Road Tripping from Charlotte to Vanceboro: The Best Sites to See
When embarking on a road trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Vanceboro, North Carolina, there are a plethora of wonderful stops along the way. The journey is approximately three and a half hours long and passes the halfway point of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The scenic route is filled with breathtaking views, historic sites and fun activities. Here are the top five things to do on the way to Vanceboro.
Stop 1: Visit the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a must-visit for anyone driving through the area. The estate consists of a stunning 250-room chateau and beautiful gardens, all of which are open for guests to explore. The Biltmore Estate is the largest home in the United States and has been featured in various movies, including “The Last of the Mohicans”. This historic site is a great place to stop and learn about the history of the area.
Interesting fact:
The Biltmore Estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, and is still owned by his descendants to this day.
Stop 2: Hike Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park, located along the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, is a great place to stretch your legs and take in some beautiful scenery. The park offers multiple hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, including a climb to the top of Chimney Rock itself. The incline is steep, but once at the top, the view is unbeatable.
Interesting fact:
Chimney Rock got its name from its resemblance to a chimney rising above the trees.
Stop 3: Explore Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns, located in Marion, North Carolina, is the only limestone cavern in the state open for public tours. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share information about the history of the caves and interesting geological facts. The tour takes visitors through narrow passages and past underground pools, while showcasing the beautiful formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Interesting fact:
The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.
Stop 4: Visit Historic New Bern
New Bern, North Carolina, located on the Neuse River, was founded in 1710 and served as the state capital from 1770 to 1792. The town is filled with historic buildings and museums, including the Tryon Palace, which is a restored Georgian-style building that once housed the royal governor. Visitors can also check out the New Bern Fireman’s Museum, which features artifacts and memorabilia from firefighting history.
Interesting fact:
New Bern was the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, which was invented by a local pharmacist in 1898.
Stop 5: Discover the Aurora Fossil Museum
The Aurora Fossil Museum, located in Aurora, North Carolina, is a unique and fascinating experience for any visitor. The museum is located near a stream that was once part of the ocean, and therefore contains a wealth of fossils from various prehistoric creatures. Visitors can learn about the history of the area and even take part in a fossil hunt. The museum also hosts an annual Fossil Festival, which is a fun and educational event for the whole family.
Interesting fact:
One of the most commonly found fossils in the Aurora area is that of the Megalodon shark, which could grow up to 60 feet in length and lived approximately 25 million years ago.
Conclusion
Overall, the road trip from Charlotte to Vanceboro is filled with historic sites, natural beauty, and fun activities. Five of the top spots to visit include the Biltmore Estate, Chimney Rock State Park, Linville Caverns, New Bern, and the Aurora Fossil Museum. Each location offers a wonderful experience and an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the area. The journey takes approximately three and a half hours, but with many sights to see, it's well worth the trip.