Road trip from Huntsville to Cary
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All Category
Nature & Parks
Sights & Landmarks
Shopping
Museums
Food & Drink
Zoos & Aquariums
Fun & Games
Outdoor Activities
Nightlife
Spas & Wellness
Concerts & Shows
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ITINERARY
10h 59m574 miles24 stops
1
Huntsville Botanical Garden
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.
2
The Cigar Box Guitar Store
The only one in the world! The Cigar Box Guitar Store located in Studio 106 at Lowe Mill A&E features art you can touch. There are dozens of handmade three-and-four string cigar box guitars and other cigar box instruments that visitors can play. Learn more about how these unique instruments are created by the artist himself most Friday and Saturday afternoons. Want to learn how to play cigar box guitar? Come for free lessons on Saturdays anytime between Noon-2:00 and borrow a guitar.
3
The Deep Comics & Games
One of the largest comic / games / toys stores in the South East! Board Games and TCG Games daily!
4
Church Street Wine Shoppe
A premier retail and wine shoppe, serving specialty beers and tapas as well. We offer a large variety of wines, delicious food selections, and even gift baskets & gift cards!
5
Earlyworks Museum Complex
Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history.
6
River Gallery
Craft and art collections.
7
Chattanooga Zoo
Imagine a zoo that's specially designed to bring the animals up close to you. Imagine a zoo where you have time to notice the subtleties of animal behavior, instead of being pushed along by an impatient crowd. Imagine an exciting and diverse zoo that's still easy to navigate with strollers...or little legs. That's the new Chattanooga Zoo!
8
The Spice & Tea Exchange of Chattanooga
Come In and Smell the Spices! The Spice & Tea Exchange® offers food lovers, chefs, and tea enthusiasts a unique shopping experience filled with culinary delights. Explore your inner chef and shop over 140 fine spices, 75+ hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift, or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers!
9
Peter Kern Library
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.
10
Krutch Park
11
Knoxville Botanical Garden
12
Muse Knoxville
Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!
13
Craggy Mountain Line
14
Iron Heart Winery
15
JDL Fast Track
16
European Touch
17
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Nestled within 180 acres adjacent to Wake Forest University, Reynolda is the perfect place to escape and discover art, nature, history, and so much more. View Reynolda’s world-renowned American art collection and curated exhibitions on display throughout the interiors of Katharine and R.J. Reynolds’s 1917 bungalow and in the Babcock Gallery. Plus, learn about the Reynolds family, Katharine’s vision, and the history of the estate. After touring the Museum, embrace the outdoors in the Gardens and grounds, which are always free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. Do flowers make you hungry? Make your way to Reynolda Village to shop and dine.
18
Lam Museum of Anthropology, Wake Forest University
Discover North Carolina's only museum dedicated to the study of global cultures. Explore stories of humanity, from ancient archaeological sites to the celebrations and struggles of today. Learn about peoples around the world through their everyday and ceremonial objects, and visual arts. Changing exhibits highlight the Museum's collections of nearly 30,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from more than 350 cultures and 90 countries. Admission is free.
19
Grand 18-Winston-Salem
20
Recreation Billiards
21
Salem Lake
22
Center City Park
23
Game On Escapes & More
We offer family friendly escape games and a game show appealing to a variety of ages. Great for corporate events, team outings, and just a fun night out with friends and family.
24
The Raleigh Market
Located on the historic N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Raleigh Market is recognized as one of the Top 10 flea markets in the U.S. Each weekend, indoor and outdoor vendors showcase vintage goods and antiques, collectibles, new items, thrift items, crafts, art, jewelry and so much more. Food trucks, farm stands and fair food ensure customers do not leave hungry! The Raleigh Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.5
(912) review
The 118-acre Huntsville Botanical Garden is open year-round and contains a diverse ecosystem of meadows, upland and bottomland forest, and wetlands, as well as a variety of specialty gardens and native plant collections. The Mathews Nature Trail contains the largest accredited trillium collection in the U.S. and the Anderson Education Center is home to the nation’s largest open-air butterfly house. The Native Plants Teaching Garden is a public space that highlights the way local plants, soil, pollinators, and birds create distinct communities and how they interact to form a diverse, sustainable, and attractive landscape. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Garden is a member of the American Public Gardens Association, the North American Plant Collections Consortium, and the American Horticultural Society, as well as an ArbNet-accredited arboretum.
2
Start:The Cigar Box Guitar Store
Huntsville, Alabama·
5.0
(9) review
The only one in the world! The Cigar Box Guitar Store located in Studio 106 at Lowe Mill A&E features art you can touch. There are dozens of handmade three-and-four string cigar box guitars and other cigar box instruments that visitors can play. Learn more about how these unique instruments are created by the artist himself most Friday and Saturday afternoons. Want to learn how to play cigar box guitar? Come for free lessons on Saturdays anytime between Noon-2:00 and borrow a guitar.
3
Start:The Deep Comics & Games
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.5
(9) review
One of the largest comic / games / toys stores in the South East! Board Games and TCG Games daily!
