Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Akron, Ohio to Port Royal, South Carolina

Driving from Akron, Ohio to Port Royal, South Carolina is a long journey, taking approximately 13 hours to travel the nearly 750 miles by car. However, it is a trip that will take you through an array of landscapes and cities, and offers several opportunities for unique and interesting stopovers. Here, we have listed five unexpected places to make a pit stop and why they are worth the visit.

Halfway Point: Fancy Gap, Virginia

Before we dive into the five unexpected and unusual places to stop during your drive from Akron, Ohio to Port Royal, South Carolina, we want to first mention Fancy Gap, Virginia. This picturesque town sits directly at the halfway point of your journey, and offers a plethora of activities to break up your trip. Visitors can stop by the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains for a scenic hike, or take a quick detour to the Blue Ridge Music Center for a lesson in Appalachian roots music. The town also features several local diners and eateries, including one of the region's most famous restaurants and our favorite stop, Granny's Restaurant.

1. The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is a little over two hours from Akron, Ohio, making it a great first stop on this long journey. At the Botanic Garden, visitors can explore the various gardens, hike the trails, check out the picturesque Mercer Meadow, and even take a tour of the Lilac Garden. The grounds are spread over 452 acres of lush, greenery covered hills which provide for immaculate views. While visiting, you must stop by the Eat'n Park Café, located conveniently right within the garden. They are known for their Smiley® Cookies which are perfect for a quick snack or coffee break.

2. The World's Largest Teapot

Located in Chester, West Virginia, The World's Largest Teapot was built in 1938 by a huckster by the name of William "Big Bill" Devon, who intended to use the teapot building as a marketing stunt to attract visitors to his pottery store. The teapot stands at 14 feet tall and holds 44,000 gallons of the “leaf juice,” and is officially recognized as the largest teapot in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Visitors can take photos at the world's largest tea-pot before they head back on their journey. It should also be noted that whilst in Chester, guests should check out The Pie Safe Bakery for their award-winning peanut butter pie!

3. The Bowman House

The Bowman House in New Market, Virginia, is a Georgian mansion that is over 200 years old and a marked rarity in the region. The mansion sits on a pristine piece of land within the Shenandoah Valley, and offers breathtaking views of the nearby Massanutten Mountain range. Visitors can tour the mansion and learn about its unique history, or take a walk in the nearby Endless Caverns, located only five minutes away. A visit to The Southern Kitchen, located nearby, will leave you happy, with their one-of-a-kind fried chicken and classic southern fixin's.

4. The USS North Carolina Battleship

The USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, North Carolina is a must-see attraction. The Battleship is one of the most decorated WW2-era ships in the United States fleet, and features its museum and exhibition. Visitors can tour the ship, climb the stairs to the Captain's deck, and learn about the ship’s history. Catch their breath and grab lunch nearby at the local favourite, The Copper Penny. The Copper Penny offers classic local seafood plates and is renowned for their succulent shrimp and grits.

5. Hunting Island Lighthouse

Located in Beaufort, South Carolina, the iconic Hunting Island Lighthouse is the last stop on this long journey, but certainly not the least. This is the only publically accessible lighthouse in all of South Carolina and was the center of continuous restoration and preservation over the years. Visitors can climb their way up to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, or wander down to the beach to soak in the sun and sea. An excellent nearby location for a great meal is Lowcountry Produce Market & Café. It is a casual and charming eatery with a rotating menu of locally sourced ingredients and handmade soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Conclusion

A long journey doesn't mean a boring one. The drive from Akron, Ohio to Port Royal, South Carolina provides ample opportunities for stopovers to break up your trip in ways that are both interesting and intriguing. The five stops we've highlighted offer a mix of unique history, culture, and the stunning views of some of the most beautiful and picturesque parts of the East Coast. So, pack your bags, make sure your car is full of gas, and set off for an adventure you won't forget.