Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charlotte, North Carolina and City of Elmira, New York
Overview
Embarking on a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to the City of Elmira, New York, is an exciting journey filled with breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. The trip covers a distance of approximately 750 miles and can take approximately 12 hours. Along the journey, the halfway point is Woodstock, Virginia, a small town with quaint shops and a historic charm.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular tourist destination located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and is approximately a two-hour drive from Charlotte. The national park boasts 522,427 acres of unique biodiversity, including old-growth forests, diverse plant and animal life, and scenic mountain ranges. The park is open year-round, and it offers a range of activities, including camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Interesting Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, with over 11 million visitors each year, making it more popular than the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone combined.
2. Take a Road Trip Along The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful roads in America, located in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. It spans approximately 469 miles and is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, offering some of the best views of the Appalachian Mountains. Along the parkway, there are several hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic spots.
Interesting Fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway was built as a New Deal program during the Great Depression, with construction starting in 1935, and it took approximately 53 years to complete.
3. Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, just outside of Lexington, Virginia, the Natural Bridge Caverns are a must-see attraction for any road trip. The caverns are thousands of years old and feature stunning natural rock formations and underground streams. Visitors can take a guided tour inside the cave and learn about the cave's geology and history.
Interesting Fact: The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in 1977 when construction crews were preparing for the opening of the nearby Natural Bridge of Virginia.
4. Visit the Corning Museum of Glass
Located in Corning, New York, the Corning Museum of Glass is one of the largest glass museums in the world. It features over 50,000 pieces of glass, including contemporary works, antique pieces, and historic glassware. The museum offers tours, workshops, and glass blowing demonstrations, allowing visitors to learn about the art and science of glassmaking.
Interesting Fact: The Corning Museum of Glass is home to the world's largest collection of glass paperweights, featuring over 8,000 paperweights from all over the world.
5. Take a stroll in the Rockwell Museum
Located in downtown Corning, the Rockwell Museum is a small museum with a big impact. The museum features a collection of American Western and Native American art and artifacts, with pieces dating back to the 18th century. Visitors can take a self-guided tour and learn about the history and culture of Native Americans and the American West.
Interesting Fact: The Rockwell Museum is named after artist Norman Rockwell, who is famous for his illustrations and paintings.
Conclusion
The road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina, to the City of Elmira, New York, is an exciting and rewarding journey with many stops and attractions to visit along the way. Some of the top attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Blue Ridge Parkway, and The Corning Museum of Glass. It's recommended that visitors take at least three days to fully explore and immerse themselves in the region's beauty and history.