Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Road Trip from Cave Spring, Virginia and Charleston, West Virginia
Are you planning a road trip from Cave Spring, Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia? If so, you're in for a treat! This route is filled with incredible museums, beautiful parks, and notable landmarks that make for the perfect pit stops. In this post, we'll highlight the top five places to visit on your road trip and share some interesting facts about the journey.
Did you know that the distance from Cave Spring, Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia is approximately 202 miles? This drive should take you around 3 hours and 40 minutes without any stops. Of course, you'll want to make several stops along the way to take advantage of the incredible sights and experiences this route has to offer.
Halfway through your journey, you'll reach Princeton, WV, a small town with a population of just over 6,000. Despite its size, Princeton offers some incredible points of interest like the Chuck Mathena Center, which hosts concerts, plays, and other cultural events, as well as the Mercer County War Museum, where you can learn about the brave men and women who served our country.
The length of this road trip makes it an ideal weekend getaway. You can leave Friday afternoon and arrive in Charleston in time for dinner, then spend all day Saturday exploring the various landmarks. Sunday can be reserved for the drive back home, stopping at any points of interest you didn't get to visit on the way down.
Here are the top five places to visit on your road trip from Cave Spring to Charleston.
- The New River Gorge Bridge - This incredible bridge is a must-visit on your road trip. Not only is it the longest steel arch bridge in the Americas, but it's also surrounded by stunning scenery and outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and zip-lining. Take a walk on the catwalk beneath the bridge for a truly unique experience.
Point of interest recommendation: Visit the nearby Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn more about the bridge's history and the surrounding area.
- Tamarack - Located in Beckley, WV, Tamarack is an artisan retail center that showcases West Virginia's best art, cuisine, and craftsmanship. Be sure to check out the live demonstrations from local artisans.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop by the Taste of West Virginia restaurant to try some traditional Appalachian cuisine.
- The West Virginia State Capitol Building - Located in Charleston, WV, the Capitol Building is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about the building's history and see some of the state's most important artifacts.
Point of interest recommendation: Visit the nearby Culture Center to learn more about West Virginia's art, history, and culture.
- The Greenbrier Resort - This luxurious resort has been a favorite destination of presidents and celebrities for over a century. Even if you're not staying overnight, you can take a tour of the resort's expansive grounds and learn about its storied history.
Point of interest recommendation: The Greenbrier is home to an incredible bunker that was built to house the US Government in the event of a nuclear war. Take a tour to learn more about this fascinating piece of history.
- The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences - Located in downtown Charleston, the Clay Center is home to a variety of exhibits and performances that showcase the best of West Virginia's arts and culture. Be sure to check out the planetarium and the interactive science exhibits.
Point of interest recommendation: Visit the nearby Mexican restaurant, Pies and Pints, for some delicious pizza and craft beer.
In conclusion, this road trip from Cave Spring, Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia is full of incredible sights and experiences that should not be missed. The drive is manageable in a weekend, and you'll have the opportunity to visit some of the state's most iconic landmarks and points of interest. So pack your bags and hit the road - adventure awaits!