Five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Chesapeake, Virginia and Titusville, Florida
Are you looking for an amazing road trip with breathtaking views, edifying stops, and excellent food? Then you must embark on a trip from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Titusville, Florida. Take a deep breath, fill your car with gas, and buckle up because this journey is worth the while.
From Chesapeake, via Interstate 95 South, cross the borders of North Carolina, South Carolina into Georgia, and end in Florida, the trip can take over 13 hours, not counting the stops. However, you can break up the trip into two or three-day stops, and you will undoubtedly find some peculiar places to visit.
The Halfway Point: Holly Hill, SC
Halfway along your drive, you will reach the charming town of Holly Hill, South Carolina. Holly Hill is a place worth stopping, particularly for motorbike enthusiasts who should visit the excellent Harley-Davidson Shop of Holly Hill. Moreover, there are beautiful camping sites, fishing and hunting grounds, and astonishing natural parks to visit.
1. Savannah Rapids Visitor Center, Augusta, GA
The first stop should be in Augusta, Georgia, a town famous for being the hometown of James Brown, the legendary Godfather of Soul. The Savannah Rapids Visitor Center is a great place to visit. The center offers a picturesque view of the rapids that Adams Dam created on the Savannah River. Visitors get detailed information about the history of the canal, the region, and the famous Augusta Canal Interpretive Center. The freshest and most delicious seafood is available from Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweetery. It is a restaurant in the center of downtown and has an interesting menu with innovative seafood dishes.
2. Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC
The second stop is to visit Congaree National Park near Hopkins, South Carolina. It is one of the unlikeliest national parks in the United States, situated southwest of Columbia and is one of the largest old-growth forests on the East Coast. Visitors can attend guided tours or hike it alone and perceive the wetlands, swamps, and astonishing tall pines. It is a photographer’s paradise, and nature lovers will fall in love with the diverse ecosystem. The must-try dish is the famous Shrimp & Grits. It has a southern-style dish served in every local restaurant and is worth trying.
3. Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN
The third stop along the trip is to visit the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, situated at the border of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The must-visit places there are the Smoky Mountains National Park, Tuckaleechee Caverns, Ober Gatlinburg, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle observation deck. A stop in Gatlinburg is not complete without tasting the famous moonshine, served in various flavors in the Sugarlands Distilling Company and Sugarlands Cellars.
4. South of the Border, Dillon, SC
The fourth stop is an unexpected yet extraordinary place: South of the Border, a Mexican-themed roadside attraction, situated south of Dillon, South Carolina. There, you will find novelty shops, amusement park attractions, restaurants, and magnificent sculptures, including the famous man in a sombrero, Pedro. The food to try is the classic Taco Salad, a must-eat, and refresh yourself with the famous CocoRico Soda, a fizzy yellow carbonated beverage found only in this quirky place.
5. Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL
The final stop is Kennedy Space Center, situated in the heart of Florida's Space Coast, near Titusville, Florida. It is a must-stop for all visitors, and the tour will take half a day. Visitors have the privilege to be part of the destination with interesting facts of how NASA involves their current space programs and be up close to the vehicles that took human beings to the moon and the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Kennedy Space Center has many dining establishments, but visitors should try the famous freeze-dried ice cream, a unique space experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this trip is a perfect one for lovers of road trips. From the natural parks to the Smoky Mountains, from the moonshine of Gatlinburg to the exquisite space experience in Titusville, one can enjoy all the amazing attractions that one could imagine. It's a road trip that will take you away from the ordinary and introduce you to great new adventures. Take that crucial break from the daily routines and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.