4 Day Trips from Hillsville

contributed by Susanne Reade

Hillsville is a wonderful place to visit or call home. Whether its enjoying some of the great annual events the town hosts or heading out into its great outdoors, theres something in Hillsville for everybody.

One of the major benefits of living or staying in Hillsville is its close proximity to a whole host of fascinating attractions that can be visited in a day or two. With that in mind weve put together a few suggestions to help you plan for the next time you want to have an explorative adventure.

Things to Consider

Most of these destinations will require plenty of driving, so make sure youre well rested by getting plenty of sleep and ensure that your car is in good condition before you set off. The journey, while mostly straightforward, may involve driving through natural areas where the roads are more troublesome than highways, so make sure your insurance sufficiently protects you against accidents and breakdowns. If travelling with kids its a good idea to pack some entertainment and food for the journey to keep them happy. Other than that, have fun!

1.      Nashville, TN

Though the 5.5 hour drive from Hillsville to Nashville might seem like a long way to drive for a couple of nights, you wont regret it. Though known as The Country Capital of the World, Nashville is much than its country music roots; in fact, its modern musicians such as Kings of Leon, Ben Folds and Paramore that best reflect the citys current reputation as a lively and energetic center for cultural activity. Take in a classical music show at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center or visit the Johnny Cash museum and youll see that the city has a varied music scene flowing through its veins. Other highlights include The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall state Park, a modern park that doubles up as a history of the state of Tennessee.

2.      Myrtle Beach, SC

If you know anything about Myrtle Beach then you know that its different from Hillsville in practically every sense. However, theres no denying that the coastal city can be very fun to visit, especially with friends and family. The 14 million annual tourists have made it one the premier tourist destinations in the country, with a large number of cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment ensuring that its always a fun and lively atmosphere. And theres plenty to keep you busy too; golfers will love the world-class courses, while shopaholics will find all they need in the two shopping malls and host of upmarket stores. Of course, the main attraction is the beach  try some watersports or simply spend the day soaking up the sun. To avoid the crowds, try visiting in late April or after Labor Day  the weather will still be great, but itll be slightly quieter meaning more personal space at the beach and lower accommodation prices.

3.      Nantahala National Forest

Hillsville is blessed to have so many great natural resources nearby, like Jefferson National Forest. However, for a change of pace consider making the 3.5 hour journey south to Nantahala National Forest, which houses of 500,000 acres of lush green forest and is an excellent place to spend a day exploring. Highlights of a trip include the parks waterfalls and the Cherohala Skyway, a 36 mile byway that features break-taking views from over 5,000 feet of elevation. You can also enjoy miles and miles of hiking and cycling trails, try your hand at fishing, or even get on the saddle and enjoy a horse ride through the sensational scenery. 

4.      Raleigh, NC

The buzz in Raleigh is infectious. This is a city that is thriving on all fronts; the museums are great, the bars are full, the restaurants outstanding, and sport teams full of life. Its classic southern city that is also, for the time being at least, affordable. There are over 40 free attractions, including some of the best museums around. The North Carolina Museum of History is a particular highlight, as is the Contemporary Art Museum, which showcases the talents of emerging artists. In the evening head to a great restaurant before sampling some of the international-acclaimed Broadway and music shows that dot the city.