Road trip from Apex, North Carolina to Gretna, Virginia: Choose your adventure
Are you ready for an adventure? North Carolina and Virginia have plenty of beautiful places to stop along the way as you travel from Apex, NC to Gretna, VA. Here are a few options to choose from, depending on your time frame and preferred route.
Option 1: The scenic route
For those who love taking their time to explore new places, consider taking the scenic route from Apex to Gretna. To do this, start by heading north on US-1 and then getting onto US-158 W. This road will take you through the Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, where you'll find plenty of spots to stop and stretch your legs. From there, follow US-501 N to Gretna, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
This route is approximately 107 miles and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive without stopping. But, with so many scenic overlooks and small towns along the way, you'll definitely want to take advantage of the sights.
Option 2: The faster interstate route
If you're short on time and want to get to Gretna as quickly as possible, hop on the interstate. Head north on I-540 E and then merge onto I-85 N. This route takes you through Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro, so there are plenty of gas stations and rest stops along the way.
This route is approximately 149 miles and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive without stopping. However, keep in mind that traffic on the interstate can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to allow for some extra time.
Option 3: The foodie road trip
If you're a food lover and want to sample some of the best BBQ and seafood in North Carolina and Virginia, take US-64 E to Wilson, NC. From there, take US-264 E to Greenville, stopping at B's Barbecue along the way for some of the best BBQ in the state.
From Greenville, continue on US-13 N to Suffolk, VA, where you'll find the River Stone Chophouse, a local favorite for steaks and seafood. Finally, take US-58 E to Gretna.
This route is approximately 174 miles and takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive without stopping. But, trust us, the food is worth it!
Things to see and do along the way
No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of things to see and do along the way. Here are a few suggestions:
- Kerr Lake State Recreation Area: A beautiful spot for hiking, fishing, and kayaking
- Duke Gardens: Gorgeous botanical gardens in Durham, NC
- Greensboro Science Center: Fun for all ages, with an aquarium, zoo, and museum
- Virginia Museum of Natural History: Learn about the natural history of Virginia and the surrounding area
No matter which route you choose, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable road trip from Apex to Gretna!