A Road Trip through Three States: Five Unexpected Places to Visit

Are you looking for a road trip that takes you through beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and quirky stops? Look no further than a drive from Bath (Berkeley Springs), West Virginia to Indian Trail, North Carolina. This drive covers approximately 550 miles and takes around 10 hours, depending on your route and stops.

The halfway point of this trip is in Salem, VA, which is a great place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and take in the town's historical charm. From there, continue driving south and don't miss out on these five unexpected places to visit.

1. Black Dog Salvage (Roanoke, VA)

Black Dog Salvage is a treasure trove of architectural salvage and antiques. This sprawling warehouse has filled with everything from old doors to vintage signs. You'll want to take your time perusing the shelves and checking out the incredible DIY projects on display. The shop is featured on the DIY network show Salvage Dawgs, so take a moment to geek out if you're a fan of the show. Don't leave without grabbing a bite to eat at their in-store Salvage Dawgs Café, where they serve up homestyle comfort food and some of the best mac and cheese in town.

2. Hike to McAfee Knob (Catawba, VA)

If you're looking for a challenge and are up for some scenic exercise, make a detour to Catawba and hike to McAfee Knob. This 8.5-mile hike is rated as moderate, but the views from the top are worth it. You'll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail. It's recommended to start early in the day and pack plenty of water and snacks.

3. The World's Largest Ten Commandments (Wytheville, VA)

This is one of those roadside attractions that you just can't pass up. Located in Wytheville, the World's Largest Ten Commandments is a 17-foot tall, 5-ton monument that is tough to miss. It is situated on a hill in front of Heritage Baptist Church, and you can see a birds-eye view of Wytheville from its base. It's a fascinating and unique stop that begs the question, "What else can we make giant?"

4. Field of Sunflowers (Halifax, NC)

Sunflowers are one of the happiest flowers around, and there's no better place to witness their joy than at the Field of Sunflowers in Halifax, NC. This pick-your-own sunflower field is usually open from mid-August to mid-September, but the best way to double-check is to visit their Facebook page. Not only can you pick your own bouquet, but they also have a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and a farm market.

5. Wrightsville Beach (Wilmington, NC)

End your road trip on a relaxing note by spending a day at Wrightsville Beach in Wilmington, NC. It's one of the most accessible and beautiful beaches in North Carolina, with over four miles of sandy shoreline. The beach has plenty of restaurants, ice cream shops, and surf shops that make it the perfect destination for a full day. Don't forget to grab a bucket of fresh seafood from the local fish market to complete the beach day experience.

Now that you have a few stops to break up your drive, what are you waiting for? Get in the car and hit the road! This trip is full of excitement, history, and beauty you don't want to miss.

Happy travels!