Road Trippin' between Bluefield, WV and Hartwell, GA

Are you ready for an adventure on the road? Whether you’re seeking to explore new landscapes, new people, or seeking to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, driving from Bluefield, WV, to Hartwell, GA, will surely check your cravings for some breathtaking scenery, fascinating culture, and mouth-watering local cuisine. There are three different routes to choose from. Let’s break them down and see what each one of them offers.

Route 1: The Quickest Way

Taking I-77 S and I-85 S is the quickest way to reach Hartwell, covering a distance of approximately 340 miles. This route is expected to take you around 6 hours and 15 minutes of driving time, depending on the traffic.

Route 2: Southern Hospitality - Surrounded by Mountains

If you’re looking to have a more scenic drive, the second route will take you through the charming southern towns of Asheville and Greenville. This route takes I-77 South all the way to I-26 into Asheville, North Carolina. After basking in the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, head onto I-85 South towards Greenville, where you can treat yourself to some of the South's most incredible barbecue. From there, you can drive through I-185 S into Hartwell, Georgia, covering a distance of about 385 miles. The driving time for this route is roughly 7 hours, so be sure to take plenty of breaks and break up the trip over two days or more to enjoy the towns.

Route 3: Nature & History

If you want to take a more scenic and history-rich route to Hartwell, you might want to consider going through Beaufort, Charleston, and Savannah. This route includes secondary roads and is almost 100 more miles than Route 1. You’ll begin by taking I-77 South to Columbia, then I-26 to Charleston, where you can tour the city’s historic site, like the famous Rainbow Row and Fort Sumter. Next, proceed onto US Highway 17 down the coast through Beaufort until you reach Savannah. You can then do some sightseeing around this enchanting city before you continue on US Highway 17 South into Georgia, then on to I-95 North to I-85 North into Hartwell. This route is the longest, covering around 460 miles with a total drive time of almost 9 hours.

Road Trip Must-Stops

Whenever we hit the road, we always want fun stops along the way. If you choose the Southern Hospitality route, make sure to visit Asheville's vibrant downtown life, enjoy a stroll through the historic Biltmore House, and dive into some of the city’s most celebrated chefs' farm-to-table dishes. You may want to check out the Greenville Zoo and Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, too.

For Route 3, you can't miss the South's haunted hot-spot, the Old Charleston Jail, for its extensive and storied history. You may also want to make time for a tour of the 18th-century antebellum homes and oak-tree-lined streets outside Savannah's city proper.

In the end, it is up to you to decide which route best suits your taste and what you seek in your road trip adventure. But one thing is sure; both routes offer unique experiences and stunning scenery. Take the time to enjoy the adventure and make memories that will stay with you forever.