Best Places to See When Driving From Alexandria, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina

If you are planning a road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina, you are in for a treat. The route is scenic, and there are plenty of exciting places to explore along the way. Whether you want to explore historic sites, enjoy natural beauty or savor the food and wine of the region, this road trip has something to offer. In this blog post, we will outline the top places to see when driving from Alexandria, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina.

So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best of what Virginia and North Carolina have to offer.

Discover Historic Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County, Virginia

Heading south from Alexandria, we recommend taking a detour to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. Both of these destinations offer a glimpse into America's past, with historic sites and landmarks.

Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center – This is the perfect place to begin your exploration of Fredericksburg's rich history. The center provides information on the Fredericksburg area's role in the Civil War and suggests an itinerary of sites to visit.
Chatham Manor – This fascinating Georgian-style mansion played a key role in the Civil War. It served as headquarters for the Union Army during the Battle of Fredericksburg and was medical headquarters during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg.
Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield – Here, you can see where more than 32,000 men fought in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. You can explore the battlefield and the museum which displays relics of the war.

Enjoy Natural Beauty at the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia

The Blue Ridge Mountains offer stunning natural beauty and are a must-see on your road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina. This scenic drive will take you to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering panoramic views and countless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure.

Skyline Drive – This is the ultimate scenic drive of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can enjoy a leisurely ride with stunning vistas of Shenandoah National Park's lush valleys and rolling hills enriched with a colorful collection of trees.
Humpback Rocks – Humpback Rocks is an excellent 2.0-mile hike that offers a commanding view of the Blue Ridge. This historic area hints at the difficulties its previous residents faced.
Crabtree Falls – Crabtree Falls is a series of five cascading waterfalls with a total collective drop of 1,200 feet. This hike is one of the most scenic on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Discover Winston-Salem, North Carolina's Arts and Culture Scene

Winston-Salem is a cultural hub of North Carolina, with a vibrant arts scene, excellent restaurants, and a rich history.

Old Salem Museums and Gardens – This is a living history museum that immerses visitors in Moravian life during the 1800s. Visitors are free to roam the town, interact with costumed reenactors, and purchase delicate Moravian crafts.
Delta Arts Center – The Delta Arts Center is an art and cultural center founded in 1974 to celebrate African American art and artists in the region. The museum contains an extensive collection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art – This museum showcases American art from the colonial era up to the present day. The museum covers 200 years of history and has over 300 pieces of art on display.

Savor the Food and Wine of North Carolina's Yadkin Valley

Yadkin Valley is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long road trip. Here, you'll find excellent wineries, distilleries, and restaurants that showcase the region's culinary delights.

Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery – Here, amid the rolling hills of Yadkin Valley, you will find this picturesque winery that specializes in Italian varietals and boasts stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
Hutch and Harris – Hutch and Harris is a great restaurant that serves Contemporary Southern cuisine with a twist. Vegetarian dining choices are as aplenty as the meaty ones, and the bartender will craft any cocktail you like.
Yadkin Valley Wine Tours – There is no better way to experience Yadkin Valley's wine region than visiting the wineries themselves. Take your time and decide on which winery best suits your distinctive taste. The picturesque country roads along the way add up to the whole experience.

Visit Duke Gardens and Duke University

Our final stop on the road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina is Duke University. This beautiful campus is home to Duke Gardens, which features 55 acres of meticulously maintained gardens. Here are some of the highlights:

Duke Gardens – Duke Gardens is free and open to the public every day. The gardens feature cascading pools, arched bridges, and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens – This garden is situated in two parts: the main terraces or Historic Core with private gardens and entrances and the newer Asiatic Arboretum surrounding it.
Duke University Chapel – Duke University Chapel is a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture. The Chapel is home to an exquisite organ and regularly hosts concerts and events.

Conclusion

Whether you want to immerse yourself in American history, explore natural beauty, or taste exceptional cuisine and wine, the road trip from Alexandria, Virginia to Durham, North Carolina has got you covered. So pack your bags and hit the road because this is going to be an epic adventure you will never forget!