Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Circleville, Ohio and Orange Beach, Alabama
Overview
What is better than a road trip? The possibilities are endless on the open road. From picturesque landscapes to quaint towns, the trip from Circleville, Ohio, to Orange Beach, Alabama, is a must-do for any road-trip enthusiast. With roughly 790 miles to traverse, it is a journey where one can experience the rich culture and natural beauty of America. The road trip is filled with amazing highlights, dividing the journey into two halves. Columbia, TN is the halfway point where both the Alabama and Tennessee River emerge.
Top Things to Do
Explore Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN
Ruby Falls is a sight to behold, located deep inside Lookout Mountain. It is a 145 feet freefall of water, which drops down into a colossal underground cavern. Book one of the guided tours that include a 260-foot elevator ride, a sensory rock garden, and an interactive LED lighting experience. The cave walk is around a fourth of a mile, taking about an hour to complete.
Fun Fact: Ruby Falls was discovered by Leo Lambert and a friend who were exploring the Lookout Mountain Cave in 1928.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, TN
The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville is a must-visit on the trip. It is an extensive museum with rotating exhibits on everything country music, including costumes worn by famous music stars, videos of classic performances, and instruments played in the iconic recordings. At the end of the tour, enjoy learning some line-dancing moves at the museum's Honky Tonk Dance Hall.
Fun Fact: The Country Music Hall of Fame has in its collection over 200,000 recordings, more than two million photographs, and more than 500,000 printed books of sheet music, books, and arrangements
Discover the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, AL
This park is a fascinating testament to American military history and is home to the legendary US Battleship Alabama. It is a massive, lethal weapon of destruction, now a museum showcasing the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard's contributions in World War II and subsequent battles. Explore the park's exhibits, including the Medal of Honor aircraft pavilion, and enjoy a picnic in the park's serene environment.
Fun Fact: The USS Alabama served in multiple engagements in World War II, including battles in the South Pacific, nearly sinking after a series of bombs hit the ship.
Relax on the Beautiful Gulf Shores, AL
After a long road, there is no better place to unwind and relax than the beautiful Gulf Shores. The sugary white sand and crystal-clear waters make it an idyllic spot for a beach vacation. The pristine beach is also pet-friendly, with vast areas for hiking along the shore, boardwalks, and picnic pavilions.
Fun Fact: Gulf Shores is not just a great spot for sunbathing and swimming; it's a mecca for adrenaline junkies who want to charter a fishing boat or try parasailing or kayaking.
Dive into the Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL
Gulf State Park offers an array of outdoor activities designed to cater to all ages, such as golfing, biking on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, or bird watching, where you can spot migratory bird species that prey on the fish caught on the Gulf Coast. There are also numerous opportunities for sports fishing and picnicking on picturesque locations.
Fun Fact: Gulf State Park has over 15 miles of paved trails and 25 miles of hiking trails, with numerous hybrid ecosystems and varied wildlife.
Conclusion
The road trip from Circleville, Ohio, to Orange Beach, Alabama, inherently reflects the ruggedness and beauty of southern America's landscapes, granting travelers an opportunity to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of the nation. From Ruby Falls to battling the sand dunes, the drive provides endless opportunities to celebrate the journey's character. Travelers should expect the road to take roughly 12 hours, split [unequally] between the trip's highlights. A perfectly executed road trip filled with surreal beauty and moments that will live on with you forever.