Enterprise to Albany Road Trip Guide

Just 85.2 miles from Enterprise is the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery. Designed by Ms. Maya Lin, the same architect responsible for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, this monument is found directly across the road from the facility for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

A critical component of the memorial is a round table comprised of dark granite on which the names of the martyrs and their role in civil rights history have been recorded. Each name and event is inscribed in linear fashion to denote the hands of time on a clock face. From the middle of the table flows a jet of water that bathes the surface of the granite in a gentle ebb. Behind the table is a dark granite wall with a curve upon which is printed the paraphrase of Amos 5:24 made famous by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Visitors to the Civil Rights Memorial are encouraged to touch the granite plate containing the names of those who suffered and fought for liberty. The space surrounding the monument was intended to be a place for quiet reflection as well as a spot to commemorate those involved in the struggle for equality, the progress that has been made, and what yet remains to be done.

For those interested in learning more, Dr. King's church is located near to the memorial and is only a short walk around the corner to reach. It is here that Dr. King served as pastor during the time of the Montgomery Bus Boycott from 1955-1956.

Another important place worth visiting is the Alabama Capitol steps. It is at this place the march for voting rights culminated.

After a day of pondering civil rights history, a good night's sleep might be just what the doctor ordered. Plan an overnight RV stay at Gunter Hill Park or Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park.

RV campers will enjoy the 164-mile trek that leads to the next destination en route to Albany: Piedmont Park. Located in the booming metropolis of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is a vast green space located in the heart of the city's downtown core. One of the property's most distinctive features is its incredible views of the city's picturesque skyline, an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Piedmont Park is tremendously scenic and offers many outdoor activities for families to enjoy. For those looking to get in a little exercise, there are walking paths, tennis courts, and even a swimming pool where families can burn off a few extra calories. Other attractions found on the grounds of this beautiful public park included picnic areas, playgrounds, ponds, and a dog park.

Throughout the year, many different events are held on the park grounds. Some of the most popular festivals held here include the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Screen on the Green.

Located directly next door to Piedmont Park is the idyllic haven known as the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Here, families can relax amidst the blooming splendor enjoying a picnic lunch, or can even take in a great meal at one of the highly-rated area restaurants including the Park Tavern and Willy's Mexicana Grill.

Tuckered out from a day meandering the grounds at Piedmont Park? Catch up on your zzz's during an RV stay at Stone Mountain Park Campground or Sweetwater Creek State Park Camping Area.

After a good night's sleep, RV campers will be primed and ready to drive the 36.8 miles to reach Splash Valley. Located in Roanoke, Splash Valley is a water park that offers something for every member of the family to enjoy.

This popular aquatic center is home to several 34-foot tall slides, a current river, a sprayground, and much, much more. The property is serviced by the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism and provides a safe space for families to beat the heat during the hot and humid summer months in Virginia.

Splash Valley is easy to find as it is situated directly beside the Green Ridge Recreation Center. Lifeguard service is provided year-round for the safety of all patrons. Throughout the year, this popular water park offers evening party events on Friday nights. During these activities, the concession stand is open with discounts offered on each order of pizza.

For information about hours of operation, scheduled events, and any associated fees, consult the park's website.

Tuckered out from a day of fun in the sun at Splash Valley? An overnight RV stay in Roanoke might be the perfect ending to the perfect day. Consider spending the night doing some RV camping at Middle Creek Campground or Highland Park.

The journey to Blacksburg, Virginia is lengthy at 407 miles, but it is well worth every mile logged on the odometer to spend the day exploring the Smithfield Plantation.

During the time when the west was under expansion, Mr. William Preston, a patriot from the Southwestern Virginia Revolutionary War, moved to the area and claimed Smithfield as the residence for his family. Smithfield stood apart from the crowd as an elegant community in the heart of log cabins and a region marked by hard manual labor and poverty. Smithfield soon was established as an important center for both social and political gatherings.
The property was fully developed by 1774 when Smithfield became a popular settling place for immigrants in search of new hope and a better future for them and their families. Many others treated the area is a place for a quick stop and a convenient storage ground before departing further west.

A visit to Smithfield Plantation allows RV campers a glimpse into the lives and homes of settlers in the region during the 18th century. The property employs a guide that provides informational tours while dressed in a period costume to enhance the experience for visitors.
Smithfield Plantation has been included on the National Register of Historic Places and is also on the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Tired out from the day's drive and the good time had exploring Smithfield Plantation? Consider an overnight stay at Eggleston Springs Campground or Caldwell Fields Campground.

One hundred and nine miles away from Splash Valley is the famed Shenandoah Valley, a property of great renown worldwide. Shenandoah Valley consists of over 200 miles and spans the distance between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountain ranges. Shenandoah Valley is also commonly referred to as "The Big Valley" and has been prominently featured in music, movies, and even TV shows.

The Shenandoah Valley is rich in both history and culture. Found on the grounds are many different properties that pay homage to the pioneers on their journey towards the west. Among the most popular places to visit during a trip to the Shenandoah Valley are the Frontier Culture Museum and Cyrus McCormick's Farm.

