Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cibolo, Texas and Matthews, North Carolina
If you are looking for a road trip filled with adventure and unique experiences, a drive from Cibolo, Texas, to Matthews, North Carolina, is an excellent option. The trip is approximately 1,100 miles and filled with scenic routes, historical landmarks, and delicious food stops.
The journey from Cibolo to Matthews takes about 16 hours and 33 minutes of driving time. The trip can be easily broken down into two days, with a stopover at Grand Bay, Alabama, the halfway point of the trip. After exploring Grand Bay, continue the journey to Matthews, where visitors can enjoy the charming small-town atmosphere and a range of activities.
Halfway Point: Grand Bay, AL
Grand Bay, Alabama, is the perfect place to take a break and stretch your legs before continuing on the long journey ahead. This beautiful city is filled with history, parks, and natural beauty. A visit to this southern city is a must on any road trip.
Bellingrath Gardens and Home Bellingrath Gardens and Home is a 65-acre estate garden located on the banks of Fowl River. The garden is a masterpiece of blooms, colors, and shapes that will leave visitors breathless. Apart from enjoying the beautiful gardens, visitors can take a tour of the Bellingrath Home, which has been beautifully preserved with antiques and furnishings from the 1930s. The Azalea Festival, held in March and April, brings visitors from all over the world to see the magnificent display of azaleas in bloom. The on-site café offers a range of Southern cuisine, including fried chicken and sweet tea.
Dauphin Island Dauphin Island is located just 30 minutes south of Grand Bay and is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the beautiful beaches and wildlife that the Gulf Coast has to offer. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, kayaking, fishing, and exploring the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. A visit to Dauphin Island Sea Lab is highly recommended for insightful information on marine biology. There are several popular seafood restaurants, including Skinner’s, that serve delicious seafood.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is a fascinating site for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone looking to capture the essence of what life on the battleship was like. Visitors can explore the ship, the USS Drum submarine, and the military aircraft collection. Apart from the educational experience, visitors can enjoy delicious food at the Canteen, where they offer hot dogs and burgers.
Mobile Bay Ferry The Mobile Bay Ferry is located approximately 45 minutes north of Grand Bay and is a must-visit attraction. It is the perfect way to continue exploring Alabama's beautiful coast. The ferry connects Dauphin Island to Fort Morgan and is part of the Alabama Coastal Connection. Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, fishing, and exploring the historical fort on the other side of Mobile Bay. Onboard the ferry is a snack bar where visitors can enjoy a range of snacks and soft drinks.
Gulf State Park and Pier Gulf State Park and Pier are located approximately two hours east of Grand Bay and provide a refreshing natural escape with miles of pristine white sand beaches, stunning forests, and beautiful wildlife. The Gulf State Park pier is one of the longest piers in the Gulf of Mexico, and visitors can enjoy fishing, walking, and birdwatching. There are cafes and restaurants that cater to visitors, with popular dishes like seafood gumbo and shrimp po'boys.
Conclusion
The drive from Cibolo, Texas, to Matthews, North Carolina, is an excellent opportunity to explore a myriad of unexpected places. Road trippers can take their time, relax, and explore the beautiful sights and sounds of the Southern states. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent gardens at Bellingrath, the beautiful beaches at Gulf State Park, and the military history at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The delicious Southern cuisine, including fried chicken, seafood gumbo, and sweet tea, is an excellent way to fuel up before heading out on the open road. So pack your bags, grab your map, and hit the road!