste some amazing food, see some incredible natural beauty, and experience some history-rich destinations. So load up the car, fill up the gas tank, and hit the road. The memories you'll make along the way will be well worth it!