The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charlotte, NC to Colonial Heights, VA

Are you looking for an exciting road trip that takes you through some of the most stunning scenery of the South? Look no further than the route from Charlotte, North Carolina to Colonial Heights, Virginia. This route offers travelers the chance to explore the beautiful countryside of North Carolina and Virginia, stop at historic landmarks, as well as experience some of the best food and drink the region has to offer. As a bonus, the halfway point of the trip takes you to Durham, NC. Here are the top five things to do on your road trip.

Stop 1: Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center is one of the most exciting attractions in Greensboro, North Carolina. The center combines science, education, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. This science center has an aquarium, a zoo, and a museum - three different attractions in one location. Visitors can explore the exhibits inside, venture outdoors to see the animals, then take a stroll through the gardens. It is a perfect place for families with kids, couples, or solo travelers. The aquarium has a shark tank, marine life, and a touch tank, while the zoo features everything from lions to penguins. One fascinating fact about the Greensboro Science Center is that there’s a zipline across the zoo or an aerial rope course for those who love adventure.

Stop 2: Virginia Museum of History & Culture

The Virginia Museum of History and Culture is located in Richmond, Virginia. The museum's collections hold stories of the entire Virginia history, including its Native American, European, African and Civil War heritage, and more. Visitors can explore the timeline of the state's history from 16,000 BCE to present day, through its labors, creativity, and struggles. The galleries boast an extensive collection of objects, images, and artifacts relevant to Virginia's heritage. One fascinating fact about the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is that it is one of the first museums in the country to be founded for historical purposes.

Stop 3: Maymont Park

Maymont Park, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a fantastic park with a beautiful landscape, vibrant gardens, and wildlife exhibits. Visitors can stroll through Italian and Japanese-style gardens, visit the animals in the wildlife exhibits, or hike through the park's nature trails. The park also has a historical mansion that you can tour to get a glimpse of what life was like in the late 19th century. One fascinating fact about Maymont Park is that it has over 100 regular gardens with more unique features than you can count.

Stop 4: Virginia State Capitol

The Virginia State Capitol is located in the heart of downtown Richmond, and it is a landmark for both its architecture as well as its historical significance. This home of Virginia’s government since the building’s completion in 1788. Visitors can tour the Capitol to see the restored chambers of the Senate and House of Delegates and marvel at the structure's neoclassical design. History buffs will love the sightseeing, where historical treasures from the Revolutionary and Civil War era are showcased. One fascinating fact about the Virginia State Capitol is that the building’s structure is made of Virginia’s native materials, including Virginia granite, sandstone, and oyster shell.

Stop 5: Petersburg National Battlefield

The Petersburg National Battlefield is a historical site that played a critical part in the Civil War. Located in Petersburg, Virginia, this park protects the sites of the battles that led to the eventual fall of Richmond and Confederate Army Surrender, leading to the end of the Civil War. Visitors can visit the visitor center, watch films on the battles that occurred on the land, see the original structures, hike through the trails, and watch the reenactments conducted by the park rangers. One fascinating fact about the Petersburg National Battlefield is that it is the site of the longest siege in American history, lasting nine and a half months.

In summary, the road trip from Charlotte, NC, to Colonial Heights, Virginia, offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. By taking advantage of some stops along the way, not only will travelers have the chance to explore landmarks, spending time at attractions, but they will learn so much about the history of North Carolina and Virginia. It will take you about 3 hours and 46 minutes to drive between stops. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and hit the road for a lifetime of memories.