Points of Interest between Apex, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina

picture of Apex, North Carolina

Top Places to See When Driving From Apex, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina

Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Apex, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina? North Carolina and South Carolina are filled with natural beauty, rich history, and a diverse range of cultures. This makes them ideal for exploratory road trips with breathtaking views, mouth-watering food, and loads of activities. This blog post will outline some of the best places you should visit when driving through this region. Buckle up, put on your music playlist, and let's hit the road!

Beautiful Natural Landscapes in North and South Carolina

As you begin your road trip from Apex, you'll start to see the beautiful natural landscapes that North Carolina has to offer. You will enjoy the scenic countryside filled with rolling hills, green forests, and stunning waterfalls before crossing over into South Carolina. Here are some of the top places you’ll want to visit:

  1. Chimney Rock State Park - Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Located near Lake Lure in Western North Carolina, Chimney Rock State Park is an essential stop on your road trip from Apex. The park contains a towering 315ft granite monolith that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. To reach the top, follow the trail, or take an elevator for a more relaxing ride. From the top, you’ll be greeted with magnificent views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

  1. Table Rock State Park - Pickens, South Carolina

Table Rock State Park provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with nature. The park offers hiking trails with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and stunning Carrick Creek waterfall. Table Rock Mountain, which is the park’s namesake, is a granite peak that forms part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. The Table Rock Trail is a challenging path, but the views from the top are well worth it.

  1. Greenville Downtown Airport Runway Park - Greenville, South Carolina

The unique Runway Park at Greenville Downtown Airport offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors on a road trip. A decommissioned runway is now a 1.2-mile park with a bike track, walking paths, benches, and plane-themed playground equipment for kids. Planes can still be seen taking off and landing on the adjacent airport runway, making it the perfect spot for aviation enthusiasts.

Museums and Historical Landmarks

North Carolina and South Carolina are steeped in rich history, from the Civil War to the civil rights movement. Here are some of the top places you’ll want to visit to learn more about the region's past:

  1. North Carolina Museum of History - Raleigh, North Carolina

The North Carolina Museum of History has artifacts and exhibits that focus primarily on the state's history. The museum offers free admission, making it a budget-friendly stop on your road trip. The exhibits are engaging and interactive, with information ranging from the pre-colonial period to the modern era.

  1. Fort Hill Plantation - Clemson, South Carolina

Fort Hill Plantation is a historical landmark that served as the home of John C. Calhoun. The mansion provides visitors with a glimpse of what life might have been like on an antebellum cotton plantation. The grounds offer a beautiful view of the South Carolina countryside, and the plantation’s history leaves an indelible impression on visitors.

Delicious Food Stops

No road trip would be complete without stopping to sample the local cuisine. North Carolina and South Carolina have great food traditions, from barbecue to seafood. Here are some of the best places to stop for a meal:

  1. BBQ Lodge - Raleigh, North Carolina

BBQ Lodge is one of the hottest BBQ joints in Raleigh. They serve up perfectly smoked barbecue, brisket, wings, and all the other sides that make BBQ great. The portions are generous, the prices are wallet-friendly, and the flavors are out of this world – what more could you ask for?

  1. Stax's Original - Greenville, South Carolina

Stax's Original has been serving up some of the most delicious burgers, hot dogs, and fries in Greenville since 1980. The menu has all the classic options like chili cheese dogs and double cheeseburgers, and Stax's takes pride in their food quality, taking no shortcuts with real ingredients and fresh cooking.

Conclusion

There you have it! These are just some of the many places to visit during your road trip from Apex, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina. Whether you're interested in natural landscapes, historical sites, or delicious food, this region has something for everyone. So pack your bags, fill up the tank, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.