Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chapel Hill, NC to Williamsburg, VA

Chapel Hill, located in North Carolina, is known for its picturesque location, while Williamsburg is renowned for its historical background. A road trip from Chapel Hill to Williamsburg provides a perfect combination of scenic beauty and historical significance. Driving from Chapel Hill, you will travel to Williamsburg on Interstate-85, which is both fast and efficient. Along the way, you will encounter interesting places that you can explore.

The halfway point of this trip is McKenney, VA, a small town that has an interesting history. Located in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, it was a significant location during the Civil War. It was also home to the first female stagecoach driver in the United States, Mary Fields. The town has a small park that is dedicated to her.

The Top 5 Things to Do on Your Road Trip

South Hill Farmers Market

South Hill Farmers Market is located in the town of South Hill, VA. It's a great place to stop for fresh produce since the market has local and organic food. There are also activities for children like face painting and crafts. It provides a great opportunity to stretch your legs and stock up on supplies for your trip.

Interesting Fact: South Hill is known as the Lake Country of Virginia, with several large lakes nearby, making it a perfect spot for anglers and other water sports enthusiasts.

Petersburg National Battlefield

The Petersburg National Battlefield represents the site of the longest siege on American soil. Located in Petersburg, VA, it makes for a great stop for lovers of Civil War history. The battlefield tour is self-guided with maps available at the entrance. The place is well-preserved, and visitors can visualize the horrors of the Civil War.

Interesting Fact: The city of Petersburg was once referred to as "Railroad junction city of the Confederacy" for its important rail lines running through it.

Jamestown Settlement

Jamestown Settlement is located in Jamestown, VA. It dates back to 1607 when the first English settlement was established in North America. A visit to the settlement provides a glance into the life of the first English colonists. The settlement has a museum that is home to exhibits and artifacts that reflect the early 17th century and the Powhatan Indian culture. There are also replicas of the ships that brought the settlers to Virginia, which visitors can board.

Interesting Fact: Captain John Smith led the Jamestown settlers through their first winter, and he also mapped and explored the Chesapeake Bay area.

Virginia Capital Trail

The Virginia Capital Trail is a 52-mile trail that connects Richmond and Williamsburg, VA. The trail is suitable for cycling, hiking, or walking. It provides picturesque views of the Virginia countryside while passing through several historic landmarks. The trail follows Route 5, which is a historic route that dates back to Colonial Times. It is a great place to stop and stretch your legs while enjoying the scenic views.

Interesting Fact: Route 5 is Virginia's oldest road and home to several historic landmarks, including the James River Plantations.

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg is located in Williamsburg, VA. It is a living-history museum of Virginia's colonial era. The place has restored buildings from the 17th century that serve as a reminder of the struggles of the early colonists. Visitors can explore the town square, visit the courthouse, and take part in guided tours. There is a wealth of information that visitors can learn from the guides and the exhibits.

Interesting Fact: Colonial Williamsburg was a thriving town until the capital of Virginia was moved to Richmond in 1780.

Conclusion

Driving from Chapel Hill, NC, to Williamsburg, VA, can be an exciting and informative road trip. The 296-mile journey takes approximately 5 hours, and along the way, you will be treated to beautiful scenery and historical sites. The top five things to do on your trip would be to visit South Hill Farmers Market, Petersburg National Battlefield, Jamestown Settlement, Virginia Capital Trail, and Colonial Williamsburg. These are interesting sites with rich historical backgrounds that visitors can enjoy. Finally, if you're looking for a road trip that offers a mix of history, scenery, and adventure, then this trip is perfect for you.