The Best Road Trip Experience: From Alexandria, Virginia to Amarillo, Texas
Road trips are always a great way to explore the country, and a drive from Alexandria, Virginia to Amarillo, Texas would be one of the most interesting journeys you can take. The journey of about 1,500 miles covers a variety of terrains across different states in the United States and offers numerous incredible sights that you should not miss. So, buckle up, get ready for a journey of a lifetime, and enjoy our list of the top places to see when driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Amarillo, Texas.
Historic Sites and Scenic Views Section
1. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Starting with the picturesque Skyline Drive, stretching for 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, takes you through scenic panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia. It is a scenic route featuring many overlooks, hiking trails, and four campgrounds. Along the way, you can also visit the historic spots on the park's boundary, including three president's homes and traditional Appalachian communities.
2. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
For lovers of American history, Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-visit site. It comprises over 5,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows, and forests, with about 1,400 monuments and historic markers, including the famous Gettysburg Battlefields. Visitors can take the walking tours to view the monuments and learn about the Civil War, as well as watch a variety of events showcasing the park's significance in American history.
3. Ohio Caverns, West Liberty, Ohio
Located in West Liberty, Ohio, Ohio Caverns is one of the most fantastic and largest cave systems in the United States. With the largest stalagmite formation in the United States, the caverns offer plenty of adventures to experience, including cave diving, fossil hunting, and rock climbing. You can take different guided tours to various spots within the extensible cave systems, each providing breathtaking sites that are simply unmissable.
Food, Drink, and Culture Section
4. Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs is a world-renowned horse racing track. It is home to the famous Kentucky Derby, which takes place every first Saturday in May. Apart from the racing events, visitors can take tours of the Kentucky Derby Museum, including the stable area and the famous Churchill Downs Racetrack. Here, you can indulge in the famous southern sandwich, the Hot Brown.
5. Blues City Cafe, Memphis, Tennessee
Blues City Cafe is located on the famous Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Home to the best barbeque in the city, Blues City Cafe offers delicious southern food and a unique destination to start (or end) your road trip to Amarillo. Take in the 1920s style atmosphere with nightly live music while you enjoy your barbeque ribs on Beale Street.
Nature and Parks Section
6. Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur, Oklahoma
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is situated in Sulphur, Oklahoma, and offers various activities from hiking, fishing, swimming, and exploring. Apart from the beautiful landscapes, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is famous for its spring-fed cold-water swimming pools and the well-known Travertine Creek that flows over various falls that provides the perfect stunning scenery for visitors to explore and enjoy.
7. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon, Texas
Located in Canyon, Texas, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a wonderful destination for lovers of the outdoors. The park is the second-largest canyon in the country offering breathtaking views, camping, hiking, and biking adventures. You can horseback ride along the different trails, while exploring the views of the canyon's dramatic walls and multi-colored layers of rock.
Conclusion
The road trip from Alexandria, Virginia, to Amarillo, Texas, is undoubtedly an epic voyage through beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences. Along the way, you will explore various historic sites, museums, and take in some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. We hope our list has inspired you to plan your trip and make unforgettable memories on your journey! So download some excellent road trip playlists, pack a cooler, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!