Best Places to Visit When Driving from Blacksburg, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina

Are you planning a road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia, to Greensboro, North Carolina? This scenic route, with its beautiful countryside and historic landmarks, is an excellent destination for a family vacation or a romantic weekend getaway. There are many places to discover and things to do along the way.

In this article, we will explore the top places to see when driving from Blacksburg to Greensboro. Let's hit the road!

Heading south: Blacksburg to Roanoke

The Virginia Museum of Transportation

Start your journey in Blacksburg and head south to Roanoke. Our first stop is the Virginia Museum of Transportation, located in downtown Roanoke. The museum showcases the history of transportation, featuring over 50 historic locomotives and railcars, classic automobiles, and aviation exhibits. Highlights of the museum include a 611 steam locomotive and the Norfolk & Western Class J 611, which was built in Roanoke in 1950.

Blue Ridge Parkway

No visit to Virginia is complete without a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains, with beautiful forests, waterfalls, and rock formations. Be sure to stop at some of the overlooks, including Mabry Mill, the most photographed stop on the Parkway. There are several hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds along the way.

Virginia Safari Park

The Virginia Safari Park, located in Natural Bridge, is an exciting destination for animal lovers. The park features over 1,000 animals from six continents, including zebra, giraffe, bison, and white rhinoceros. Visitors are allowed to drive through the park, where the animals roam freely. The park also has a petting zoo, a walk-through area with birds and monkeys, and camel rides.

Heading east: Roanoke to Greensboro

The Natural Bridge of Virginia

As you leave Roanoke and head east, make a stop at the Natural Bridge of Virginia, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest tourist attraction in the United States. The natural limestone arch spans over 200 feet and rises 215 feet above Cedar Creek. Visitors can take a guided tour of the bridge, explore the hiking trails, and visit the butterfly exhibit.

Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. The lake, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, covers over 20,000 acres and has 500 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. There are several marinas, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts around the lake.

Old Salem Museums and Gardens

Old Salem Museums and Gardens, located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a living history museum that preserves the heritage of the Moravians, a Protestant denomination that settled in Salem in the 18th century. The museum features over 100 restored buildings and interpreters in period costumes. Visitors can see demonstrations of crafts, farming, and cooking, and explore the beautiful gardens.

Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center is a family-friendly attraction that features an aquarium, a zoo, and a museum. The aquarium has over 3,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. The zoo has over 250 animals, including tigers, lemurs, and red pandas. The museum has over 60 exhibits on topics ranging from dinosaurs to space exploration. There is also a ropes course, a zipline, and a 4D theater.

Conclusion

Driving from Blacksburg, Virginia, to Greensboro, North Carolina, offers a wide range of experiences, from historical landmarks to outdoor activities to family-friendly attractions. We hope this list makes it easier for you to plan your journey and discover some of the best places in the region. Don't forget to bring your camera and enjoy the ride!