Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Arkadelphia, Arkansas and North Bethesda, Maryland

Driving from Arkadelphia, Arkansas to North Bethesda, Maryland might be a long journey but good news: there are certainly several places worth stopping for. Taking US-40 E and I-40 E, this drive takes about 19 hours and covers around 1,148 miles. Take a break halfway in Kingston, TN. Here are five off-the-beaten-path destinations to consider on this road trip.

1. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

The Mammoth Cave National Park is a hidden gem worth a visit. With over 400 miles of explored underground chambers, it is the largest cave system in the world, and it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can take a variety of tours to explore the stunning, winding tunnels and rock formations, see captivating wildlife, and learn about the history of the cave. After the tour, they can hike, bike, or go horseback riding, camping, or fishing. Don’t forget to enjoy some delicious fried chicken at Mammoth Smokehouse on the way out.

2. Gettysburg National Military Park, PA

History buffs should definitely make a stop at the Gettysburg National Military Park, one of the most iconic landmarks in US history. The Battle of Gettysburg remains as one of the bloodiest battles on American soil, with more than 50,000 casualties. Visitors can explore the site’s numerous memorials, markers, and plaques, as well as the battlefield itself, which spans more than 6,000 acres. Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the US, described the battle as the "turning point" of the Civil War, and the Museum Store and Visitor Center have plenty of insightful memorabilia. Leave Gettysburg with lunch from The Garryowen Irish Pub.

3. St. Michael's, MD

St. Michael's is a charming colonial-era small-town in Talbot County, Maryland, with a scenic harbor, great seafood, and loads of history. Take a stroll down the historic district, check out the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The wildlife refuge is home to nearly 200 species of birds, as well as mammals such as sika deer, muskrat, and river otters. Top off your visit with some local staples at The Crab Claw Restaurant.

4. Raleigh, NC

Raleigh is the beating heart of North Carolina, a bustling city with plenty of sights, sounds, and tastes to discover. Visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. There's also the North Carolina Museum of Art, which contains more than 40 galleries and exhibits over 5,000 years of creative endeavors. If you've got some time to kill, check out the North Carolina State Capitol building too. End the visit with some BBQ pork ribs and craft beer from The Pit.

5. Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC is a hip and cool mountain town full of character and natural beauty. For outdoor adventures, visitors can drive to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, visit the Biltmore Estate winery, and hike to lookout points such as Chimney Rock or Mount Pisgah. Downtown Asheville boasts many breweries and pubs, including Thirsty Monk, which serves a variety of Belgian and American-made beers. Don’t be scared to try the fried green tomatoes on the side.

This road trip offers a wide range of distracting activities to keep travelers busy. Discover the largest cave system in the world, explore one of the bloodiest battles in American history, stroll through a small colonial-era town, explore galleries and museums, and discover a corner of the state that is home to stunning mountains and colorful downtowns. Don't hesitate to pack your bags; go out and take this road trip to see these unexpected places.