The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Christiansburg, VA to Winston-Salem, NC

Exploring the scenic beauty and rich history of Appalachia has never been so exciting and convenient, especially with a road trip from Christiansburg, VA to Winston-Salem, NC. The 85-mile drive offers a great opportunity to explore some of the fascinating landscapes, botanical gardens, and historical museums along the way. One pit stop along the way in Fancy Gap, VA provides an excellent opportunity to refuel and enjoy its stunning scenery. The route provides a perfect balance for travelers seeking to explore nature, history, culture, and cuisine.

Digging into the Top Five Things to Do

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway spans across 469 miles, stretching from Augusta County, VA to Cherokee, NC. It offers one of the most breathtaking drives, with scenic overlooks and natural beauty. Stretching for over 450 miles, the parkway offers easy and hard walks, scenic and historic views, picnicking, and camping amenities. Along the parkway, travelers can see the undulating valleys below, hardwood forests, vibrant wildflowers, and stunning mountain views.

Interesting fact: The parkway is also home to the highest point of the Blue Ridge Mountains, standing at 6,053 ft.

Virginia Museum of Transportation

The Virginia Museum of Transportation is a must-visit destination for automobile, rail and aviation enthusiasts. Established in 1963, the museum has a unique collection of artifacts that chronicle the rich transportation history of the area. Visitors can tour the museum's yard to view over 40,000 pieces of railway memorabilia, learn about Virginia's railroad heritage, and the country's largest steam locomotive, the N&W Class A #1218. A visit to this museum is an educational and unique experience that many visitors can enjoy.

Interesting fact: The museum has a 1937 WPA mural by Charles Rudy known as "The American Railway Express Agency."

Explore Salem

The city of Salem, Virginia, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll along the Salem Town Green and view the picturesque Roanoke College. The green is filled with monuments, statues, and flags that highlight the city's rich history, ensuring that walking tours are both informative and educational. The Salem Museum walk is also magnificent and offers an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the city's past, including how the town survived the Civil War.

Interesting fact: Salem has been named a "City of Opportunity" and was also the site of the founding of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

The Reynolda House Museum of American Art offers art enthusiasts of all levels the chance to experience exquisite collections of art and decor. The museum boasts impressive art collections that date back to the 1800s, ranging from masterpieces of American Art, to modern art. The house's interiors are equally impressive, showcasing artwork from different periods and countries. With its small size, it's more comfortable to navigate and admire the artwork without feeling overwhelmed.

Interesting fact: The Reynolda House Museum of American Art was previously the model farm of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Historic Bethania

The Historic town of Bethania is the oldest planned Moravian settlement found in southern America, with buildings from the 18th century still standing. The unique town features preserved buildings that date back to the 1700s, original landscapes, and include traces of past industries, such as the popular millstone quarry. Visitors can tour the town, take in its expansive beauty, and live history, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of today's modern cities.

Interesting fact: The town was first settled by fifteen families from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, who fled Europe during the mid-1700s.

Conclusion

Whether you're an art enthusiast, nature lover or history buff, this road trip from Christiansburg, VA to Winston-Salem, NC provides visitors with the perfect balance of activities and scenery. Take your time and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway to enjoy the natural beauty, stop by the Virginia Museum of Transportation to learn about the region's history, take a tranquil stroll navigating historic sites in Salem, and appreciate the exhibits in the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. The trip should take roughly 2 hours, with plenty of opportunities to explore, admire, and savor all that the region has to offer.