Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charleston, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you're planning on traveling from Charleston, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you're in for a treat. This trip will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, from the lush green fields of North Carolina to the historic towns of Virginia and Maryland. The journey is approximately 750 miles long and takes around 12 hours to complete, but there are plenty of fantastic places to stop along the way. So, buckle up and get ready for an adventure!
Halfway Point: Roanoke Rapids, NC
Before diving into the unexpected places to stop, it is important to mention the halfway point of the trip: Roanoke Rapids, NC. This small town in North Carolina is a great place to stop for a break, refuel your car, and stretch your legs. The town is situated on the Roanoke River and features a beautiful park, perfect for picnics and walks. If you're traveling with kids, the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail is a must-visit attraction. It offers an opportunity to learn about former transportation systems and see some beautiful natural surroundings.
1. Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge, VA
Located in Natural Bridge, Virginia, the Virginia Safari Park offers a unique experience. Visitors can drive through over 180 acres of beautiful Virginia countryside and see over 1,000 animals from six different continents. The animals are free-roaming, creating a sense of adventure for visitors. Visitors can purchase feed from the park's gift shop to feed the animals, giving them an up-close-and-personal experience. Visitors can walk through the safari village, where they will find additional activities to enjoy.
Must-Try Food: BBQ ribs at the Red Fox Hunter's Den.
2. The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk, VA
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem located in Suffolk, Virginia, and offers a unique experience for nature lovers. The Great Dismal Swamp is a vast wetlands area with a rich history. Visitors can learn about the area's past, view animals in their natural habitats, and enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing. This refuge also offers kayaking and hiking the trails for more adventurous visitors.
Must-Try Food: The Famous Virginia Ham Biscuits at the Suffolk's Taste of Suffolk Downtown Farmers Market.
3. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, PA
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a museum that features an outdoor sculpture garden with more than 14 rooms. Mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar created the gardens, and they are impressive to say the least. Visitors can weatherproof their visit, wandering every nook and cranny of this beautiful space while the environment changes. It offers an incredible movie that features an amphitheater, as well as breathtaking street art displays of work inside the sculpture garden museum.
Must-Try Food: Pho 75 for an affordable and authentic Vietnamese cuisine experience.
4. Wrightsville Beach, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Perched just five miles east of the Wilmington port in Wrightsville Beach, NC is one of the most pleasant white sand beaches on the East Coast. This beach attracts visitors throughout the year for surfing, fishing, sporting and sunbathing, as well as other related interests that provide a refreshing escape from an urban atmosphere. Visitors can watch migratory shorebirds, including sandpipers, plovers, and oyster-catchers, as well as families of dolphins swimming off the shoreline.
Must-Try Food: Fresh catch-of-the-day grilled swordfish with salsa verde at Oceanic Patio.
5. Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, PA
Knoebels Amusement Resort offers an exciting and fun experience for those traveling the northeastern United States. This amusement park is located in Elysburg, PA and offers free admission, free parking, and free entertainment. Visitors can ride their favorite roller coasters, ferris wheels, and other rides while enjoying classic carnival food items.
Must-Try Food: Hand-dipped corn dogs from one of their many food vendors.
Conclusion
All in all, the journey from Charleston, South Carolina to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is an incredible trip with plenty of unexpected places to visit. Whether you're exploring Natural Bridge Safari or stepping into Roanoke Rapids for a quick rest stop, the experiences are sure to leave a mark on your mind and fill you up with fantastic memories. With so many unexpected places to visit, this trip is guaranteed to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, get packed up and hit the road!