Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charleston, West Virginia and Waynesburg, Ohio
West Virginia and Ohio have hidden jewels not often found in tourist guides. A road trip along Route 50 and Route 77 is perfect for those who love the outdoors and small towns. From Charleston, West Virginia, to Waynesburg, Ohio, one can cross four state lines and see stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The halfway point, Macksburg, Ohio, offers a stopover filled with friendly locals eager to share their stories.
Visit the National Museum of Cambridge Glass
Located in Cambridge, Ohio, the National Museum of Cambridge Glass is a delight for antique glass collectors and enthusiasts. Visitors can view over 20,000 pieces of glassware, and the knowledgeable staff can answer all things glass. Besides taking tours, visitors can purchase pieces directly from the gift shop. An interesting fact about this location is that Cambridge glass was used on President John F. Kennedy's inauguration table.
Explore Grapevine Loom
In Zanesville, Ohio, the Grapevine Loom is a must-visit location. It is a shop filled with gorgeous handmade rugs, blankets, and towels. Visitors will be excited to find out that the store is run by two sisters, one mastering the art of spinning yarn and the other weaving. The store has been operating since 1976, and the sisters have preserved the art of weaving to perfection.
Drive to Burr Oak State Park
Burr Oak State Park in Glouster, Ohio, is a hidden gem in the Appalachian Mountains. The park boasts a large lake where visitors can rent boats, go fishing, or pedal boat around the water. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails, leading to picturesque views. Besides camping and lodging, there is a dining facility on site. One interesting fact is that the State Park Institute is a popular destination for bird watchers.
Discover the Wilds
The Wilds is an animal conservation center located in Cumberland, Ohio. Opened in 1994, this land used to be a strip mine, but it is now a massive conservation center that helps save exotic animals from extinction. Visitors can take a safari tour in open-air buses to see animals grazing in a natural habitat. The Wilds has a variety of animals, ranging from cheetahs to giraffes, and a variety of bird species. One such interesting fact is that conservation staff care for 14 cheetah litters.
Passageway to the Lost Sea
In Sweetwater, Tennessee, visitors can find a place that was a part of prehistoric America, the Lost Sea. A pathway leads visitors to a vast underground lake, 800 feet below ground level. Visitors can take a boat tour on the lake filled with eye-catching rock formations. The guides share interesting stories about the lake, which is over 140 feet at its deepest point. An interesting fact is that the lake was discovered in 1905 by a thirteen-year-old boy.
In conclusion, Route 50 and Route 77 make for an unforgettable road trip from Charleston, West Virginia, to Waynesburg, Ohio. With the addition of a stopover in Macksburg, Ohio’s friendliness, this route provides ample opportunities for inspiring outdoor activities. The trip takes around 9 hours, with fueling and stopping to rest included. With five unique locations offering different sights and experiences and plenty more en-route, this road trip should be on everyone's bucket list.