Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bristol, Virginia and Boonville, North Carolina
The Appalachian Mountains feature beautiful scenic routes that traverse through the states of Virginia and North Carolina. One such journey starts from Bristol, Virginia, and stretches to Boonville, North Carolina. The route covers a distance of 130 miles and takes around three hours to complete. The journey is peppered with unexpected pauses, and one can discover new, hidden gems along the way.
After driving for about an hour, travelers reach the midpoint of the journey at Wytheville, VA. This marks the perfect spot to relax, stretch legs, soothe rumbling tummies, and resume the journey. The beautiful town of Wytheville houses a historic downtown, antique shops, and outdoor recreational activities. The easiest way to savor Wytheville's essence is by taking a leisurely stroll around its picturesque downtown.
A Visit to Mabry Mill (Mile Marker 176.1) - Mabry Mill is a historic landmark situated on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway of Virginia. The mill dates back to the early 20th century and has been preserved for its unique architecture and significance to the Virginian community. The highlight of the mill is its iconic water wheel and the delicious food served at the nearby restaurant. Here, foodies can treat themselves to a plate of piping hot buckwheat pancakes topped with homemade apple butter.
Take a Break at the Blue Ridge Music Center (Mile Marker 213) - The center's mission is to preserve and promote the regional music heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The place is perfect for a rest stop. To appreciate the center's value, visitors must attend its live concerts - a blend of bluegrass, traditional music, and storytelling. The center also offers an interactive exhibit space.
Taste Some Southern Hospitality at Nancy's Candy Company (Mile Marker 218.6) - Nestled in the Yadkin Valley region of North Carolina, Nancy's Candy Company has been producing delicious confections with high-quality ingredients since 1949. Travelers can take time to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings at the company's retail store or observe the candy-making process at the factory. The must-try treat here is the chocolate-covered Moravian cookies, a regional specialty.
Take an Excursion to Pilot Mountain State Park (Mile Marker 227.5) - A drive to Pilot Mountain provides tourists with an excellent opportunity to relax in nature as they take in the stunning views of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can take relaxing hikes, challenging rock climbing, and explore the park's trails. The park is also famous for its vibrant cultural events hosted year-round.
Walk Around the Old Salem Museums and Gardens (Mile Marker 242.4) - Old Salem Museums and Gardens is a living history museum dedicated to exploring the heritage of the southeastern United States. The attraction showcases the pinnacle of Moravian culture through its unique buildings, gardens, hands-on exhibits, and informative guides. With its authentic colonial buildings and lush gardens, the Old Salem district is a haven of peace, respite, and beautiful photo ops. Visitors cannot leave the place without sampling the rich, aromatic, and warm Moravian sugar cakes.
In conclusion, the journey from Bristol, Virginia, to Boonville, North Carolina, is not only a beautiful one, but it is also dotted with exciting spots to discover and explore. From history to music, from food to nature, the trip offers a plethora of opportunities to discover unique cultural heritages and taste new flavors. So, if you are planning to take a drive across the Appalachian Mountains, be sure to add these five unexpected stops to your itinerary.