Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Glens Falls, NY to Williamsburg, VA
Driving from Glens Falls, New York to Williamsburg, Virginia is a lengthy but scenic trip that takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, there are numerous cities and towns to visit, each with their landmarks and attractions. This article will highlight five unexpected places to stop and visit during this road trip.
Halfway Point: Clarksboro, NJ
Before delving into the main attractions along the route, it's essential to mention the halfway point: Clarksboro, NJ. This town is conveniently located just over 4 hours into the drive, and it's a great place to take a break. The town's main attraction is the 1700s-era Red Bank Battlefield Park. The park is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic lunch, and it has a great view of the Delaware River.
1. Hershey, PA
The first stop on this journey is Hershey, Pennsylvania. This small town is known as the home of Hershey's chocolate, but there's much more to see here. Hershey's Chocolate World is a must-visit destination for cocoa lovers, as it offers a tour of the chocolate-making process, chocolate tastings, and a chance to make your own candy bar. Besides that, visitors can explore the Hershey Gardens, full of colorful botanic displays, or have some fun at Hersheypark, an amusement park with over 70 rides.
Favorite food to eat: Chocolate, of course! You can satisfy your sweet tooth by savoring Hershey's chocolate in all its forms, from freshly made truffles to classic chocolate milk.
2. The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
This popular destination is a breathtaking area of natural beauty that offers panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway covers 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, featuring more than 200 scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Road trippers can stop and breathe in the fresh mountain air, go for a scenic hike, or learn about the rich history of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Favorite food to eat: Visitors can't miss out on some authentic Southern barbecue when stopping in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sample some smoked ribs or pulled pork, and wash it down with some sweet tea.
3. Wright Brothers National Memorial, NC
Located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Wright Brothers National Memorial honors the famous aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. The memorial is located on the place where the Wright Brothers made their first powered flight in 1903. Visitors can explore the visitor center, which houses full-size replicas of the planes that the Wright Brothers used during their historic flight. The park is also home to the Kill Devil Hills Life-Saving Station, which exhibits the iconic surfboats used by the Life-Saving Service.
Favorite food to eat: Visitors should try some fresh seafood while on the Outer Banks. Stop at a seafood shack for some fried clams or crab cakes.
4. Colonial Williamsburg, VA
A visit to Colonial Williamsburg is like taking a walk back in time. The town is a living history museum, featuring restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and live demonstrations of trades and crafts from colonial times. Visitors can take a carriage ride or tour and learn about the life of colonists and the American Revolution. The town has numerous shops and restaurants, and visitors can even stay in one of the historic inns.
Favorite food to eat: Williamsburg is known for its peanut soup, a creamy soup made with peanuts, chicken broth, and cream.
5. Shenandoah National Park, VA
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is a scenic wonderland that offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park covers over 105 miles of mountain terrain and is home to over 200,000 acres of wooded trails, rugged cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can go on scenic drives, hike on the numerous trails that run throughout the park, or camp and stargaze under the clear skies.
Favorite food to eat: Visitors must sample some old-fashioned apple pie. The park is full of apple orchards and farms that produce delicious, homemade pies.
In conclusion, driving from Glens Falls, New York, to Williamsburg, Virginia, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on every traveler's bucket list. There's something for everyone along the route, from fascinating museums and historic landmarks to breathtaking natural beauty. So grab your road map and start planning your trip today!