Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charleston, South Carolina and East Hanover, New Jersey

Charleston, South Carolina, and East Hanover, New Jersey, might be separated by more than 700 miles, but there is an exciting mix of small towns, historical sites, and natural beauty to discover by car in between. Planning a road trip from these two points on the East Coast is easy, and breaking up the journey with stops and noteworthy attractions makes it even better. The halfway point of this journey is the small town of Stony Creek, VA, known for its Southern charm and picturesque downtown. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina, and East Hanover, New Jersey.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

A little over an hour outside of Norfolk, VA, stands the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, a natural preserve that includes over 111,000 acres of some of the densest forests in the Eastern United States. Visitors can walk trails that wind through the forest, take guided boat tours of the swamp, and even set up camp on a few designated campsites. The swamp is home to unique and fascinating wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and bald eagles.

Interesting Fact: The Great Dismal Swamp served as both a hiding spot for run-away enslaved people seeking freedom and as a source of work for those who escaped slave catchers.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, VA, is an 18th-century town that has been beautifully restored to its original colonial charm. A visit to this town lets visitors step back in time and experience what life was like in colonial America. Explore the properly-preserved historical buildings, and watch as reenactors bring the town to life. Other attractions include the Williamsburg Winery and Busch Gardens Amusement Park.

Interesting Fact: Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1776.

Philadelphia, PA

While in Philadelphia, take a tour of the historic buildings around Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers first declared America's independence from Britain and established themselves as a new nation. Philadelphia is also home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Reading Terminal Market, the Liberty Bell, and the Italian Market.

Interesting Fact: Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn and his fellow Quakers, who believed in religious freedom and equality for all.

Brooklyn, NY

There are plenty of things to see and do in Brooklyn, NY, that cater to all types of travelers. Brooklyn, located across the East River from Manhattan, is home to many appealing neighborhoods, each with its charm. There are plenty of eclectic restaurants, thrift stores, and art galleries to explore, all set against a backdrop of some of New York's finest brownstone architecture.

Interesting Fact: Brooklyn is known as the "City of Trees" because it has over 2.5 million trees, which practically renders it as one giant park.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut, is a charming coastal town that has remained virtually unchanged since the 19th century. The town offers museums, restaurants, and shops all steeped in history. Visitors can take a whale-watching excursion or explore the Mystic Seaport Museum, where they can watch demonstrations of a bygone era's craft.

Interesting Fact: Mystic is home to the Mystic Aquarium, which is famous for having one of the largest outdoor beluga whale exhibits in the US.

This route will take approximately 14 hours and 848 miles one-way, driving east on I-95 for most of the journey. The route is bound to be filled with unforgettable sights and memorable experiences that will make for a fantastic road trip. Regardless of which destination people choose, there is no shortage of adventures to be had along the way.