4
Start:Church Street Wine Shoppe
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.5
(9) review
A premier retail and wine shoppe, serving specialty beers and tapas as well. We offer a large variety of wines, delicious food selections, and even gift baskets & gift cards!
5
Start:Earlyworks Museum Complex
Huntsville, Alabama·
4.0
(92) review
Interactive children's museum focused on teaching about Alabama history.
6
Start:River Gallery
Chattanooga, Tennessee·
4.5
(98) review
Craft and art collections.
7
Start:Chattanooga Zoo
Chattanooga, Tennessee·
4.0
(907) review
Imagine a zoo that's specially designed to bring the animals up close to you. Imagine a zoo where you have time to notice the subtleties of animal behavior, instead of being pushed along by an impatient crowd. Imagine an exciting and diverse zoo that's still easy to navigate with strollers...or little legs. That's the new Chattanooga Zoo!
8
Start:The Spice & Tea Exchange of Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee·
5.0
(92) review
Come In and Smell the Spices! The Spice & Tea Exchange® offers food lovers, chefs, and tea enthusiasts a unique shopping experience filled with culinary delights. Explore your inner chef and shop over 140 fine spices, 75+ hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift, or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers!
9
Start:Peter Kern Library
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.0
(99) review
Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.
10
Start:Krutch Park
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.5
(90) review
504 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902-2107
11
Start:Knoxville Botanical Garden
Knoxville, Tennessee·
3.5
(97) review
2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914-5958
12
Start:Muse Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee·
4.0
(91) review
Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!
13
Start:Craggy Mountain Line
Asheville, North Carolina·
4.5
(9) review
111 N Woodfin Ave, Asheville, NC 28804-8818
14
Start:Iron Heart Winery
Allisonia, Virginia·
4.0
(7) review
3742 Boone Furnace Rd, Allisonia, VA 24347-4001
15
Start:JDL Fast Track
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.0
(9) review
2505 Empire Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27103-6709
16
Start:European Touch
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
5.0
(5) review
116 Reynolda Vlg, Winston Salem, NC 27106-5123
17
Start:Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.5
(659) review
Nestled within 180 acres adjacent to Wake Forest University, Reynolda is the perfect place to escape and discover art, nature, history, and so much more. View Reynolda’s world-renowned American art collection and curated exhibitions on display throughout the interiors of Katharine and R.J. Reynolds’s 1917 bungalow and in the Babcock Gallery. Plus, learn about the Reynolds family, Katharine’s vision, and the history of the estate. After touring the Museum, embrace the outdoors in the Gardens and grounds, which are always free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. Do flowers make you hungry? Make your way to Reynolda Village to shop and dine.
18
Start:Lam Museum of Anthropology, Wake Forest University
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.0
(9) review
Discover North Carolina's only museum dedicated to the study of global cultures. Explore stories of humanity, from ancient archaeological sites to the celebrations and struggles of today. Learn about peoples around the world through their everyday and ceremonial objects, and visual arts. Changing exhibits highlight the Museum's collections of nearly 30,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from more than 350 cultures and 90 countries. Admission is free.
19
Start:Grand 18-Winston-Salem
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.0
(72) review
5601 University Pkwy, Winston Salem, NC 27105-1313
20
Start:Recreation Billiards
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.0
(9) review
412 W 4th St, Winston Salem, NC 27101-2805
21
Start:Salem Lake
Winston Salem, North Carolina·
4.5
(97) review
1001 Salem Lake Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27107-1571
22
Start:Center City Park
Greensboro, North Carolina·
4.5
(9) review
200 N Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401-2402
23
Start:Game On Escapes & More
Cary, North Carolina·
5.0
(98) review
We offer family friendly escape games and a game show appealing to a variety of ages. Great for corporate events, team outings, and just a fun night out with friends and family.
24
Start:The Raleigh Market
Raleigh, North Carolina·
4.0
(96) review
Located on the historic N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Raleigh Market is recognized as one of the Top 10 flea markets in the U.S. Each weekend, indoor and outdoor vendors showcase vintage goods and antiques, collectibles, new items, thrift items, crafts, art, jewelry and so much more. Food trucks, farm stands and fair food ensure customers do not leave hungry! The Raleigh Market is open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission and parking are free.
CHECKLIST
GPS device or app
Download Offline Map
Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Huntsville and Cary?
The distance is 574 miles
What's the travel time between Huntsville and Cary?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 10h 59m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Huntsville and Cary?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Cary?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Cary
What’s the weather like in Cary?
The weather in Cary is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Cary in January
Weather in Cary in February
Weather in Cary in March
Weather in Cary in April
Weather in Cary in May
Weather in Cary in June
Weather in Cary in July
Weather in Cary in August
Weather in Cary in September
Weather in Cary in October
Weather in Cary in November
Weather in Cary in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Cary?
Plan your dream Cary trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Cary
A 2-day itinerary in Cary
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A 6-day itinerary in Cary
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Huntsville?
We have a lot of great trip options for Huntsville! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you