Top Five Popular Attractions on a Trip between Chapel Hill, NC and Richmond, VA

Are you planning a road trip between Chapel Hill and Richmond? Here are the top 5 attractions to see along the way that will make your journey even more unforgettable.

South Hill, Virginia: The Halfway Point

Before we dive into our top 5 attractions, let's talk about the halfway point of this trip: South Hill, Virginia. This charming town is a great place to stretch your legs and recharge for the second half of your journey. South Hill is home to the Virginia S. Evans Doll Museum, where you can admire a vast and impressive collection of antique dolls. If you're looking for a more active break, take a walk or bike ride along the Tobacco Heritage Trail, which follows the old railroad bed and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

1. Duke Homestead State Historic Site

Our first stop on this road trip is the Duke Homestead State Historic Site, located just a short drive north of Chapel Hill. This site was the birthplace of the American Tobacco Company and the home of Washington Duke, who was instrumental in the development of the tobacco industry in the South. Visitors can tour the Duke family home, the tobacco curing barn, and the museum to learn about the family's impact on the state's economy and history.

2. Country Doctor Museum

Next on our list is the Country Doctor Museum in Bailey, NC. This unique museum is dedicated to preserving the history of rural medicine and features medical instruments and equipment from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can step into a one-room doctor's office, a country apothecary, and a surgery room to get a glimpse of what medical practice was like in rural America during those times.

3. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

As we near Richmond, make sure to stop by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This internationally recognized museum is home to over 35,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of world history. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American paintings, the VMFA has something for everyone. Highlights include their extensive collection of Fabergé eggs, a stunning Tiffany glass collection, and thousands of world-renowned paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

4. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

A visit to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a must for any nature lover. Located just north of Richmond, this sprawling garden complex covers over 50 acres and is home to more than a dozen themed gardens. Take a stroll through the rose garden, the aquatic garden, or the Asian Valley garden, or simply relax by the fountains and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

5. Hollywood Cemetery

Finally, no visit to Richmond would be complete without a visit to Hollywood Cemetery. This historic cemetery was established in 1847 and is the final resting place of many famous Virginians, including U.S. Presidents James Monroe and John Tyler. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery to see the stunning monuments, headstones, and mausoleums that make this one of the most picturesque cemeteries in the country.

Conclusion

The best route for this trip is to take I-85 North until you reach South Hill, then turn onto US-58 East and follow it until you reach Richmond. Along the way, make sure to stop at Duke Homestead State Historic Site, the Country Doctor Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and Hollywood Cemetery for an unforgettable road trip experience.