Points of Interest between Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Laredo, Texas

picture of Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Laredo, Texas

Driving from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Laredo, Texas may seem like a daunting task, covering a distance of 1,300 miles. Though many people opt to fly this distance, there is something unique about a road trip that allows you to soak in the diverse landscape and experience new settings along the way. With a total driving time of around 20 hours on the road, this drive lets you experience the charm of Southern living and the excitement of the Wild West, all in one adventure. Here are five unexpected places to stop along the way to create unforgettable memories.

Halfway Point: Ocean Springs, MS

Before we dive into the first unexpected destination on this trip, let's visit the halfway point of the journey. Ocean Springs, Mississippi is an idyllic town that sits along the Gulf Coast. From its charming downtown area to its breathtaking ocean views, this small town offers a wide range of activities, including oceanfront parks, dolphin watching tours, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in some fresh seafood.

  1. Athens, Georgia: A Visually Stunning College Town

Athens, Georgia, situated between Atlanta and the University of Georgia, is a college town that offers a pleasant surprise to road trippers. With its picturesque streets, red-brick buildings, and charming town center, Athens transports visitors to a whimsical setting. Its most popular attraction, the Tree That Owns Itself, is not an actual tree that owns itself, but a beloved travel staple nonetheless. This quirky must-see offers an unforgettable photo opportunity.

Foodie tip: Satisfy your Southern craving at Mama's Boy, whose signature biscuits with gravy and grits have been a crowd-pleaser since the restaurant's opening in 2007.

  1. Memphis, Tennessee: Music City USA

As the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and the blues, Memphis is one of the quintessential cities for music lovers. Music greats like Elvis Presley and B.B. King made Memphis famous. You can immerse yourself in a rich music culture with a visit to the Memphis Rock 'n Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Not a fan of music? No problem. You can still enjoy Memphis for its renowned barbecue.

Foodie tip: Head to Central BBQ, known for their award-winning smoked ribs and pulled pork.

  1. Fort Worth, Texas: The Place to See the Rodeo

As the third most populous city in Texas, Fort Worth is often overlooked by its neighboring city of Dallas. However, Fort Worth is home to many cultural gems, including the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can imagine yourself in the old Wild West. Visitors can enjoy bull riding, cattle drives, and plenty of cowboy-themed activities. In addition, you can take a stroll along the brick streets of Sundance Square, which offers an array of restaurants, shops and entertainment.

Foodie tip: Sink your teeth into the spicy pulled pork sandwich at Railhead Smokehouse BBQ.

  1. Roswell, New Mexico: Aliens and a Strong Sense of Community

Roswell, New Mexico is known for its extraterrestrial life forms, being home to one of the most talked-about alien incidents in history. But Roswell is much more than just a place for conspiracy theorists and true believers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, with opportunities to visit art museums, catch a movie at the art deco-style Roswell UFO Museum Theater, and explore the city's public art installations.

Foodie tip: Head to Big D's Downtown Dive, a food truck, for a taste of the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich, a Texas classic.

  1. Marfa, Texas: A Picturesque Desert Oasis

Marfa, Texas is a small, charming desert town in West Texas that offers an artistic and quirky experience for visitors. Its otherworldly landscape, modern art galleries, and delicious dining options make Marfa an excellent destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike. Start your visit with a trip to the Marfa Lights Viewing Center to catch a glimpse of the perplexing phenomenon the town is famous for—mysterious orbs of light that have never been fully explained.

Foodie tip: Visit the Marfa Burrito food truck, which offers an array of gourmet burritos.

Why Take the Trip

This road trip offers the perfect blend of experience with diverse landscapes, unique attractions, and delicious dining options. Road trips allow you to take in the beauty of the journey while discovering small towns and attractions that might be missed on an airplane. So pack up your bags, hop in the car, and enjoy the freedom of the open road.