Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brightwood, Virginia and Washington, District of Columbia
Brightwood, Virginia and Washington, District of Columbia are two of the most visited cities in the United States, with plenty of attractions to explore. A great way to experience the best of both worlds is by a road trip, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery and experience the thrill of the open road. With Haymarket, VA marking the halfway point, there are numerous activities to enjoy. Here are the top five things to do on a road trip from Brightwood, VA and Washington, DC.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a 105-mile long park located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park features stunning views, hiking trails, streams, and waterfalls, making it a perfect spot to connect with nature. You can drive along Skyline Drive, a scenic route that runs the entire length of the park, which will offer you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Wildlife is prolific in the park, including black bears, birds of prey, and deer.
Interesting fact: The park was established in 1935 and receives over 1 million visitors each year.
Luray Caverns
The Luray Caverns are an underground wonderland of limestone formations located near the town of Luray. The caverns are over 4 million centuries old and have a myriad of stalactites and stalagmites that will leave you in awe. You can take a one-hour guided tour to learn about the history of the caverns and see the most spectacular formations, including The Great Stalacpipe Organ, a musical instrument that produces sounds from stalactites.
Interesting fact: In 1878, the caverns were discovered by a local tinsmith named Andrew Campbell who was trying to find an underground water source.
Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is an iconic landmark located at the heart of the National Mall in Washington, DC. The monument stands at a height of 555 feet and was built to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States. You can take an elevator to the top of the monument, which offers stunning panoramic views of Washington, D.C.
Interesting fact: The monument was completed in 1884, taking over 30 years to complete due to a lack of funds.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is one of the most visited museums in the country, with over seven million visitors annually. The museum displays some of the most significant achievements in the history of aviation and aerospace, including the Wright Brothers' plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 Command Module. The museum also has a planetarium, where you can experience a virtual reality space flight.
Interesting fact: The museum was established in 1946 and has over 60,000 artifacts in its collection.
Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum located in Williamsburg, Virginia, that showcases life in Colonial America. The museum covers 301 acres of land and has over 88 restored structures, costumed interpreters, and craft demonstrations to give visitors an idea of life during colonial times. You can explore the Governor's Palace, the Courthouse, and the Magazine among other structures.
Interesting fact: Before being restored, many of the buildings were used for commercial purposes, and some were even used as stables.
The road trip from Brightwood, Virginia, to Washington, DC, is approximately 90 miles, while the total distance traversed by the route back and forth is over 180 miles. The trip can take anywhere from a full day, depending on your preference and how long you stay at each location along the route. Overall, a road trip to these beautiful locations is an adventure worth taking.
In conclusion, a road trip from Brightwood to Washington, DC, has a lot to offer. You can experience the wonders of nature, explore the rich history of the country, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Whether you want to spend a day, a weekend or longer, the experience is sure to leave you with cherished memories.