Life has been so different and finding ways to pass the time have also changed. Fortunately, when cars are involved there is always something to do. Whether you are turning wrenches in the garage, detailing the car in the driveway, or simply catching up on the maintenance chores like cleaning the garage, there is always something to do. However, there is nothing like taking a scenic drive to enjoy the fruits of you labor. Recently, I got to spend some down time with my family in Lake Wylie South Carolina. We decided in this time of COVID, the best thing we could do is quarantine and just enjoy each other’s company. What do you do when all the places you would have liked to go are either closed or do not easily allow you to social distance for safety? Answer: Go for a Scenic Drive.
Lake Wylie, SC is just minutes from the North Carolina border and about a half hour drive from Charlotte. Being this close to Charlotte there is so much sightseeing to do and so many places to spend the day from amusement parks to museums. You will not be at a loss for something to do. Below are just a few of the places to visit:
- Carowindsis a 407-acre, Amusement part located adjacent to Interstate 77 in Charlotte, North Caroline. Although it has an official North Carolina address, the park is located along the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, with a portion of the park also located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The park opened on March 31, 1973, at a cost of $70 million. This was the result of a four-year planning period spearheaded by Charlotte businessman Earl Patterson Hall, who was inspired to build the park by a 1956 trip to Disneyland and a dream of bringing the two states closer together. Carowinds also features a 27-acre water park, Carolina Harbor, which is included with park admission. The park has a Halloween event called SCarowinds and a winter event called WinterFest.
- Nascar Hall of Fame is more than just a museum – it’s a shrine to the history, heritage and future of the sport we love.
It’s a place where fans can uncover new stories and get in on the action at every turn with more than 50 interactive experiences. Get behind the wheel of an iRacing simulator on your favorite track or see if you have what it takes to make the team in the Pit Crew Challenge. Take part in events that set the stage for the future of the industry and hear intimate, never-before-told stories of the past.
If you love cars and car racing, I highly recommend a vist to the Nascar Hall of Fame. I had the opportunity to visit the museum with my children and years later they still talk of the great time they had and all of the different events and interactive displays they were able to take part in.
- Charlotte Motor Speedway if you love car racing or even if you do not, I highly recommend a visit to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. They have events throughout the year and if you plan your visit right, you may be even to take in one of the big racing events. There is nothing like the rush and feeling when the cars come roaring by at incredible speeds while you watch from the stands. Every Nascar race is as much about the before and after celebrations as it is about the race itself, regardless of the track; but Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the best.
While I have had the pleasure of visiting each of these places, my recent visit to Lake Wylie was about social distancing and keeping safe during COVID. Before heading down to South Carolina, I looked up scenic drives in the area and was surprised to learn of all the well-known scenic drives that are available to take advantage of throughout South Carolina, but I will share some of these scenic drives in a subsequent blog. For now, I will concentrate on my trip around Lake Wylie. So, I gassed up the car and headed out on the road for a scenic drive. After only a few moments in the car, I realized each road I turned down was a scenic drive.
The rolling hills and twisting turns were incredible. My only regret was being in the family car as opposed to an old classic hot rod or the well-worn seat of a classic Harley Davidson. The scenery was picturesque and there were a lot of great places to stop and take in the sights.
We have always heard how big racing is down south, so I was not surprised when I came across a local track during my drive. While it may have seemed kind of quiet on this early afternoon drive, this track really packs them in and according to the signs, the races continue into the month of November. It is tracks like these across the country where the dream begins for so many young racers. Having visited many such tracks, I can say with confidence it is a great place to share some quality family time for young and old alike.
For the most part the scenic drive was filled with tree lined twisting roads that opened to green pastures. It was certainly a relaxing drive where you could clear your head and appreciate some downtime away from the computer screens out in the fresh air.
Although, I still highly recommend a scenic trip and visit to the Lake Wylie area. In an upcoming blog I will highlight some of the other great cruises throughout South Carolina.
Jamie Pappas
