Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charleston, South Carolina and Columbus, Ohio
Are you planning a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Columbus, Ohio? This 712-mile journey can take around 11 hours via I-77 North. But why rush and not take advantage of the beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and unique attractions on the way? Here are five unexpected places to stop and explore.
The Halfway Point: Hillsville, VA
At the exact midpoint of your journey lies the town of Hillsville, Virginia. Hillsville may be small, but it has a rich history. In 1912, an altercation known as the Carroll County Courthouse shooting occurred, leaving 5 people dead, making it an exciting, if morbid stop for history buffs.
The town has also been named the Bluegrass Capital of Virginia, hosting an annual Memorial Day Bluegrass Festival. Be sure to check the calendar of events and join them in the lively celebration of the region's music and culture.
Foodie Must-Try in Hillsville: You can't leave Hillsville without trying the red velvet doughnuts at The Hillsville Diner.
1. Beckley, WV
About two hours (119 miles) north from Hillsville is the city of Beckley, West Virginia. If you're traveling with family, make sure to stop by Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia. This one-stop-shop celebrates local artisans, musicians, and chefs. You'll find everything from handcrafted pottery to live jazz music. You can take something home, either a unique art piece or a jar of locally sourced preserves.
Foodie Must-Try in Beckley: At King Tut Drive-In, try West Virginia's proudest export, pepperoni rolls.
2. Wadsworth, OH
As you near your final destination, stop by Wadsworth, Ohio, for some well-deserved rest, relaxation, and retail therapy. The historic downtown features charming boutiques, antique shops, and cafes.
If the weather is cooperative, take a stroll along the historic Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath, where barges went through in the 19th century. Now this area is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers.
Foodie Must-Try in Wadsworth: Ozzie's General Market is the perfect place to grab a picnic lunch. Make sure your basket includes their famous subs and artisanal cheese.
3. Independence, WV
Let’s go back a few miles to Independence, West Virginia. The town of about 900 residents is home to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The asylum opened in 1864 before closing in 1994 and has since become a National Historic Landmark with a dark history. The building was once the second-largest hand-cut stone masonry building in the world.
You can take a guided tour for a detailed look at the architecture and sinister past of the facility. There’s also a ghost tour in case you're looking to add a little bit of spookiness to your trip.
Foodie Must-Try in Independence: At Cornerstone Cafe, grab one of their home cooked meals, made with locally grown ingredients.
4. Morgantown, WV
Next, we drive 90 miles north to Morgantown, West Virginia. Home to West Virginia University, you find the impressive Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Join the crowd and cheer on the Mountaineers during football season. You'll also find the Creative Arts Center that features performances by talented artists and musicians.
Take a stroll through the 73-acre arboretum located right in the heart of the city, the perfect place to unwind before hitting the road again.
Foodie Must-Try in Morgantown: Located within the Genesee Country Village and Museum, the Flint Hill Public House offers lunch and dinner in a historic atmosphere.
5. Canton, OH
Canton, Ohio has a lot of things to see and visit, but the most popular is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Canton is also a birthplace of the NFL, so if you are a sports enthusiast, hit up the Pro Football Hall of Fame, founded in 1963. There are personalized exhibits featuring your favorite players, all based on their careers and achievements.
Foodie Must-Try in Canton: You can't go wrong with a deli sandwich from Taggarts Ice Cream Parlor and Carryout.
Why Take the Trip?
This itinerary takes you from small towns with significant history to exquisite cities filled with unique sights and sounds. There's always something new to see and do, no matter your interests. As you travel from Hillsville, Virginia, to Canton, Ohio, you won't regret the time spent exploring new places and making great memories with beloved friends and family. So get in the car and hit the road!