Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Apex, North Carolina and Patterson Heights, Pennsylvania

A road trip from Apex, North Carolina to Patterson Heights, Pennsylvania is the perfect adventure for those looking to discover unique attractions and hidden gems. The route covers over 500 miles of scenic roads, and every mile is worth exploring. The halfway point of the trip is Fayetteville, WV, where travelers can enjoy outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and fascinating history.

The Top Five Things to do:

1. Visit Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC, is a vibrant city that offers lots of entertainment, restaurants, and activities for every taste. It is a must-visit spot on your road trip adventure. The city is surrounded by stunning mountain views, which makes it an ideal location for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The Biltmore Estate, a French Renaissance chateau, is a popular attraction that takes visitors on a journey through the Gilded Era. It is the largest private residence in America and sits on 8,000 acres of land. Visitors can explore the house, its gardens, and the surrounding countryside. The city also has a thriving artistic community, with numerous galleries showcasing local art and other exhibits.

Fun Fact: Asheville is the only place in the US where grown people wear tutus in public for fun. The annual Asheville JCC Hanukkah 8k has hundreds of locals dressed in festive running gear, including tutus, glitter, and glow sticks.

2. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the US, and it's easy to see why. The park boasts over 500,000 acres of preserved natural beauty, including majestic mountains, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to hundreds of black bears, and hikers are advised to carry bear spray and make noise while hiking. There are numerous hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to strenuous, so visitors of all levels of experience can enjoy the natural beauty.

Fun Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World,” with over 30 species of salamanders living in the park.

3. Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. It stretches over 469 miles, starting from Virginia and ending in North Carolina. It is a favorite road trip destination for travelers who appreciate beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and stunning views. Along the drive, visitors can stop at numerous overlooks to take in the scenery, picnic, or hike. Fall is a perfect time to take the Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, as the leaves change color, and the foliage is vibrant.

Fun Fact: There is a natural limestone cave in the middle of the Blue Ridge Parkway that is home to millions of bats.

4. Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park

For history buffs, a visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park is a must-do excursion. The park encompasses over 6,000 acres of preserved land and boasts a rich history of the Civil War. Visitors can take guided tours of the battlefield and learn about the significant events that occurred there. The park also has its own museum, which exhibits artifacts from the Civil War, including letters, weapons, and clothing.

Fun Fact: During the Civil War battle at Gettysburg, 165,000 soldiers fought, and more than 51,000 were killed, injured, or went missing.

5. Explore the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh

The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showcases the artist's life and works. The museum is located in seven-story converted warehouse, and it houses the largest collection of Warhol's art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and films. Visitors can take a journey through Warhol's life and career and get a glimpse of his artistic process. The museum also has a permanent collection of artworks from other contemporary artists.

Fun Fact: The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is the largest museum dedicated to one artist in North America.

Conclusion

The road trip from Apex, North Carolina to Patterson Heights, Pennsylvania, is filled with diverse destinations that offer visitors a range of activities, from outdoor recreational activities to cultural experiences. The journey takes about nine hours, with numerous stops to explore the attractions. The route passes through fascinating towns, gorgeous mountain vistas, and colorful landscapes that make it a perfect vacation for all ages. So, gather your itinerary, pack your bags, and embark on this unforgettable adventure.