Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Charlotte, NC to Bethel, NC
Road trips are always exciting, especially when it involves traveling from one beautiful town to another. The journey from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Bethel, North Carolina, is one worth noting, with several tourist attractions along the way. The trip is approximately 211 miles and takes around four hours. Hillsborough, NC, serves as the halfway point where travelers can take a breather, stretch their legs, and grab a bite to eat.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC
The North Carolina Zoo is home to several exotic animals from different parts of the world. The zoo boasts of over 1,600 animals, including elephants, lions, and gorillas. In addition, the zoo has several hiking trails that are perfect for nature lovers to explore. Visitors to the zoo can enjoy animal feedings, behind-the-scenes tours, and camping activities.
Fun Fact: The North Caroline Zoo is one of two state-owned zoos in North Carolina.
Visit Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, NC
Pilot Mountain State Park is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers. The park offers several activities, including hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and horse riding. The park also offers breathtaking views of the Yadkin River Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can also pitch tents and spend the night in the park's campgrounds.
Fun Fact: The park's namesake, Pilot Mountain, is a remnant of a very old, deeply eroded range of mountains that was once higher than the Alps.
Visit the Greensboro Science Center in Greensboro, NC
The Greensboro Science Center is a science museum, zoo, and aquarium all rolled into one. Visitors can experience a thrilling adventure as they explore the museum's exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and outer space simulations. The center also has several outdoor exhibits, including a red panda exhibit and an OmniSphere Theater, where visitors can watch 3D movies.
Fun Fact: The Greensboro Science Center has an outdoor treetop adventure park where visitors can climb ropes and zip line through the trees.
Visit the New Bern Historic District in New Bern, NC
The New Bern Historic District is a quaint town that boasts of several historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the Tryon Palace, the birthplace of North Carolina's first governor, William Tryon, and the New Bern Firemen's Museum, which is housed in a fire station built-in 1895. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll along the Neuse River or take a trolley tour of the town.
Fun Fact: New Bern is also known as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola. Caleb Bradham, a local pharmacist, created the famous drink in the late 1800s.
Visit the East Carolina University in Greenville, NC
The East Carolina University is a public research university and a hub for culture and entertainment. Visitors can explore the university's Art Gallery, which has several exhibits featuring local and national artists. The university also has several sports facilities where visitors can catch a game or take a tour. The university's Performing Arts Series also features several performances and concerts throughout the year.
Fun Fact: The East Carolina University was founded as a teachers' college and became a university in 1967.
Conclusion
The journey from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Bethel, North Carolina, is one full of adventure and exciting destinations. Along the way, travelers can stop at Hillsborough, NC, to rest, refuel and grab a bite to eat. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, The Greensboro Science Center in Greensboro, the New Bern Historic District in New Bern, and the East Carolina University in Greenville are all worth a stopover. The trip can take around four hours, but it is one that travelers will not forget in a hurry.