A Trip to Remember: Top Five Attractions on Your Drive from Chesapeake, Virginia to Wharton, Texas
Are you planning a road trip from the east coast to the heartland of America? Start your engines and get ready for an adventure! From the beautiful coastal town of Chesapeake, Virginia to the historic city of Wharton, Texas, there are plenty of exciting destinations to discover.
But let's start with a little geography. The route covers approximately 1,300 miles and takes about 20 hours to drive straight through. The halfway point is Montgomery, AL, a vibrant city filled with museums, parks, and restaurants along the Alabama River. Take a break here and explore the city, or get back on the road and continue discovering the wonders on your way to Texas.
Now, without further ado, let's dive into the top five attractions on this epic road trip.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Start your journey off right by visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, you'll experience lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and wildlife galore. Hike the trails, drive the scenic routes, or just enjoy a picnic with the family. This park has something for everyone.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway, MS
The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles from Mississippi to Nashville, TN. This scenic drive has an incredible history dating back to the early Native Americans and has been enjoyed for centuries. Today, the Parkway is a historic destination with beautiful stops for hiking, camping, and learning about the history of this stretch of America.
3. San Antonio River Walk, TX
The San Antonio River Walk is a must-visit attraction located in the heart of downtown San Antonio. Be charmed by this canal system and enjoy restaurants, bars, and shops from which to dive deeper into the host city. This walkable destination has over 15 miles of winding paths.
4. Cadillac Ranch, TX
The next destination on your journey off the beaten path is Cadillac Ranch. Located outside of Amarillo, TX, this public art installation features ten painted Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are encouraged to add their own graffiti on the cars, creating a unique and ever-changing installation in the middle of the prairie.
5. Brazos Bend State Park, TX
End your road trip adventure with a visit to Brazos Bend State Park. Just 45 minutes outside of Houston, this park is known for its impressive alligator population. With over 5,000 acres of parkland, you'll be able to enjoy swamps, woodlands, and prairies.
Conclusion
Overall, this road trip is sure to be a memorable adventure filled with beautiful landscapes, American history, and unique attractions. Whether you choose to do the drive straight through or take your time and explore along the way, you're sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, which route should you take? We recommend taking I-81S to I-40W to US 72W to MS 25S to Natchez Trace Parkway until it reaches I-20W. Then, from Texas Highway 19, I-10W takes you all the way to Wharton TX. This route will take you through the Great Smoky Mountains, past the Natchez Trace, all the way to Texas. What could be better? So start planning your journey today!