Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charleston, South Carolina to Cornish, New Hampshire

Driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Cornish, New Hampshire can be a long and tiring journey, but it doesn't have to be. With so many interesting and unique places to visit along the way, breaking up the trip can be a fun and memorable experience. After taking the scenic route through the Blue Ridge Mountains, it took the author approximately two days to reach Cornish. Here are five unexpected places to stop and visit on this journey.

Halfway Point: Occoquan, VA

Located approximately halfway between Charleston and Cornish, Occoquan, VA is the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore a charming small town. This historic community is situated along the Occoquan River and is full of quaint shops and restaurants. Visitors can stroll along the riverwalk, take a guided historic walking tour, or sample some of the local craft beer. The author recommends grabbing a bite to eat at Madigan's Waterfront, which offers delicious seafood and stunning views of the river.

1. Charlotte, NC: NASCAR Hall of Fame

Rev up your engines and head to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This interactive museum offers something for everyone, from die-hard racing fans to casual observers. Visitors can experience what it's like to drive in a NASCAR race, explore the history of the sport, and see some of the most iconic cars in racing history. The author recommends trying the famous Piedmontese beef burger at the museum's Pit Stop Café.

2. Staunton, VA: American Shakespeare Center

The charming town of Staunton, Virginia is home to the American Shakespeare Center, a non-profit modern theatre dedicated to performing Shakespeare's plays in the way they were originally intended. The theatre's Blackfriars Playhouse is the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre, and visitors can experience the plays as they were meant to be seen, in a candlelit setting with actors interacting with the audience. The author recommends trying the "Midsummer's Night Dream" cocktail at The Green Room, a trendy bar and restaurant next door to the theatre.

3. Lancaster, PA: The Amish Experience

Take a step back in time and experience the simpler life by visiting Lancaster, Pennsylvania's Amish Country. Visitors can take a guided tour of an Amish farm, experience an authentic buggy ride, and learn about the Amish way of life. The author recommends trying the shoofly pie, a traditional Amish dessert made with molasses and crumbly crumbs, at the Miller's Smorgasbord restaurant.

4. Portsmouth, NH: Strawberry Banke Museum

Located near the final destination of Cornish, New Hampshire, Portsmouth's Strawberry Banke Museum is a living history museum that preserves and portrays daily life from the late 1600s to the mid-1950s. Visitors can explore houses and gardens from different eras, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about the cultural history of the region. The author recommends trying the lobster roll at the Portsmouth Brewery.

Conclusion

Driving from Charleston, South Carolina to Cornish, New Hampshire may seem like a daunting journey, but with so many interesting places to visit along the way, the trip can be a fun and enjoyable experience. From the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte to the Strawberry Banke Museum in Portsmouth, there is something for everyone. So the next time you embark on a long road trip, consider taking a detour and exploring some of the unexpected stops along the way.