We became Members at Ocean Enclave, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Myrtle Beach in 2018. With each visit, our family has road-tripped from New England to South Carolina. Instead of attempting the 13-plus-hour drive in one day, we decided to add more fun to the vacation by planning overnight stops at places of interest.
We love it. This year, in June, we have planned stops in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and Greenville, North Carolina. In the past, we’ve stopped at historic sites of interest, lovely downtowns and, of course, outlet malls.
Choosing The Scenic Route
Here are some of our favorite places. You’ll note we don’t drive down I-95. Your GPS of choice will tell you it’s quicker. This is not true in most cases. I-95 is rife with traffic, accidents and delays caused by road work. Instead, the scenic route, generally down through Pennsylvania and across western Virginia, is peaceful and free of delays.
Favorite Stops From North To South
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
There’s so much to see in and around the town. The must-see stop is the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. It contains the famous diorama of the three-day battle that changed the course of the Civil War. The center also has maps for a driving tour of the vast battlefield.
Downtown Gettysburg is lovely as well, with a nice walkable area with shops and restaurants that make it a great pit stop with a little bit of history.
Frederick, Maryland
This small town is full of history. The visitor center comes complete with local information, restrooms and maps of walking tours. The downtown area is incredibly walkable, with shops, restaurants and historic sites.
Appomattox Court House National Historic Park
The Civil War ended in Virginia at this site atop a small, sloping hill.
Charlottesville, Virginia Downtown Mall
I loved walking this pedestrian mall full of shops, restaurants and local color. We stayed at the Home2 Suites by Hilton nearby and spent the early evening walking the mall, having dinner and enjoying the sights.
Conway, South Carolina
Conway is only about 40 minutes from Myrtle Beach, but it’s a lifesaver on the days that traffic backs up on 501, the main route to the beach. Instead of sitting in the car, cursing the delay, take the exit to Conway.
You’ll find a town with a lovely riverwalk, easy parking, and a downtown that’s being revitalized. Stop first at the Conway Visitor Center and get recommendations for lunch and dinner. (Aside: Yes, I love visitor centers! They vary in size, but they usually are manned by friendly locals, have restrooms, and offer brochures about what to see and do in the town.)
Key Takeaways
The Journey Becomes the Experience: Planning scenic and historic stops transforms a long drive into a meaningful part of the vacation.
Scenic Routes Can Improve Travel Days: Avoiding heavily trafficked interstates often reduces stress and delays.
Small Towns Offer Memorable Pauses: Walkable downtowns and visitor centers create natural breaks and lasting memories.
FAQs
Q: How does Hilton Grand Vacations support travelers using expiring Points?
A: Flexible booking options make short driving trips and last-minute stays practical, especially at RCI-affiliated resorts.
Q: What makes grocery shopping part of the travel experience?
A: Visiting local markets offers an opportunity to prepare meals in your Suite using local, seasonal grocery items.
Q: How does walking change the way destinations are experienced?
A: Exploring on foot reveals neighborhoods, cafes and landmarks often missed when traveling by car.
