Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Atmore, Alabama to Roanoke, Virginia

Are you planning a road trip from Atmore, Alabama to Roanoke, Virginia? Are you tired of the usual stops along the way? Look no further, as we have discovered five unexpected places to visit that are sure to enhance your road trip experience.

The trip from Atmore, Alabama to Roanoke, Virginia is approximately 920 miles and takes around 14 hours of driving time. But why not make the most out of this long journey and take some detours to explore these unique locations?

Halfway Point: Chattanooga, TN

Before we begin our list of unexpected places, we must mention the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's halfway between Atmore and Roanoke and is an excellent spot to break up your journey. Chattanooga is the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and historical significance. Be sure to visit the Lookout Mountain for a fantastic view, take the Chattanooga Ducks tour to learn about the city's history, go hiking on the Cumberland Trail, or take a stroll across the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, the Walnut Street Bridge. When it comes to food, Chattanooga has plenty of Southern cuisine to offer. One must-try dish is the classic Chattanooga Choo Choo burger topped with pimento cheese and jalapeños.

1. The Ave Maria Grotto (Cullman, AL)

The Ave Maria Grotto is a unique attraction located in Cullman, Alabama, that should not be missed. It's a four-acre park consisting of over 125 miniature reproductions of historic buildings and famous shrines from around the world, all created by a Benedictine Monk, Brother Joseph Zoetl. One of the most impressive miniature exhibits is the Lourdes Grotto, a near-perfect replica of the famous Lourdes shrine in France, complete with a running stream and cascading waterfall. When you visit, make sure to try some of the famous southern comfort food served at the nearby All Steak Restaurant.

2. The Grave of Jesse James (Keystone,SD)

Located in the quaint town of Keystone, South Dakota, is the final resting place of the notorious outlaw, Jesse James. The history of Jesse James and his gang has always been a point of fascination for many Americans, and this small cemetery offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the famous outlaw. The testimony of local historians suggests this burial plot to be the real deal, but some still claim this is another one of Jesse James's clever hoaxes. Regardless of the debate, it's a unique experience to visit the grave of such a notorious figure. If you are craving a sweet snack to enjoy, head over to Thomas Jefferson's Ice Cream and Gelato House, located close by, and try their infamous Black Hills Gold flavor.

3. The Lost Sea Adventure (Sweetwater, TN)

The Lost Sea Adventure is a unique underground lake located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Once you enter the cavern, you will experience a magical environment with stalagmites and stalactites and eventually arrive at the underground lake. The Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the United States; its water is crystal clear, and visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the ancient rock formations and diverse sea life. For a tasty meal, visit Mickie's Dairy Bar, an old-school drive-in eatery, and try their famous Sweetwater Valley Cheddar Cheeseburger.

4. The World's Largest Fire Hydrant (Columbia, SC)

South Carolina's capital city, Columbia, is home to the world's largest fire hydrant. This 39-foot tall fire hydrant is located in front of the Columbia Fire Department headquarters and is hard to miss. The fire hydrant was created by the artist Blue Sky, and it was first built in 2001 to promote the "Art in Public Places" initiative in the city. Visitors can pose for pictures or take selfies with this massive work of art while enjoying the local cuisine that Columbia has to offer. Head over to Pawley's Front Porch and try their popular Southern Burger topped with homemade pimento cheese.

5. Foamhenge (Natural Bridge, VA)

Last but not least is Foamhenge, located in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Foamhenge is an exact replica of the famous Stonehenge, located in England, but it's made entirely out of foam. The replica was built by Mark Cline, who is known as "Virginia's Roadside Attraction King." Foamhenge was initially built as an April Fools' Day joke, but it became so popular that it's still standing today. Visitors can admire the quirky site and take pictures with the foam monoliths that are exact copies of the original Stonehenge. To fill your stomachs, head over to The Pink Cadillac Diner, located close by, and try their legendary Hot Roast Beef sandwich.

Conclusion

The journey from Atmore, Alabama, to Roanoke, Virginia, may seem long and uneventful. But with these five unexpected places to visit along the way, it's sure to be a memorable experience for the entire family. Each stop offers something unique and different from the usual roadside attractions. From beautiful miniature reproductions of famous international sites at the Ave Maria Grotto to the largest underground lake in the US at the Lost Sea Adventure, visitors will be awed by the creativity and eccentricity of these attractions. Don't forget to try the regional cuisine at each stop, making the trip even more delightful. So embark on this unique adventure, and who knows, maybe you'll even find a few unexpected stops of your own along the way.