Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brandywine, Maryland, to Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Brandywine, Maryland and Elizabeth City, North Carolina are separated by 260 miles of road that leads right through the heart of Virginia. Quinton, VA, is the halfway point, set right on Interstate I-64. Along the way are some of the region's most popular attractions, from natural parks and forests to charming small towns with their own brand of Southern hospitality.

1. Visit Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is set on the Blue Ridge Mountains and is Virginia's largest and most robust national park, with over 500 miles of hiking trails. The park is home to several waterfalls, camping sites, and hiking trails that provide visitors with some of the most breathtaking scenic vistas you will ever lay your eyes on.

Fun fact: Shenandoah National Park is home to a small population of black bears that roam the park's forests and can occasionally be spotted by visitors.

2. Experience Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum located in the heart of Virginia's historic triangle formed by the cities of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. The museum recreates the 18th century colonial capital of Virginia and takes visitors back in time, where they can experience life during the Revolutionary War.

Fun fact: Williamsburg is home to some of the country's oldest and most well-preserved colonial architecture, and the historic area includes over 600 buildings dating back to the 18th century.

3. Tour the Norfolk Botanical Garden

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a 155-acre botanical garden in Norfolk, Virginia, that features over 40 themed gardens, which are home to some of the world's rarest flowering plants. The gardens are also a sanctuary for birds and have a butterfly house where visitors can enjoy the sight of hundreds of butterflies fluttering around in a tranquil tropical environment.

Fun fact: The Norfolk Botanical Garden is home to the Enchanted Forest, which is a collection of dwarf trees and flowers that make you feel like you're in a fairy tale.

4. Check out the Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Wright Brothers National Memorial is on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and is dedicated to the brothers who made the world's first powered flight in 1903. The memorial sits on top of a 60-foot sand dune known as Kill Devil Hill, where visitors can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the sound, and the surrounding landscape.

Fun fact: In 1911, the Wright Brothers established the first civilian flight training school at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which operated until 1916.

5. Relax in Kitty Hawk Beach

Kitty Hawk Beach is a beautiful unspoiled beach on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It is one of the most popular beaches along the East Coast, with miles of gentle surf and white sandy shores. Here, visitors can swim, sunbathe, surf, or simply relax in the sun.

Fun fact: Kitty Hawk Beach was the site of the first powered flight in the world, which was achieved by the Wright Brothers in 1903.

Conclusion

The road trip from Brandywine, Maryland, to Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is a journey that takes you through the heart of some of the most beautiful landscapes in Virginia and North Carolina. Along the way, visitors can explore some of the country's most beautiful national parks, experience history right where it happened, stroll in some of the world's finest botanical gardens, and relax in some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. This road trip can take a minimum of five hours, depending on traffic and stops, but the sights and experiences are priceless.