Points of Interest between Apex, North Carolina to East Rutherford, New Jersey

picture of Apex, North Carolina

Top Places to See When Driving from Apex, NC to East Rutherford, NJ

Are you planning a road trip from Apex, North Carolina to East Rutherford, New Jersey? Along the way, there are many great sights to see, delicious foods to taste, and activities to enjoy. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, you'll find plenty of places to explore and create great memories.

In this article, we've compiled a list of the top places to visit on your journey. So fasten your seat belts, fill your tank with gas, and let's hit the road!

Historical Sites

  1. Monticello: Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello was the home of the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been beautifully restored to its original splendor. You can take a guided tour of the home, grounds, and gardens, and learn about the history of the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence and designed the University of Virginia.

  2. Gettysburg National Military Park: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the site of one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. The Gettysburg National Military Park preserves the battlefield and features a museum, guided tours, and monument trails. You can walk or drive through the different sections of the park and learn about the tactics, strategy, and sacrifices made by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

  3. Statue of Liberty: One of the most iconic symbols of the United States, the Statue of Liberty stands tall on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. You can take a ferry from Battery Park in New York City and visit the statue, climb to the top for a great view of the city, and learn about the history and meaning of Lady Liberty.

Natural Wonders

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. It has over 500,000 acres of forests, streams, trails, and wildlife, including black bears, elk, and salamanders. You can go hiking, camping, fishing, or just enjoy the scenic drives and picnic areas.

  2. Skyline Drive: This scenic byway runs for 105 miles through the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. You can stop at the numerous overlooks, go on hikes to different peaks, or visit the historic cabins and lodges along the way.

  3. Niagara Falls: This natural wonder is located on the border between the United States and Canada, near Buffalo, New York. The falls consist of three different cascades, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls, which produce a tremendous amount of water and mist. You can take a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, walk on the Cave of the Winds, or just admire the beauty and power of the falls from various viewpoints.

Culinary Delights

  1. North Carolina Barbecue: North Carolina is known for its barbecue, and you can find different styles and variations in the state. Eastern North Carolina barbecue is made from whole hogs and seasoned with a vinegar and pepper sauce. Western North Carolina barbecue uses pork shoulder or ribs and a tomato-based sauce. You can try both and decide which one you like best.

  2. Philly Cheesesteak: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is famous for its cheesesteak sandwiches. The best ones are made with thinly sliced beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese, on a crusty roll. You can find dozens of places in Philly that claim to have the original recipe or the best sandwich, so be prepared to do some taste-testing.

  3. New York Pizza: New York City is home to some of the best pizza in the world. The traditional New York-style pizza is thin crust, crispy on the bottom, and topped with tomato sauce and cheese. You can find pizzerias in every neighborhood, from the famous ones like Lombardi's and Di Fara, to the small family-run shops.

Offbeat Attractions

  1. World's Largest Ball of Twine: Located in Cawker City, Kansas, this giant ball of twine weighs over 19,000 pounds and measures more than 40 feet in circumference. It was started by a local farmer in 1953 and has been growing ever since. You can add your own piece of twine to the ball and sign the guestbook.

  2. Mothman Statue: Point Pleasant, West Virginia is the hometown of the Mothman, a legendary creature that was sighted in the area in the 1960s. The town has a statue of the Mothman, as well as a museum and a festival dedicated to the creature. You can learn about the sightings, the theories, and the pop culture references related to the Mothman.

  3. Lucy the Elephant: Margate City, New Jersey has a giant elephant-shaped building, which was built in 1881 as a tourist attraction. Lucy the Elephant is six stories tall and made of wood and tin. You can go inside and climb up to the howdah, or observation deck, for a great view of the beach and the town.

Conclusion

On your road trip from Apex, NC to East Rutherford, NJ, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore historical sites, natural wonders, culinary delights, and offbeat attractions. These are just some of the highlights along the way. Remember to take breaks, stretch your legs, and have fun. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the open road, and create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.