The Best Road Trip from Asheville, North Carolina to Portsmouth City, Virginia

Are you planning a road trip from Asheville, North Carolina to Portsmouth City, Virginia? Well, buckle up and get ready for an adventure! The drive will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery that the east coast has to offer. You'll pass through charming towns, scenic routes, and some fantastic attractions in between.

In this blog post, we've curated a list of the top places for you to visit on this epic road trip that you don't want to miss. So, put on some good music, get comfortable, and let's go on a journey together!

Discover Blue Ridge Parkway

Start your journey by exploring the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway, where natural beauty greets you at every turn. The Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views. Whether it's a roadside waterfall, an overlook with panoramic views, or a hiking trail, you'll find something around every corner.

The Parkway is also home to several quaint mountain towns like Boone, Blowing Rock, and Asheville where you can find some of the best locally sourced eats and drinks. The Parkway protects a wealth of biodiversity, including over 850 species of plants, 200 species of birds, and 50 species of mammals. So take your pick, go for a hike, or simply enjoy the stunning views from your car window.

Visit The Biltmore Estate

The next stop on your trip should be the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. This historic estate boasts a 250-room mansion, stunning gardens, and beautiful winery. This estate is the largest privately-owned home in the United States, and it was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895.

The Biltmore Estate is a national historic landmark that combines French Renaissance chateau and English Tudor-style architecture. You can tour the grand rooms of the mansion and the beautiful gardens. But don't forget to take a walk around the Winery, which is the most visited winery in the country. Sample some of their wines and purchase a bottle to take back home.

Drive Through The Shenandoah Valley

Next, you'll want to take a scenic drive through the Shenandoah Valley. The valley stretches for 200 miles, from northern Virginia to the Tennessee state line and offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and valleys.

The Shenandoah Valley offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy some beautiful nature. You can take a hike at the Shenandoah National Park, go horseback riding, or visit one of the many wineries or breweries in the area. Make sure you take advantage of the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop where you can visit the wineries, breweries, and distilleries along the route.

Explore Virginia Beach Boardwalk

Now it's time to head to Virginia Beach and explore the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk is three miles of pure fun, lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Here you can take a stroll along the beach, rent a bike to ride on the pathway, or go for a run while enjoying the ocean views.

There's also a wide array of activities for the whole family. This includes mini-golf, a fishing pier, and an amusement park, as well as many shops selling beach-themed items. So, if you're looking for a place to kick back, relax, and have some fun in the sun, Virginia Beach is the place to be.

Take a Ferry to Portsmouth City

Last on our list is Portsmouth City, Virginia, which is separated from Norfolk by the Elizabeth River. To get there, you'll need to take one of the ferries that run between the two cities. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes, and it's a fun way to see the city from a different angle.

Portsmouth City is full of surprises, with plenty of historic sites, museums, and restaurants to explore. Here you can relax and enjoy the waterfront, visit the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and learn about the city's history at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum. Don't forget to sample some fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants lining the waterfront.

Conclusion

Driving from Asheville, North Carolina to Portsmouth City, Virginia, is a fantastic road trip with so much to see and do along the way. You'll pass through some of the most scenic routes, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy some of the best outdoor activities that the East Coast has to offer.

Plan your trip well and stop at every opportunity to take in the natural beauty at each location. Don't forget to capture the memories and share them with us. Happy road tripping!