Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from China Grove, North Carolina to Marianna, Florida
Driving from China Grove, North Carolina to Marianna, Florida may not be the most popular route to take, but it is definitely an interesting one. It takes approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes to drive non-stop, but what fun is that? There are so many hidden gems along this route that are just waiting to be explored. Here are five unexpected places to stop on a drive from China Grove, North Carolina to Marianna, Florida.
1. Hendersonville, NC - The Apple Capital of North Carolina
Hendersonville, North Carolina is located about an hour and a half southwest of China Grove. It is known as the Apple Capital of North Carolina, and for good reason. Hendersonville has been growing apples for over 100 years and boasts over a dozen apple orchards. Visiting one of these orchards is a must, but Hendersonville has more than just apples to see. The downtown area is a quaint and charming place to walk around, with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings lining the streets.
Food to eat: Fried Apple Pies
2. Greenville, SC - The Up-and-Coming Southern City
Greenville, South Carolina is located about three hours southwest of China Grove, just outside of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has recently become an up-and-coming city in the south, with revitalized downtown areas and a growing food scene. Main Street in downtown Greenville is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a beautiful waterfall park. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Food to eat: BBQ Pork Sandwich with Mustard-based Sauce
3. Atlanta, GA - The Capital of the South
Atlanta, Georgia is known as the capital of the south and is the halfway point on this drive. There is so much to see and do in Atlanta, from the Georgia Aquarium to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. The downtown area is filled with activities, including the Coca-Cola Museum, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the World of Coca-Cola. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Atlanta History Center, which has exhibits on the Civil War and the 1996 Olympic Games.
Food to eat: Southern Fried Chicken
4. Thomasville, GA - The City of Roses
Thomasville, Georgia is located about two hours south of Atlanta and is known as the City of Roses. The historic downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful homes with rose gardens. It is also home to the Big Oak, a 300-year-old tree that is the centerpiece of Thomasville. Visitors can take a tour of the tree and even have a picnic under its shade.
Food to eat: Fried Green Tomatoes
5. Dothan, AL - The Peanut Capital of the World
Dothan, Alabama is located about two hours southeast of Marianna and is known as the Peanut Capital of the World. Dothan is home to the National Peanut Festival, which takes place every November. Visitors can learn about the history of peanuts at the Wiregrass Museum of Art and even take a peanut-themed walking tour of the downtown area.
Food to eat: Boiled Peanuts
Conclusion
This road trip from China Grove, North Carolina to Marianna, Florida may not be the most conventional, but it is definitely worth the journey. From the Apple Capital of North Carolina to the Peanut Capital of the World, there is so much to see and experience. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and charming southern towns will make the long drive worth it. So pack up the car, hit the road, and enjoy all the unexpected treasures this route has to offer.