Get ready to make happy memories at every turn on this signature Southeast road trip through North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
A relaxing road trip means sunny days starry nights, and everything in between. Slide down a natural waterfall, stay at a glamorous luxury resort, wander through stunning gardens, hike the Appalachian Trail, dine at fantastic restaurants, hang out at a champagne bar, and tour a chocolate factory. Hop on a flight to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina, rent a car, and get on your way.
Raleigh, North Carolina: Artisanal Food Discoveries
Located in the famous “Research Triangle”—which also includes Durham, Chapel Hill, and all three cities’ major universities—Raleigh is a city that knows a thing or two about quality restaurants, whether upscale or homey. Eating like a local in Raleigh means stopping by the State Farmers Market. As you wander through the food stalls filled with colorful produce and local foods, you’ll get the sense that this is the heart of the city’s food scene. Cultivating a farm-to-table atmosphere before it was cool, this market is a welcome spot for foodies, home chefs, and anyone else looking for things like honey, artisanal bread or cheese, and house-made wine. Round out the experience with a meal or dessert from the State Farmers Market Restaurant or NC Seafood Restaurant, which are located inside the market. Immerse yourself in the cultural scene at the North Carolina Museum of Arts, which features a wide variety of modern and classic artwork. A stroll through the Rodin Garden, which is filled with natural elements and bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin, is a highlight. End the day with something sweet at Videri Chocolate Factory, where you’re sure to learn about the wonders of bean-to-bar chocolate production from passionate master chocolatiers. Housed inside a quaint brick warehouse, this chocolate factory could impress even Willy Wonka. Be sure to pick up some snacks for the road.
Richmond, Virginia: Festive Fun in an Urban Center
Head north on Interstate 95 to Richmond, Virginia, the state’s historic capital, which combines popular entertainment venues with easy access to outdoor activities. Richmond is the only city in the United States with Class III and IV rapids right in the city center. Sign up with an outfitter for a rafting adventure, then check out the urban scene. Plenty is going on in Carytown, a neighborhood known as the “Mile of Style.” Catch a morning movie at the chic Byrd Theatre, sample farm-to-table bites at The Daily Kitchen & Bar, then stop by The Jasper for top-notch cocktails. Not far from Carytown, stroll through the Fan District, a hip, artsy section with historic architecture and a tree-lined skyline. It’s also home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with exhibits of works by masters such as Cezanne, Degas, Renoir, and Picasso. On the city’s west end, you’ll discover Monument Avenue, where you can marvel at stately Gilded Age mansions, peruse historic landmarks, and take in a perfect sunset stroll.
Shepherdstown, West Virginia: A jump back in time
Continue north on Interstate 95, then wind through mountain roads to discover Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet in West Virginia. Tall maples and sycamores line the shoreline, offering a peaceful retreat. This quiet spot was once the site of an abolitionist revolution, as well as one of the flashpoints of the Civil War. Drive along the scenic Washington Heritage Trail to the nearby town of Shepherdstown, a riverside town where history is laced with a bit of mystery. Ghost lovers and detectives will fall in love with the Shepherdstown Mystery Walk, which is filled with interesting legends and tantalizing ghost stories. For more historic nostalgia, but the sweet kind, check out True Treats Historic Candy. The shelves of this shop, which could also be a candy museum, are filled with sweets and treats from yesteryear. Look for more delights to satisfy your sweet cravings and for the next section of the journey.
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia: A hidden gem filled with luxury
Head southwest on Interstate 81 and Interstate 64 toward White Sulphur Springs, then cruise along the scenic country roads and mountain ranges of scenic Route 60 to The Greenbrier Resort. An idyllic luxury getaway in the picturesque privacy of the Allegheny Mountains, this resort has been a retreat for presidents, celebrities, and famous athletes for decades. Enjoy a stay at this National Historic Landmark, which includes access to several golf courses, a modern spa, an equestrian center, and even a casino. One of the highlights of your visit will be the 90-minute tour of the Greenbrier Bunker. It’s a fascinating look at what was once a secret government bunker that served as a potential relocation site for members of Congress in the event of a national emergency. Before leaving town, stroll down White Sulphur Springs’ Main Street to take advantage of the wonderful shops and restaurants in a relaxing, quaint atmosphere.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina: Art and gardens in a modern college town
Venture south on Interstate 77 or take the scenic route via U.S. Highway 219 back into North Carolina. College towns are known for their beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and lush landscaping, and Winston-Salem, home of Wake Forest University, is no exception. Spend a quiet afternoon at the university’s Reynolda Gardens, located on campus. With 130 acres of garden space, a conservatory, greenhouses, and a museum, this is a beautiful spot for garden lovers and nature photographers. To learn more about local history, head to the Old Salem Museum & Gardens, a living historical site detailing the early influences of Southern life and Moravian brotherhood in the area. You can’t leave without trying a box of Moravian cookies—thin, delicate treats with a delicious flavor. To end the day, discover the city’s creative spirit in the Downtown Arts District, located between Trade and Liberty Streets. Walk the Art Trail or stroll through a gallery and take a studio tour. Winston-Salem also has the distinction of being the birthplace of the popular Krispy Kreme doughnut—the original Krispy Kreme store is in historic Old Salem. Head here for a tour, a visit, and to sample some of their legendary warm glazed doughnuts.
Asheville, North Carolina: Welcoming Mountain Town Spirit
A two-hour drive west will take you into the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain Country. Free-spirited and full of outdoor activities, Asheville is a mountain town that welcomes you with open arms. Tour the stunning Biltmore Estate, a chateau-style mansion owned by the Vanderbilt family, and spend some time on the designated hiking sections of the mountains on the famous Appalachian Trail, before diving into the city’s food scene. Your first stop should be Cúrate, Chef Katie Button’s award-winning tapas restaurant. A sip of Spanish red wine and a bite of garlic sherry shrimp let you know you’re in for something big and special. Continue the fun at Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar. Is there anything not to love about this clever bar located right in the middle of a beer town? Buy something interesting to read and drink some sparkling wine while you’re there.
Brevard, North Carolina: Gorgeous waterfalls on a mountain getaway
Drive about an hour south of Asheville, and you’ll find yourself in Brevard, a quaint mountain town and your gateway to many outdoor adventures. Nearby Pisgah National Forest deserves your first attention; hit the trails of this lovely national forest by bike or on foot. Be sure to check out Gorges State Park, where you’ll embark on a journey along pristine trails that lead to gorgeous waterfalls and river gorges. Feeling lively? Visit Sliding Rock and hike a nature trail with a waterfall-turned-slide that leads to a cool, refreshing mountain pool. Sign up with an outfitter for a fly-fishing lesson or a fun excursion down the French Broad River by canoe, kayak or inner tube. Downtown Brevard offers a great break from the outdoors with its shops and restaurants. Visit Hobnob Restaurant, a quaint, renovated Craftsman home where you can settle in for a casual gourmet lunch. If Brevard fails to charm your heart, the city’s mascot will. Pisgah Pete, an adorable white squirrel (one of many white squirrels in the city), serves as the city’s unofficial ambassador. Locals rely on him to predict the arrival of spring and even the winner of the Super Bowl. When it’s time to say goodbye (and it will be hard), drive a little over two hours to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina, to catch your flight home.
