A Charlotte to New York road trip is a chance to see various steps of American history and culture as you cross each state line, from Durham to Charlottesville to Gettysberg.
There’s plenty of big-city hustle and bustle waiting for you in New York, so use your road trip as a time to check out the smaller towns and historic sites along the way. The route might be longer, but it’s definitely more scenic!
Most importantly, make sure you’re prepared for the trip and any mishaps that may be lying in wait on the open road with roadside assistance and great
A car insurance comparison app and licensed broker, Jerry will help you compare rates from up to 50 insurance providers to find the best price on the coverage you need. Jerry also offers an exceptional roadside assistance program from just $6.99 for one car.
Once you’re all set, hit the road and enjoy the sights!
The Queen City is royalty in the Southeast, not only for its art and culture, but as the birthplace of NASCAR and the cornerstone of American motorsports.
($$): If you’re craving the fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisines, head to Lang Van for popular favorites like pho and spring rolls, along with other classic Vietnamese dishes.
: This shrine to the history and heritage of America’s most popular motorsport celebrates and honors the drivers, crew, and contributors who shaped it.
: Fans of NASCAR not just content with touring the Hall of Fame will want to make their way to Hendrix, which supports four champion NASCAR premier teams.
Durham earned its place in history for its role in the Civil Rights movement, as the location for a number of prominent protests and the home of Black Wall Street.
($$): Beyond its title dish, Dame’s Chicken and Waffles offers up a slew of comfort foods like wings, grits, and collard greens.
What to do in Durham
Duke University: Duke is prestigious for its reputation as one of the best schools in the country, but it also features a few points of interest. Besides its incredible architecture, it offers an art gallery and wooded gardens.
: Bennett Place is particularly important in American history as the location where the last major Confederate army surrendered to the North before the surrender at Appomattox, which ended the Civil War.
: This is the hippest place to stay if you’re in Durham for the night. It’s a stylish boutique hotel with an industrial-style restaurant, a spa, and as the name suggests, an art gallery! Cost per night: from $159
Queen Charlotte had more than one American city named after her. One of them is Charlottesville, a small, independent city famed for its breweries, nightlife, and history of birthing American presidents.
: You may recognize this neoclassical home from the back of nickels, but it’s better known as Thomas Jefferson’s plantation home. It’s now a museum and educational institute with particular focus on the lives of the slaves that lived and died there.
Wine and beer tasting: Charlottesville features a number of reputable wineries and even more excellent breweries. Whether you prefer the grape, the hops, or both, a tasting tour of these facilities shouldn’t be missed.
: To see Charlottesville from a different point of view, hop in a hot air balloon and spend some time cruising. If you’re visiting in the fall, this view of the foliage will be hard to beat!
: Marvel at the lush groves while picking peaches, apples, and more (seasonally, of course!). On Wednesday evenings during the summer, you can also enjoy acoustic music with a side of gorgeous sunset.
: A favorite among families visiting the University of Virginia, the Graduate is a cool retro-inspired boutique hotel with a hip cafe, rooftop dining, and, of course, a bar. Cost per night: from $159
One of the most iconic locations of the Civil War, Gettysburg is a treasure trove of American history. It’s best known as the place where Abraham Lincoln delivered his legendary Gettysburg Address and the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War.
You can get to Gettysburg via US-29 N and US-15 N.
($$): For those who like their burgers and fries with a side of kitsch, Hunt’s Battlefield Fries & Cafe has more hats than any other restaurant you’ll find—but the food alone is still worth the visit.
: Dedicated to preserving the region where the Battle of Gettysburg was fought, this park also houses the Gettysburg National Cemetery, Devil’s Den, and the David Wills House, where Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address.
: Gettysburg was also where former president Dwight D. Eisenhower retired with his wife Mamie. The converted farm and land is now available for public tours.
Gettysburg ghost tours: Given Gettysburg’s bloody history, paranormal activity is often reported in the area. If you ain’t afraid of no ghosts, check out one of Gettysburg’s nighttime ghost tours!
: Need a place to stay after all that Civil War touring? The Gettysburg Hotel is a modest distance from key spots you’ll be sure to have visited. Cost per night: from $106
If the name of this community reminds you of the candy, there’s a reason! While an unincorporated town, Hershey is the home of its namesake candy magnate and the Hershey chocolate plant, making it a must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
($$): If you thought this list would only feature chocolate, you might be disappointed. But console yourself with some excellent Italian and Mediterranean food elegant little eatery Piazza Sorrento.
($$): Contrary to the name, chocolate isn’t a feature on the menu of the Chocolate Avenue Grill, which specializes instead in contemporary American cuisine.
($$): If you need to satiate your sweet tooth, finish off either breakfast or lunch with one of the Hershey Pantry’s massive cinnamon rolls or brownies (you have to get some chocolate in while you’re here!).
: If you don’t know much about Milton Hershey’s extraordinary life before and after he became the candy man, the Hershey Story Museum is the place to learn about it.
: If you’re looking for more of a thrill, Hershey has that too (what a guy!). Hersheypark is a classic family amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and more.
: For the old souls out there who like their furnishings with some history attached, Crossroads is a massive antiques mall filled to the brim with treasures.
There’s no city on earth quite like New York, the city that never sleeps. There’s more to do and see and eat in NYC than can be done in a day, a week, or even a lifetime. From its museums to its art galleries, architecture, nightlife, shopping, and food scene, there’s something for everyone to love.
($$): This is a great stop for eclectic ramen with unusual toppings like tuna tartare and chili beef, along with poke and a broad range of sake.
What to do in New York City
It may be impossible to see all of NYC in a day, but a guided city tour can help you see the best that the city has to offer and is great if you don’t have time to spend exploring. If you prefer the DIY route, here are some must-see things:
: Home now to the tallest skyscraper in the US and a monument to the victims of 9/11, it’s worth a visit if you find yourself in the financial district.
New York Catacombs: It’s a little-known fact that beneath the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral lay Manhattan’s only catacombs—and you can explore them by candlelight!
: No trip to NYC is complete without a stop in the world-famous Central Park, which alone has enough attractions to merit a full day’s visit, including a zoo, a nature sanctuary, and Belvedere Castle.
: If you’re in need of a place to stay, consider the Pod 51 Hotel. It has all the workings of a typical modern New York hotel: bright spaces, great views from the rooftop deck, a cafe and bar — all at a more reasonable price. Cost per night: from $87
Take I-95 and I-85 South, but check traffic conditions before you go. This route either skirts or cuts through a number of major cities, which means rush hour traffic could actually make this the slow way back.
The scenic way back
Via I-81 South, this route takes you further west than the fast route. Instead of traffic, you can look forward to scenic mountain roads past national forests.
Why you need roadside assistance
Once the route is picked and the GPS is ready to go, it’s time to make sure you’ve got a backup plan for if the worst happens. This trip covers well over 600 miles through mountainous terrain and small towns, where it may not always be possible to get repairs. Roadside assistance is definitely a tool worth having in your toolbox!
But what if your car insurance provider doesn’t offer roadside assistance? That’s where
can also help you find insurance policies that include collision and comprehensive coverage to protect you from any mishaps (and without eating into your food and souvenir budget). Let Jerry handle the shopping—all you have to do is choose a policy that’s right for you and Jerry takes care of the rest.
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