The Ultimate Guide to the Best Road Trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Mount Airy, North Carolina

Are you planning a road trip soon and looking for an exciting place to visit? Look no further! A road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Mount Airy, North Carolina is a perfect opportunity to experience the rich culture and natural beauty of the region. There are several must-see attractions along the way, each one uniquely captivating. From stunning landscapes to historical sites, this road trip offers something for everyone! Here is a list of our top recommendations for places to visit when driving from Blacksburg, Virginia to Mount Airy, North Carolina.

Section 1: Natural Wonders

1. Pilot Mountain State Park

   As you begin your road trip heading south on Interstate 77, make sure to stop by Pilot Mountain State Park - a must-see for every nature lover. The park boasts stunning views of Pilot Mountain from afar and up close via hiking trails. There are also numerous campsites if you decide to extend your visit and experience the area's beauty for longer.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

   The Blue Ridge Parkway runs parallel to I-77 and connects to other national parks to create one of the most scenic drives in the country. The Parkway features breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains and access to hikes, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.

Section 2: Historical Sites

3. Mabry Mill

   Mabry Mill is a magnificent historic water-powered grist mill located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Surrounded by an idyllic pond and stunning forest, it is a must-see. You can witness the mill's operational grinding of corn and take a tour of the grounds to learn about the life of those who worked and lived there in the past.

4. Mayberry

   Fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" will surely recognize Mount Airy as the inspiration behind the show’s fictional town of Mayberry. Stop by this charming town to tour the Andy Griffith Museum, where you can learn about the show's history and see memorabilia that played a part in the making of the show.

Section 3: Unique Attractions

5. Reynolda Gardens

   Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the Reynolda Gardens offer a restful and tranquil experience. This beautifully kept garden is home to stunning botanical collections, manicured lawns, themed gardens, and impressive greenhouses. You can also spend time indoors at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art, which showcases work from American artists of the early 20th century.

6. International Civil Rights Museum

   One of the most unique attractions along this route is the International Civil Rights Museum in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. The museum is located in the historic F.W. Woolworth building, where in 1960, four Black North Carolina A&T students led sit-ins at the store's segregated lunch counter, resulting in the desegregation of countless establishments. The museum's exhibits tell this story and chronicle the struggle for equality that ensued over subsequent decades.

Conclusion

A road trip from Blacksburg, Virginia to Mount Airy, North Carolina will offer a range of experiences that will wow any traveler. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, there will be something for everyone. Stop by the Pilot Mountain State Park or Mabry Mill for breathtaking scenic views, explore Mayberry and learn more about the town that inspired "The Andy Griffith Show," and visit the Reynolda Gardens for a tranquil respite from the road's hustle and bustle. The International Civil Rights Museum is a unique and powerful stop that allows visitors to reflect on America's history and continued struggles for social justice. Whatever your interests or needs, this road trip will not disappoint!