Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Bakersville, North Carolina and Lexington, Kentucky
If you're planning a road trip that goes from Bakersville, North Carolina, to Lexington, Kentucky, you're in for a treat. The route is packed with natural beauty, history, and culture. Here are five places you won't want to miss:
1. Linville Caverns: "Discover the Secrets of Mother Nature Underground"
Linville Caverns is a natural wonder that lies deep beneath the mountains of western North Carolina. The caverns were formed over millions of years by the slow dissolution of limestone by groundwater. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns, which includes a visit to the underground streams and pools, stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. The temperature inside the caverns is a constant 52 degrees, making it a great place to escape the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
2. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park: "Where Nature and History Meet"
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is located at the intersection of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The park is home to the famous Cumberland Gap, which played a significant role in America's westward expansion. Visitors to the park can hike on the park's many trails, visit the Hensley Settlement, a living history museum that shows life in the mountains in the early 1900s, or see the Pinnacle Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Middlesboro, KY: "The Gateway to the South"
Middlesboro, KY, is the halfway point between Bakersville and Lexington. But it's not only a convenient stop for refueling. Middlesboro is a town with a colorful history that dates back to the late 1800s. It was the site of the first commercial oil well drilled in the United States, and it's home to the only city in the United States that was built inside a meteorite crater. Visitors to Middlesboro can take a walking tour of the downtown area, which includes many historic buildings and a museum that tells the story of the town's unique heritage.
4. Kentucky Horse Park: "Where the World Comes to See Horses"
The Kentucky Horse Park is a working farm and educational center that's dedicated to showcasing the role of horses in Kentucky's culture and history. The park is home to many breeds of horses, including the famed Thoroughbred, and visitors can take guided tours of the park's barns and arenas. There are also many other attractions at the Kentucky Horse Park, including museums, art exhibits, and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the importance of horses in agriculture, transportation, and sport.
5. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: "Experience Simplicity and Serenity"
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a living history museum that showcases the life of the Shakers, a religious group that lived in the area in the 1800s. The village includes many original buildings, including homes, barns, and a meeting house. Visitors to the village can take guided tours, participate in cooking demonstrations, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the picturesque countryside. The Shaker Village also has a restaurant that serves meals made from local ingredients, including many heirloom vegetables and fruits.
In conclusion, a road trip from Bakersville to Lexington is an incredible opportunity to experience some of the best natural beauty, history, and culture in the eastern United States. From the stunning underground caverns of Linville to the serene simplicity of the Shaker Village, there's something for everyone on this road trip. Remember to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and make some unforgettable memories.