This five-day trip through the southeastern United States includes nearly everything an average traveler needs: amazing museums, equestrian land, craft beverages, natural wonders, and unbelievable historical sites. Throw your bags in your rental car, prepare snacks, and get ready for a trip to some of Kentucky and Virginia vacation spots. The best places to go in Kentucky are the world’s longest cave system and sample craft spirits right from the spring.
In Virginia, you’ll sample gourmet food and encounter an unforgettable sunrise in the mountains. Fly into Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky and begin your journey through stunning natural scenery and vibrant cities. Here is the list of all must-see locations you should add to your bucket list:
1. Mammoth’s Cave National Park:
Your first stop will be Louisville. Stay overnight at the Louisville Marriott Downtown and then drive to the East Market District to Copper and Kings American Brandy Company. Watch the barrel aging process and try limited-edition samples. Of course, you should take your iPhone with you if you want to take pictures, videos, or just work. No worries that you won’t have access to your office. You can always use a Fax app to be in touch with your employees or coworkers. It allows you to fax to phone app instantly. You may even take photos of your road map and share them with anyone you wish. Don’t forget to take your iPad if you need to send documents for business during your trip. Thanks to that iPhone app, you will be able to stay in touch at any moment you wish and will still run your business. It will be easy to fax your road map to anyone you want.
Now, you can drive south of town in just an hour and a half, you’ll have adventures in the world’s longest cave complex, Mammoth Cave National Park. It’s recommended to take a two-hour historic tour to wander through ancient tunnels, descend to dizzying depths, and admire massive chambers while learning about the cave from an experienced guide. Return to the surface in the Kentucky sunshine and hop back in the car for a two-hour drive to your next destination: the flirty and sophisticated 21c Museum Hotel Lexington. It’s one of the places in Kentucky.
2. Lexington’s Equestrian Culture:
Start it off with a quick elevator ride down to the Lockbox Restaurant at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington, where chef-prepared frittatas and breakfast sandwiches await you. From your hotel, drive 15 minutes west on Versailles Road and pick up tickets for the Morning Works Tour to explore the historic grounds, including a walk through the paddock and grandstand.
Eact at Third Street Stuff & Coffee café, stroll through the stores and galleries of The Square, see the giant mural of Abraham Lincoln downtown and visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House. It is now a museum that was the childhood home of Abraham Lincoln’s wife, where you can learn about her family and see artifacts from the Lincolns’ life (closed in winter; online reservations are recommended).
3. Shenandoah National Park:
Virginia’s stunning Shenandoah National Park should be your next stop. Explore the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, do hiking, and just enjoy the scenery. With a good cup of coffee in your cup holder, head out for your morning hike on Skyline Drive.
Stop at one of the stunning viewpoints to fully enjoy the moment. Tunnel Parking, Buck Hollow, Mt. Hazel, and Mt. Thorofar are all great options. The waterfall cascades over 20 feet and can be reached after a short hike along fire roads, rocky slopes, and scenic bridges. Enjoy your picnic lunch on the Rose River Loop Trail high above the falls.
4. Gardens and Estates in Virginia:
It’s time to get to your last stops in Virginia. Take Interstate 95 north to visit the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Lakeside. You will attend plenty of themed gardens and a glass-domed greenhouse before heading north in two hours to George Washington’s Mount Vernon which is the best road for the trip.
This historic riverside estate, home to the nation’s first president and his wife, Martha, is one of the most visited historic homes in the United States. An added bonus of your Southeastern trip will be a shortstop in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Drive 30 minutes to the JW Marriott Washington, D.C., check-in, and head to the rooftop VUE Bar at the Washington Hotel less than a block away for a cocktail and a great view of the White House and the Washington Monument.
Conclusion:
This road distance will be one of the most beautiful and exciting in your life. Do not forget to get your iPad or camera to take amazing photos during that trip! Even if you need to keep working, you will be able to do that on your short and exciting vacation.