Summer is the perfect time for a road trip. And as a resident of the Triangle, some of the East Coast’s most interesting sites and destinations are only a few hours away by car! Ready to hit the road on your next adventure? Read on for travel inspiration (and add your own favorite destinations in the comments)!
3 Road Trip Destinations to Visit this Summer
1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)
Extending 469 miles through 29 different Virginia and North Carolina counties, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs through a major mountain chain of the Appalachian mountains. Named after their remarkable bluish hue when viewed from the distance, the Blue Ridge mountains astonish their spectators. Whether fishing in a river, swimming underneath a waterfall, or hiking through thick woodland, the Blue Ridge mountains offer several activities in the great outdoors that never disappoint. One of the most notable points along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the Pisgah National Forest. Located in Western North Carolina (only about 4 hours from Raleigh), Pisgah offers beautiful sights of luscious foliage, vast mountain views, and picturesque waterfalls. Take a relaxing trip down Sliding Rock, or, if you’re really in for an adventure, try hiking Mount Mitchell – the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Whatever you do, be sure to stop in downtown Asheville and enjoy the vibrant culture and excellent food.
2. Outer Banks (Eastern North Carolina)
If you tend to enjoy the beach more than the mountains, luckily for you, North Carolina has both! The Outer Banks hosts a string of peninsulas and barrier islands that make for the perfect summer getaway. Choose one destination, or, if you want to make more of a trip out of it, travel down Highway 12 and see some of the many historic landmarks the Outer Banks has to offer. If you’re heading that way, make sure a stop by the historic Cape Hatteras lighthouse is on your agenda. Nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” Hatteras Island marks a common area for shipwrecks, including the Civil War battleship USS Monitor. The lighthouse stands 210 feet, making it the tallest brick lighthouse in the country. Travel north on Highway 12 to reach Kill Devil Hills, made famous when the Wright Brothers used the town to achieve the first airplane flight in history. No matter where you travel along the Outer Banks, the salty air and lush marshlands provide an unforgettable experience.
3. Washington, D.C.
For those of you who are history buffs, the nation’s capital is only a 5-hour drive away from Raleigh. Washington, D.C., is a great place for a family vacation: Full of educational activities, beautiful architecture and a thriving culture. Make sure you experience the D.C. monuments and memorials along with your pick of museums. (Some of the best Smithsonian museums include the Natural History Museum, the Air and Space Museum, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.) Also, check out the Newseum, which opened just in 2008, and offers an incredible interactive experience while learning about some of the most impactful events in our country. Being only a 5 hour drive up 95, Washington DC is a road trip that should be on everyone’s to-do list this summer.
Have any others to add to the list? Share your favorite destinations in the comments below!
Of course, before you embark on any lengthy road trip, it’s important to make sure your car is in top driving condition. Read our blog to check out a few maintenance checks we recommend making, especially during the summer months. The last thing you want is to blow a tire or realize that your air conditioning isn’t functioning properly while en route.
If you need help checking your car for safety and maintenance issues, we can help. Do not hesitate to contact the experts at Thompson Buick GMC Cadillac and let our skilled mechanics handle everything. You can make an appointment online, or give us a call today at (855) 825-4662! We service all makes and models.
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Ashley OBX
/ August 6, 2014Thanks for mentioning the Outer Banks! There are many great places, like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, on the Outer Banks.