New York City

Today we will depart from New York and drive to Richmond, Virginia. We will visit Maymont. It is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy. Whether strolling in the gardens, touring the mansion, watching a river otter at play, or petting a goat, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Itinerary: New York → Richmond, Virginia → Maymont (optional, 90 mins) → North Carolina → Hotel

Maymont

Maymont (optional, 90 mins) Maymont is a well-preserved, 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually.

Today we will first visit Animal Park at the Conservators Center. You can meet the animals on guided tours that allow views from as close as 5 feet away while they learn about the individual animals’ personalities and the species they represent. Then we will take a car through theBlue Ridge Parkway. Finally, we will go to Grandfather Mountain! The nature park is home to amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty. Itinerary: Henderson, North Carolina → Animal Park at the Conservators Center (optional, 60 mins) → Blue Ridge Parkway (pass by) → Grandfather Mountain State Park (optional, 150 mins) → Morganton

Animal Park At The Conservators Center

Animal Park at the Conservators Center(optional, 60 mins) The Animal Park at the Conservators Center is a nonprofit zoological park with a mission of educating people, caring for animals, and advocating for species. Located in Burlington, NC, the Animal Park is home to over 70 exotic animals including big cats (lions, tigers, and leopards), gray wolves, lemurs, servals, binturongs, New Guinea singing dogs, jungle cats, and other species rarely seen at zoos. Visitors meet the animals on guided tours that allow views from as close as 5 feet away while they learn about the individual animals’ personalities and the species they represent. The Animal Park offers Wild Field Trips, Virtual and In-Person Learning Experiences, Special Tour Offerings, Parties, Private Tours, Events, and so much more!

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway Spanning the southern and central Appalachians, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers an exceptional glimpse of the regional flora and fauna. It is world-renowned for its biodiversity. The Parkway covers a wide range of habitats along the Appalachian Mountains, and some of these habitats are exceptionally rare. Visitors encounter unsurpassed diversity of climate, vegetation, wildlife and geological features.

Grandfather Mountain State Park

Grandfather Mountain State Park(optional, 150 mins) Grandfather Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountain range (elevation 5,946 ft.), is 70 miles from Asheville, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. While it is not as tall as Mt. Mitchell, it offers more rugged terrain and dramatic vistas from its rocky summit. Grandfather Mountain is a globally-recognized nature preserve and home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge.

Morganton

Rise and shine! Today we will head to the highest mountain in eastern North America, Mount Mitchell. Standing on the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of surrounding area. We will then go to the Spectrum Center, the home of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. Follow us to visit the luxurious venues and feel the fanatical NBA atmosphere! Finally, we will head to the South Carolina State Museum. During the visit, you will learn about the historical development and art culture of South Carolina. Itinerary: Morganton → Mount Mitchell State Park (Mandatory, 45 mins) → Spectrum Center (Outside visit, 30 mins) → South Carolina State Museum (Inside visit, 60 mins) → North Charleston

Mount Mitchell State Park

Mountain Mitchell State Park At 6,684 feet, the mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and an observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day. Easy trails at the summit explore the Fraser fir forest, while a vast network of challenging trails — including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail — extend into adjacent wilderness areas and lead to backpacking opportunities within Pisgah National Forest. Due to the impact of the current hurricane, roads are blocked and Mount Mitchell State Park, scheduled for Day 3, is temporarily closed. During the closure period, this attraction will be replaced with Cypress Gardens (optional, 75 minutes).

Spectrum Center

Spectrum Center (Outside visit, 30 mins) Boasting more than 20,000 seats, the Spectrum Center opened its doors in 2005 and is home to the NBA's Charlotte Hornets. The arena hosts more than 150 events a year, ranging from a variety of live entertainment such as professional and amateur sporting competitions to national and international draws such as The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift and U2.

South Carolina State Museum

South Carolina State Museum (Inside visit, 60 mins) The South Carolina State Capitol is a Greek Revival-style building that is the meeting place of the South Carolina State Legislature and the office of the South Carolina government. It was also the seat of the Carolina Supreme Court until 1971.

North Charleston

Today we will visit one of the most amazing natural masterpieces in South Carolina - the Angel Oak. This ancient oak has been here for centuries. Its branches extend in all directions and its canopy blocks out the sun. The most special part of it is that this old oak has experienced many disasters but it remains. We will then drive to Boone Hall Plantation & Garden. Step onto the oak moss avenue and visit the original slave cabins, and you will learn about the history of Gullah cultural development! Next, we will have a quick visit to Charleston’s Rainbow Row. There are 13 colorful townhouses scattered on the romantic street, so you may get some cool photos here. We will drive north along Interstate 95 and arrive at the South of the Border finallt and stop for it. Itinerary: North Charleston → Angel Oak (30 mins) → Boone Hall Plantation & Garden (optional, 90 mins) → Rainbow Row (120 mins) → South of the Border (30 mins) → Emporia

Angel Oak The Angel Oak Park is located on Johns Island where you can find what is known as "A Lowcountry Treasure". The Southern Live Oak tree is a historical site and focal point of one of the City of Charleston's public parks. It is considered to be the largest Live Oak Tree east of the Mississippi estimating to be 300 to 400 years old.

Boone Hall Plantation & Garden(optional, 90 mins) One of America's most photographed historical venues with true southern charm. Features world famous Avenue of Oaks, tractor tours across the entire property. Only live Gullah presentations in the area, Black History In America Exhibit, gardens that are a showcase of color, and a colonial revival style 1936 mansion. Special presentations now being offered daily include history talks, beehive demonstrations, horticulture, and more. Used in the filming of North and South, The Notebook, American Idol, and other Hollywood productions.

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row (Old Town) Charleston, South Carolina is known for its rich history, picturesque architecture, and colorful streets. One street, in particular, stands out for its rainbow of pastel hues – Rainbow Row. Located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, Rainbow Row has been a beloved landmark for nearly three centuries.

South of the Border

South of the Border South of the Border has been a landmark of the southeast for nearly 70 years. A combination truck stop, motel, roadside attraction, carnival and snack stand, it is also a wonderland of Mexican stereotypes, hosted by the official mascot, Pedro.

Today we will visit the famous USS Wisconsin. This retired battleship has participated in many battles and made great achievements. Our last stop will be the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, known as "one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern world". And you will be amazed by the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. After the tour, we will return to New York. Itinerary: Emporia → USS Wisconsin (optional, 75 mins) → Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (30 mins) → New York

Wisconsin Deer Park

USS Wisconsin Wisconsin played an important role in the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf and the war of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After Japan surrendered, Wisconsin assists the US occupy Japan, and then participate Operation Magic Carpet, pick up the US military repatriation.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Both a tourist attraction and a travel convenience, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel connects the Virginia mainland at Virginia Beach near Norfolk with Virginia's Eastern Shore. This 17.6 mile toll facility is an award-winning engineering marvel and is considered one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. A scenic overlook provides an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural beauty, sights and sounds of the Chesapeake Bay as well as provides a great vantage point for camera buffs.