Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Ashburn, Virginia and Matthews, North Carolina

If you're looking for a fun road trip between Ashburn, Virginia and Matthews, North Carolina, there are a few hidden gems along the way that you won't want to miss out on. From unique museums to natural wonders, here are the top five places to visit on your drive down.

The Route

Starting in Ashburn, Virginia, you'll take I-66 W towards Front Royal. From there, you'll hop on I-81 S towards Roanoke, Virginia, and finally I-77 S towards Matthews, North Carolina. It's roughly a six hour drive with plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs and check out some cool stops along the way.

Stop #1: The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Winchester, Virginia)

Located just off I-81, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers visitors a chance to explore art, history, and culture unique to the Shenandoah Valley region. The museum's eight galleries showcase everything from traditional art to documentary photography, and also feature beautiful gardens and walking trails.

Stop #2: Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge, Virginia)

The Natural Bridge is a natural wonder that is sure to impress. This awe-inspiring limestone arch stands 215 feet tall and has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries - Thomas Jefferson himself even visited the site! Visitors can take a guided tour of the surrounding wilderness or hike one of the many nature trails in the area.

Stop #3: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters (Harpers Ferry, West Virginia)

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a quaint little town that happens to be the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. This historic town boasts Civil War history, beautiful views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, and is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters. Here, hikers can learn about the history of the trail and get advice on hiking the trail from experts.

Stop #4: New River Gorge Bridge (Fayetteville, West Virginia)

The New River Gorge Bridge is a steel arch bridge that spans 3,030 feet over the New River Gorge and is one of the tallest bridges in the world. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the gorge from the visitor's center or take a guided tour of the bridge itself. There are also plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities in the surrounding area.

Stop #5: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden (Belmont, North Carolina)

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a beautiful 380-acre garden that features exotic plants from around the world as well as a variety of art installations. There are plenty of walking trails throughout the garden, and visitors can also take a guided tour of the property to learn more about the plants and animals that call it home.

Conclusion

Six hours on the road can feel like a long time - but these five stops are sure to break up the monotony and make your road trip from Ashburn to Matthews something special. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, there's something for everyone along this route.