A Road Trip from Charleston, West Virginia to Holden Beach, North Carolina: The Best Things to Do

Charleston, West Virginia, and Holden Beach, North Carolina, are two charming destinations with a lot to offer to visitors. Imagine taking a road trip between them and enjoying scenic drives, historic sites, outdoor recreation, and delicious food. This is exactly what you can do with a well-planned itinerary that covers both states. The halfway point between Charleston and Holden Beach is High Point, North Carolina, where you can rest and explore before continuing your journey. Here are the top five things to do on this road trip, complete with interesting facts about each location.

Fayetteville: View the New River Gorge Bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge is an architectural marvel that spans the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia. It is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and the third-highest in the United States. Visitors can park at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to take in the breathtaking views of the bridge and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. In addition to the scenic overlooks, the New River offers opportunities for whitewater rafting, fishing, and hiking.

Interesting fact: The New River Gorge Bridge was completed in 1977 and opened to traffic on October 22 of that year. It was built to replace an aging cantilever bridge that had become inadequate for the amount of traffic crossing the gorge.

Asheville: Visit the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is a mansion and gardens built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s in Asheville, North Carolina. It is the largest privately-owned house in the United States, with 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the house, which features exquisite furnishings, art, and architecture. The estate also includes formal gardens, a winery, a farm village, and miles of hiking and biking trails.

Interesting fact: The Biltmore Estate was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who had previously worked on the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The house was modeled after French Renaissance chateaux, with its steep roofs, turrets, and intricate stonework.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: See the Scenery

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a vast wilderness area that straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve due to its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. Visitors to the park can explore the mountains, forests, and streams by hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Some of the popular attractions include Clingmans Dome, Cades Cove, and Cataloochee Valley.

Interesting fact: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 19,000 species of plants and animals, including black bears, elk, and salamanders. It is one of the few places in the world where the firefly species Photinus carolinus, also known as synchronous fireflies, can be seen in large numbers during the mating season.

Charlotte: See the NASCAR Hall of Fame

The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a museum and exhibition space in Charlotte, North Carolina, dedicated to the history and culture of stock car racing. It features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and artifacts from the sport, including cars, trophies, and racing suits. Visitors can learn about the legends of NASCAR, such as Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Jeff Gordon, and the evolution of the sport from its roots in moonshine running to its present-day popularity.

Interesting fact: Charlotte is known as the "heartland of NASCAR" because it is home to many of the sport's top teams, as well as the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Research and Development Center. The city hosts two annual NASCAR Cup Series races, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America Roval 400.

Wilmington: Visit the Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship North Carolina is a World War II-era battleship that is now a floating museum in Wilmington, North Carolina. It served in several major battles in the Pacific Theater and was decommissioned in 1947. The ship was restored and opened to the public in 1962 and has since become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the ship's interior, including the mess halls, gun turrets, and engine rooms, and learn about the sailors' experiences during the war.

Interesting fact: The Battleship North Carolina was the first of ten battleships to be commissioned in the United States Navy during World War II. It was launched in 1940 and had a crew of over 2,300 during its service. The ship was nicknamed "Showboat" because of its impressive firepower and appearance.

Conclusion

This road trip from Charleston, West Virginia, to Holden Beach, North Carolina covers approximately 540 miles and can be completed in about 11 hours of driving time. Of course, it is recommended to take your time and enjoy all the attractions and scenery along the way. From the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia to the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, there is something for everyone on this trip. Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, you will find plenty of reasons to embark on this adventure. Happy travels!