Tallahassee to Hartford Road Trip Guide

Introduction

Tallahassee has a lot going for it. Not only is it the capital city of the vibrant state of Florida, but it’s also significant for its history. This city, whose name means “old fields” lies not so far from the Atlantic Ocean, so that the highest peak doesn’t rise more than 200 feet above sea level.

What’s interesting to tourists is that the majority of the 96-square-mile area is open to exploration. Thankfully, the 233 days of sunshine in the year here makes it perfect for lots of outdoor fun.

For those that are intrigued by architectural designs and man-made edifices, there are plenty of those scattered around the city to marvel at. Cuisines, both local and international, are also available in different parts of town for guests to enjoy. Events and festivals run year-round too, so you won’t miss out whenever you wish to put yourself out there.

An RV road trip from here to Hartford is definitely the best way to cap the fun-filled exploration of Tallahassee. This adventure in itself is packed with plenty of things to do, so you’re guaranteed a fun time all the way. The destination, Hartford, is, in and of itself, a fantastic city too.

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Details

60'
Max RV length
60'
Max trailer Length
Road trip length: 7+ days
Recommend rig: any
audience: all

Point of Interest

Eastern State Penitentiary

You leave Lincoln Memorial behind and head 146 miles to Philadelphia, the state that’s home to the Eastern State Penitentiary. This historic site, commonly referred to as ESP, was once one of the costliest prisons in the world. Now, it’s a museum and attraction that brings guests from far and near.

As much as ten guided tours are provided to tourists here, taking them through various areas. Some of the things to do here include entering cells used by famous inmates in the past, looking through security cameras that capture all the activities in the prison, as well as engaging in a scavenger hunt designed for children. Do not forget to carry your camera along as photography is encouraged.

The penitentiary is ADA accessible, and parking spaces are available nearby for rigs and vehicles, some of which are provided at a fee.


Lincoln Memorial

After taking your time to relax and recharge in a natural setting, it’ll be time for you to return to the city and explore some beautiful sites. Where else could be more perfect than Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC?

This National Memorial built in honor of the one and only Abraham Lincoln was dedicated in 1922. You’d be surprised by the number of tourists that visit the memorial every year – a breathtaking six million visitors. Such is the importance and popularity of the facility managed by the US National Park Service. There’s no way you’re missing out on this on your RV road trip.

You can visit at any time of the day since the memorial is open all day. Parking spaces are available for RVs and motorhomes, but note that it may be difficult to find one when there are so many tourists around.


Roanoke Rapids Lake

A two-and-a-half-hour drive through 163 miles of natural wonder will bring you to Roanoke Rapids Lake in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. This 7.2 square mile lake is a great destination for a wide range of outdoor activities. If you are an avid angler, you’ll find fish species such as crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, striped bass, and channel catfish in the lake. Birdwatching and picnicking are other ways to spend time on the shore of the lake. Those that want to explore the water can swim in or kayak on the lake.

Roanoke Rapids Lake Park is open to guests for more recreational opportunities. A number of facilities and amenities are provided here including restrooms, a golf course, playground for children, and ADA-accessible fishing pier.

Even though there’s ample space for parking, there are no camping facilities here, so you’ll have to visit the nearby campgrounds and RV parks if you wish to spend the night in your rig.


Sandhills Horticultural Gardens

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens offers you the opportunity to reconnect with nature in a man-made setting. After driving here all the way from South Carolina to this garden in Southern Pines, North Carolina, you will find yourself in the perfect place to refresh and relax with picturesque views of different plants.

This facility is open all day to the public, so your arrival time does not really matter. You’ll still get to enjoy the works of the horticultural students of the Sandhills Community College that maintain the natural areas and gardens here.

Some of the gardens that you can visit while exploring this attraction include Desmond Native Trail Garden, Fruit and Vegetable Garden, Hackley Woodland Garden, and Conifer Garden, to mention a few.

A Visitor Center is available from where you’ll begin your journey. Don’t be shocked if you lose track of time while enjoying the sights here.


Sumter Opera House

Sumter Opera House is the place to enjoy breathtaking performances and displays. This facility, located in Sumter, South Carolina, lies 106 miles away from the last point of interest in Charleston. You are guaranteed unbeatable entertainment from cultural dance and drama, plays, and other programs that make this Opera House a popular destination. Tourists of all ages are welcome here as both adults and children will find something that interests them. Some of the movies and shows that are offered here are made for families, while others are more suited to children. Look out for signs that indicate whether you can take pictures or not so you are not in violation.

You have nothing to worry about as far as parking your rig is concerned; parking in this city is free. Plenty of public parking spaces are available nearby, all within five-minute walking distance of the facility.


Old Slave Mart Museum

More than 107 miles northeast of The Pirates’ House lies a historic site that’s been in operation since the late 1930s – Old Slave Mart Museum. After your two-hour long drive, you can enjoy some history lessons and view antiques that tell stories about slavery here.

It may interest you to know that this facility is the first African-American slave museum. Several names have been attributed to this museum, all of which are believed to be incorrect. In any case, the museum played a significant role in the lives of the Charleston slaves.

When you arrive here in Charleston, you’ll get to meet a former slave who accepts interviews. Imagine all you can learn from having a one-to-one conversation with someone who experienced it all. In addition, there are posters in the facility for guests to read about. There aren’t many slave trade artifacts here, however, so don’t come hoping to see lots of them.


The Pirates' House

After a day, and possibly a night, at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, your next stop has to be The Pirates’ House, a classy restaurant in Savannah, Georgia. Your journey here from Jacksonville will take you about two hours, along 144 miles of road.

Established in 1753, this popular dining center used to be a favorite destination for pirates and outcasts to eat and drink. It was an inn for sailors back then, but has now become a well-visited restaurant by all. Here, there are 15 dining rooms, each of which is uniquely equipped with modern facilities. There are unique recipes served here, most of which come from the Pirate's House Cook Book.

About 120 guests can be accommodated in this facility that’s open all day, so whenever you arrive, you can rest assured that you’ll find delicacies such as seafood, southern and American cuisines, and other vegetarian-friendly meals.


Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve

Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve lies 176 miles east of Tallahassee, a long drive of about three hours. Not to worry, this National Preserve in Jacksonville is definitely worth it. Covering about 72 square miles of wetlands, waterways, and various habitats, this park is perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities for adults and children.

If you’ve got your hiking boots, you should feel free to stroll along the park’s trails that will lead you to beach areas as well as salt marshes. Water-based recreation enthusiasts can also kayak on the park’s backwaters. The resplendent flora that decorates the park’s corridors, as well as the wildlife and birds that roam the preserve, also offer good sights to nature viewers.

Fancy spending the night here at a nice campsite in your RV? Visit Little Talbot Island State Park or Huguenot Memorial Park.


Summary

Welcome to Hartford, the capital of Connecticut, and home to lots of festivals, events, and attractions such as Bushnell Plaza Scripture Garden, A. Everett Austin House, Elizabeth Park, and many more.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by this lively city’s cultures, delicious cuisines, and architectural masterpieces. Rest assured you’ll have plenty to do here regardless of the recreation site or park you choose to visit in your rig.

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