Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chesterfield, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina

If you're looking for a fun and unique road trip, consider taking a drive from Chesterfield, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina. The journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and is filled with beautiful scenery and unexpected stops. As you make your way from Chesterfield to Charlotte, there are a number of interesting places to see and activities to enjoy. Here are our top five unexpected places to visit along the way.

The Halfway Point: Marshville, NC

Before we dive into the top five unexpected stops, we want to highlight the halfway point of this drive: Marshville, North Carolina. Marshville is a small town located in Union County and is a great place to take a break from your drive. The town was once the home of Randy Travis, and you can see a mural of him on the side of a building in town. There is also a beautiful park to explore and some great local restaurants to check out.

1. Morrow Mountain State Park

Morrow Mountain State Park is located in Albemarle, North Carolina, and is a gorgeous place to stop during your drive. The park has over 4,700 acres of wilderness, including hiking trails, campsites, and picnic areas. Morrow Mountain is the highest point in the Uwharrie Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors.

While you're at Morrow Mountain, be sure to check out the local BBQ restaurants in Albemarle. One of our favorites is Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, a family-owned spot that has been in business since 1946. They serve up delicious BBQ pork and chicken, along with all the classic sides like hush puppies and coleslaw.

2. Reed Gold Mine

If you're interested in history, be sure to stop by the Reed Gold Mine in Midland, North Carolina. This historic site is where the first documented discovery of gold in the United States occurred in 1799. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the process of mining for gold. There's also a museum on site with exhibits about the gold mining industry and the history of the area.

When you're finished exploring the mine, head over to Winecoff Market in Concord for some authentic southern cuisine. One of their most popular dishes is the fried chicken livers, which are served with hush puppies and collard greens.

3. Kannapolis, North Carolina

Kannapolis, North Carolina is a vibrant city that is home to a number of great attractions. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame is located in Kannapolis and is a must-visit for music lovers. The museum has exhibits about North Carolina musicians like James Taylor, Randy Travis, and Dizzy Gillespie.

After you've checked out the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, head over to Razzoo's Cajun Cafe for some delicious Cajun food. Their gumbo and étouffée are both highly recommended.

4. Dorton Park

Dorton Park is located in Concord, North Carolina and is a great place to stop for families. The park has plenty of activities for kids, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and a splash pad. There's also a pond where you can rent paddle boats and canoes.

If you're feeling hungry, head over to The Smoke Pit for some amazing BBQ. Their brisket and pulled pork are both incredibly delicious.

5. Historic Rosedale Plantation

If you're interested in history and architecture, be sure to stop by the Historic Rosedale Plantation in Charlotte, North Carolina. The plantation was built in 1815 and is a beautiful example of Federal-style architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the plantation and learn about its history.

After you've explored the plantation, head over to Price's Chicken Coop for some of the best fried chicken in Charlotte. Be prepared to wait in line, but it's worth it for the delicious food.

Conclusion

A drive from Chesterfield, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina is filled with unexpected stops and interesting things to see and do. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, or just good food, there's something for everyone along this route. So pack up the car and hit the road – you won't regret it!