Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Catonsville, Maryland and Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia

Road trips are one of the best ways to discover new places and create lasting memories with friends and family. The journey itself can be just as exciting as the destination, and the route from Catonsville, Maryland to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government, Georgia is no exception. Almost 700 miles apart, this road trip will take approximately 11 hours if driven straight through, making Graham, NC the perfect halfway point to rest and recharge. Along the way, there are plenty of must-see attractions and charming towns to explore. Here are the top five things to do on this amazing journey:

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile-long scenic road that winds through the Appalachian Mountains. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the country and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including mountains, forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers. The Parkway features numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and overlooks, where visitors can stop and marvel at the natural beauty of the area. This is a must-do activity for anyone who enjoys being outside and experiencing the great outdoors.

Interesting fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway was built as a Depression-era public works project and took over 50 years to complete, with the final section being finished in 1987.

Visit the Biltmore Estate

Located in Asheville, NC, the Biltmore Estate is one of the largest private residences in the United States and a popular tourist attraction. Built in the late 19th century by George Vanderbilt, the estate features a 250-room mansion, sprawling gardens, and a winery. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the house, stroll through the manicured gardens, and sample local wines in the winery. The Biltmore Estate is a unique and fascinating piece of American history that should not be missed.

Interesting fact: The Biltmore Estate has 43 bathrooms, which were considered a luxurious amenity at the time of its construction.

Explore Downtown Asheville

Asheville is a vibrant city that is known for its eclectic downtown area. The streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and craft breweries, making it the perfect place to wander and explore. Visitors can take a guided walking tour of the city, attend a festival or concert, or simply relax and people-watch from one of the many sidewalk cafes. Asheville is a vibrant and welcoming city that is full of surprises.

Interesting fact: Asheville is home to the largest privately-owned residence in the United States, the Biltmore Estate.

Hike to the top of Stone Mountain

Located in northeast Georgia, Stone Mountain is a giant granite dome that rises 825 feet above the surrounding landscape. It is a popular destination for hikers, who can take one of several trails to the summit for a breathtaking view of the area. Along the way, visitors can see the Confederate Memorial Carving, which depicts three Confederate leaders on the face of the mountain. Stone Mountain is a unique and fascinating natural wonder that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list.

Interesting fact: The Confederate Memorial Carving on Stone Mountain is the largest high relief sculpture in the world.

Visit the Georgia Museum of Art

Located on the campus of the University of Georgia in Athens, the Georgia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most diverse art museums in the Southeast. Its collections include American paintings, works on paper, decorative arts, and European art, among others. The museum hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year and offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. The Georgia Museum of Art is a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates the beauty and wonder of great art.

Interesting fact: The Georgia Museum of Art is located in the former house of the university’s first president, Abraham Baldwin.

This road trip from Catonsville to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is truly an adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, visitors will experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the mountains, take a step back in time with a visit to the Biltmore Estate, wander through the streets of Asheville, hike to the top of Stone Mountain, and marvel at the world-class art at the Georgia Museum of Art. This journey takes approximately 11 hours, but the memories will last a lifetime.