The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Columbia, Missouri

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Columbia, Missouri, are two distinct and exciting college towns separated by almost 900 miles of scenic roadways. A road trip from Chapel Hill to Columbia is a perfect opportunity to explore some of the best attractions in the eastern and midwestern United States. With diverse attractions and scenic drives, the road trip offers an unforgettable experience with a stopover at Frankfort, KY, halfway across the journey.

Top 5 Things to Do on the Road Trip

Visit Lynchburg, Tennessee

The Lynchburg community is a fascinating place to be and is worth a visit during the road trip. The town is home to the famous Jack Daniel Distillery, one of the ten iconic American distilleries that produce quality whiskey. Tourists can have a taste of the finest whiskeys and tour the extensive facilities. Additionally, one can visit the charming downtown with a courthouse square surrounded by antique stores, galleries, and gift shops. Lynchburg is also the birthplace of the renowned Motlow family that has a compelling story that is part of the whiskey tradition.

Lynchburg Fact: There is a famous spring on the Jack Daniel distillery grounds that provides the water used in the whiskey production.

Experience Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is the world's longest-known cave system. This park has a vast network of caves and underground passages, accessible for guided tours. Visitors can explore the extensive caverns, marvel at the impressive rock formations, and learn about the world beneath our feet. Beyond the caves, the park provides an opportunity for hiking, kayaking, and camping in the beautiful nature that is home to a diverse array of wildlife.

Mammoth Cave Fact: The area of the cave that visitors have explored takes only 10% of its total length as most of the cave system is still unexplored.

Discover the St. Louis Arch

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a landmark that represents the West's gateway, reaching more than 630 feet high. Tourists visiting the arch can take a tram ride to the Top to view the expansive skyline of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The museum at the base of the arch also offers interactive exhibitions that explore the history of the American West and the role of the Gateway Arch.

St. Louis Arch Fact: The Arch weighs as much as 43,226 pick-up trucks and is twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty in New York City.

Explore Kansas City BBQ

One cannot complete a road trip through Missouri without being treated to the best Kansas City has to offer; barbeque. Kansas, often acclaimed as America's barbeque capital, has several popular barbecue joints, each with a unique way of achieving a perfect barbeque meal. Arthur Bryant's, one of the oldest and most famous joints, serves a variety of smoked and prepared meats, from the traditional pork ribs to the "burnt ends," a delicious barbecue delicacy. Other BBQ joints, such as Joe's Kansas City BBQ and Q39, are also worth a visit.

Kansas City Fact: Kansas City is home to more than one hundred barbecue restaurants.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a spectacular and awe-inspiring destination for road trippers who might want to stretch their legs and experience the breathtaking three-state natural border attraction between the United States and Canada. Visitors can see the landmark attraction from various viewpoints, including the Observation Tower, the Niagara Falls State Park, Cave of the Winds, and many other tourist spots. Additionally, tourists can take a scenic boat ride from the base to the edge of the turbulent water, a life-changing experience.

Niagara Falls Fact: The Niagara Falls originated almost 12,000 years ago during the last ice age, and it continues to erode a few feet every year.

Conclusion

The Chapel Hill to Columbia road trip is packed with a varied selection of attractions, from the vast Mammoth Cave National Park to the renowned Jack Daniels Distillery. The road trip covers approximately 880 miles, ensuring that there is enough excitement and exploration for its duration. Overall, the trip should take about 15 hours on average, allowing tourists to savor each destination's experience fully. Road trippers should make an effort to watch the sunset during their drive and take ample breaks for rest, food, and comfort. By the end of the trip, tourists will be pleased to have experienced some of the most exhilarating places in the eastern and midwestern United States.