An important area during the time of the Civil War, the Shenandoah Valley was known as "the Breadbasket of the Confederacy." To learn more about the area's role in the Civil War, it is worth the time to visit the Virginia Military Institute, the Lee Chapel and Museum, and the New Market Battlefield State Park.

The Shenandoah Valley is extremely scenic. Its landscape proudly displays stunningly beautiful farms and country inns that are worthy of capturing on film. The country roads offer an invigorating view of the unique topographical features in the region. Among the most popular drives in the valley are the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

While in the area enjoying the splendor of the valley, it is well worth the time and effort to see the Natural Bridge, a phenomenon considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world.

To truly explore all there is to see and do in Shenandoah Valley, it might be a good idea to consider overnighting at an area campground for a day or two. Among the best places for an RV stay are the Shenandoah Valley Campground and the Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Holiday.

Only 196 miles from the Shenandoah Valley is the Hershey Story Museum in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This popular attraction tells the tale of its most well-known resident: Milton S. Hershey.

Mr. Hershey is best known for the chocolate that bears his name. However, for many years, this chocolate magnate was a struggling businessman with a dream of making an impact on his community.

The museum takes RV campers through the events of Mr. Hershey's life. There are many different exhibits that detail everything from his childhood to his first experiments with chocolate and his later success.

One of the most memorable experiences families can enjoy during a trip to the Hershey Story Museum is the opportunity to sample many different types of chocolate at Tastings. From chocolates warmed to make delightful drinks to decadent truffles and more, a visit to this part of the museum is sure to be a thrill for the true chocolate lover.

For the scientists in the family, a visit to the chocolate lab won't disappoint. Here, families can learn more about the origins of chocolate and how this delectable treat is manufactured. Forty-five-minute classes are conducted each day with each participant leaving with their very own chocolate creation.

If spending the day in chocolate heaven has left you feeling tuckered out, plan an RV stay at Hershey Road Campground or Harrisburg East Campground.

Just over 76 miles on the road brings RV campers to the next destination en route to Albany: America On Wheels Museum. Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the America On Wheels Museum pays homage to the country's fascination with all things driven by wheels including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even bikes. The facility is home to many different interactive exhibits and galleries featuring memorabilia and artifacts for families to enjoy.

The America On Wheels Museum is in a 48,000 square foot building that is comprised of two stories in total. Many different rare vehicles are housed in the space, allowing families the unique opportunity to see such collector's items as a 1915 Model T, a limited edition Mack Truck, or even one of the earliest motorcycle prototypes.

Among the exhibits that are not to be missed during a trip to America On Wheels Museum are an electric powered EV1 built in the 1990s, a Plymouth Road Runner, and a facsimile of Pee-Wee Herman's famous bicycle.

Also found on the grounds is a snack shop known as the HubCap Cafe which is built to resemble a classic diner and has a unique ceiling that is lined with hubcaps from classic cars.

Thinking an overnight stay is in order? Spend the night doing some RV camping at Allentown KOA Journey or Quakerwoods Campground.

The quaint town of Poughkeepsie is just 148 miles away from the America On Wheels Museum. Here, families will discover an interesting place for getting in a workout: the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. Founded in 2009, this recreational area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the incredible views of the Hudson River and its unique landscape features. The walkway is ideal for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and is even wheelchair accessible, making it a haven for all to enjoy.

The bridge itself is 212 feet above water and measures a total of 6,768 feet. It has earned the distinction of being the longest pedestrian bridge in history.

In the late 1800s, the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge was constructed as a means to provide a connection between New York and New England. It was a frequently employed transportation system for both trade and personal use for many decades.

In 1974, the bridge fell into disuse after it was affected by a tragic fire. The community rallied to repurpose the space as a community park.

Tuckered out from the fresh air encountered on your journey along the walkway? Catch up on your beauty sleep with an RV stay at New York City North/Newburgh KOA Holiday or Fahnestock State Park Campground.

The final destination before reaching Albany is located 19.7 miles away in the town of Kingston. Rondout Lighthouse is the final of three beacons of its kind that announce the entrance into the body of water known as Rondout Creek. The lighthouse remains in operation today and is one of seven found along the Hudson River.

Rondout Lighthouse is constructed of brick. It was built and first set into use in 1915. Access to the property is achieved only by boat. The property is owned and operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum. The museum offers tours of the facility and the inside of the lighthouse in the warmer months of the year, typically from June through October,

It is important to note that there are a large number of stairs to be climbed during the tour. There are no public bathrooms in the lighthouse. Since the ladders into the lighthouse and observation platforms have an open metal grating, visitors must not wear shoes with narrow heels or that contain no backs.

For hours of operation, tour schedules, and associated fees, consult the museum's website.
If the refreshing sea air has you craving a little nap, park the RV for an overnight stay at Kenneth L. Wilson Campground or Blue Mountain Campground.