The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Benton, Arkansas and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Overview
Benton, Arkansas, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are two very different destinations, but the road trip between them can be full of adventures. The route covers approximately 850 miles and takes around 14 hours, with a perfect halfway point in Oxford, Alabama. The trip passes through beautiful scenery and offers numerous options for entertainment, such as hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and learning about history.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park is an excellent destination for hikers, history buffs, and spa enthusiasts. Established in 1832, it is the oldest national park in the United States, and it boasts of 47 thermal springs that feed into hot tubs, public spring fountains, and spas. Visitors can hike to several scenic trails from the historic bathhouse row or explore the park's cultural and geological history at the Visitors Center.
Fun Fact: Al Capone once owned a luxurious suite at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa in Hot Springs and frequently visited the town.
2. Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Graceland was the home of legendary musician Elvis Presley, and it has become a National Historic Landmark with over 650,000 visitors annually. The vast estate comprises Presley's home, several museums, numerous exhibits of memorabilia from The King and his family, and a nearby entertainment complex that houses cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Fun Fact: Graceland has over 75,000 square feet of space, including 23 rooms and a racquetball court.
3. Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden, Alabama
Noccalula Falls Park is a 250-acre nature reserve that surrounds a beautiful 90-feet waterfall. The park offers various recreational activities, from hiking to picnicking and even a petting zoo. Visitors can hike along the Black Creek Trail or enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the falls. The park has a campground and a miniature train ride that showcases the history of the park and the Cherokee Indian Princess Noccalula.
Fun Fact: Legend has it that Princess Noccalula, who leaped from the cliff to avoid an arranged marriage, became an angel to protect the falls, thus creating a bride's veil appearance of the water.
4. Talladega Superspeedway, Alabama
Located in the Central Alabama foothills, the Talladega Superspeedway is one of the premier NASCAR race tracks in the United States. The track hosts two major races annually and holds claim to the world record for the fastest recorded NASCAR time. Visitors can watch races, attend driving schools, explore the motorsport museum and more.
Fun Fact: The track is so large that it takes over 4,000 gallons of paint and 22 miles of steel to complete the essential refurbishing before each race.
5. Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Broadway at the Beach is an upbeat entertainment complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach. There are numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions, including a 360-degree aquarium, a zip line, a mini-golf, and an IMAX theatre. Visitors can also stroll along the lake's boardwalk, enjoy live music, and experience the exciting nightlife.
Fun Fact: The Broadway at the Beach complex covers over 350 acres and receives more than 14 million visitors annually.
Conclusion
The road trip adventure from Benton, Arkansas, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is full of diverse and fascinating sights and experiences. The route covers approximately 850 miles, and with careful planning, visitors can make several memorable stopovers like Hot Springs National Park, Graceland, Noccalula Falls Park, Talladega Superspeedway, and Broadway at the Beach. The trip offers a mix of outdoor recreation, sightseeing, and nightlife, making it a fantastic trip to take with friends and family.