Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Saint Louis, MO

Chapel Hill, North Carolina is a bustling college town with a variety of restaurants and activities to engage in. On the other hand, Saint Louis, Missouri offers its visitors a mix of history, architecture, and art experiences. The road trip takes you on a 712-mile journey from the research triangle area of North Carolina, through the Appalachian Mountains, and across the Mississippi River to the Gateway to the West. Driving through charming towns and cities, the trip offers incredible and memorable experiences for history lovers, gourmands, and outdoor adventure seekers. The halfway point of the journey is Owingsville, KY, a small town with a rich history where Confederate soldiers famously surrendered to Union troops during the American Civil War.

Top Five Things to do on a Road Trip from Chapel Hill to Saint Louis

1. Blue Ridge Parkway - Catch Breathtaking Scenery

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile drive that goes through some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery in Virginia and North Carolina. This destination is famous for its foliage, which makes a colorful display in the fall. The drive is also great for watching wildlife, and in-between the mountains, lay several small towns and villages that offer visitors delicious food and handicrafts.

Interesting Fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in the US.

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Enjoy Fun Outdoor Adventures

Gatlinburg is a beautiful mountain resort town known for its incredible scenery and numerous outdoor activities. Visitors can spend their time hiking through the forest trails, zip-lining, white water rafting, and horse riding. The town bustles with family-friendly attractions such as the Ober Gatlinburg amusement park and the spectacular Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Interesting Fact: Gatlinburg's high-altitude location makes it one of the world's few places where the moon nearly rises at the same time as the sunset.

3. Nashville, Tennessee - Music and More

Music City, Nashville, is a place of pilgrimage for country and western music fans. The city is home to the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The city also has excellent bars and restaurants that showcase the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Interesting Fact: Nashville is known as the "Athens of the South" because of the numerous colleges and universities located in the city.

4. Saint Louis, Missouri - Meet Art, History and Architecture

Saint Louis is a culturally rich city that offers visitors a wide range of experiences. The city boasts famous attractions such as the Gateway Arch, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, and the iconic Forest Park. Visitors can catch plays at the historic Fox Theatre or visit the St. Louis Art Museum. The city's culinary scene is also a gem for food lovers, with fantastic restaurants, breweries, and cafes at every corner.

Interesting Fact: The Saint Louis Art Museum contains over 34,000 works of art from around the world.

5. Mammoth Cave National Park - Explore Underground Caverns

Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored caves. The cave system is a natural wonder, with impressive cave formations that help visitors take a journey back in time. Visitors can explore the caves on ranger-led tours or opt for self-guided tours.

Interesting Fact: The cave system is home to several blind species, including a number of fish, beetles, and shrimp that have evolved into eyeless organisms.

Conclusion

Embarking on a road trip from Chapel Hill, NC, to Saint Louis, MO, is a journey worth taking as it provides the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, history, culture, and cuisine. The trip spans 712 miles, takes you through several stunning cities such as Gatlinburg and Nashville, and with the Blue Ridge Parkway, nature's beauty is on display. Mammoth Cave National Park and St. Louis' Gateway Arch provide unique and awe-inspiring experiences, and the culinary scene throughout the route is impressive. This trip can take anywhere between 12-15 hours, depending on the number of stops, and is best experienced in one to two weeks.