Cool Places To Visit On An Interstate 81 Road Trip
Welcome to the surprisingly fun side of Interstate 81! If you’ve ever driven this 854-mile stretch, you know it can feel like a never-ending loop of trees, mountains, and… more trees. My husband Steve and I joke it’s one of the most boring drives in America. But guess what? It doesn’t have to be.
With the right stops, I-81 can actually turn into one of the most memorable road trips you’ll ever take.
I’ve mapped out some of the best stops along I-81—from the southern charm of Tennessee all the way to scenic New York. Ready to roll?
Table of Contents
📍 Where Does The Interstate 81 Road trip Begin and End?
Interstate 81 runs north-south through the eastern U.S., starting in Dandridge, Tennessee, and ending at the Canadian border near Fisher’s Landing, New York.
- Length: About 854 miles
- States crossed: Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York
🛑 Fun Stops Along Your I-81 Road Trip
1. Bristol, TN/VA – Two States, One Charming Stop (Exit 5)
Start your trip in Bristol, a town split right down the middle by the Tennessee-Virginia state line. It’s got history, music, and a little bit of everything.
Steve and I visited Bristol, Tennessee for the first time last year—and wow, we totally fell in love with this charming small town! Nestled right along Interstate 81, Bristol completely exceeded our expectations. From its friendly vibe to the live music echoing through downtown, it was the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.
We haven’t had a chance to return since the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino opened, but trust me—I’m already planning our next casino getaway! I love a good slot machine, a great meal, and that fun “vacation energy” you get at a resort like that. So if you’re planning an I-81 road trip, Bristol is definitely one of the coolest places to stop. Don’t just drive by—make it a highlight of your trip!
Top things to do in Bristol:
- 🎶 Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum
- 🏁 Tour the Bristol Motor Speedway
- 🎰 Try your luck at The Hard Rock Casino and Resort.
- 🛍️ Stroll through Historic Downtown for local shops and live music
- 🏨 Stay in style at The Bristol Hotel
2. Roanoke, VA – A Scenic Break in the Blue Ridge (Exit 143)
Next stop on your Cool Places To Visit On An Interstate 81 Road Trip: Roanoke, is in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. If you love nature and art, this one’s for you.
Don’t miss:
- 🌄 The Blue Ridge Parkway for unforgettable views
- ⭐ The Mill Mountain Star, the world’s largest freestanding illuminated star
- 🎨 The Taubman Museum of Art
3. Hershey, PA – Chocolate + Coasters = Family Fun (Exit 77)
Hershey is more than just a chocolate bar—it’s a sweet stop for families and fun-lovers of all ages. Hershey Park is one of my favorite stops on this Interstate 81 Road Trip.
I have a special place in my heart for Hershey. I used to live just two hours away, and some of my fondest memories are of visiting the area when my kids were little. The smell of chocolate in the air, the sound of roller coasters, and the excitement of our family adventures still stick with me.
One of the best parts? Hershey’s Chocolate World, lat the park entrance is completely free to enter! You can take a fun (and air-conditioned!) chocolate tour ride, shop all the chocolate your heart desires, and even create your own candy bar. No ticket needed—just walk in and enjoy!
Things to do:
- 🍫 Visit Hershey’s Chocolate World (it’s free!)
- 🎢 Spend the day at Hersheypark
- 🌸 Wander through Hershey Gardens
- 🛎️ Stay at the elegant Hotel Hershey
4. Syracuse, NY – Arts, Parks, and City Vibes (Exit 26)
Syracuse offers a nice mix of culture, nature, and fun, making it a great stop before reaching the end of I-81.
Check out:
- 🎭 The Everson Museum of Art
- 🦁 The Rosamond Gifford Zoo
- 🌳 A stroll around Onondaga Lake Park
- 🏨 Plenty of hotels—book early for the best rates!
5. Fisher’s Landing, NY – Peaceful Finish by the Lake
End your long ride Interstate 81 Road trip with the easy part of the trip. Fisher’s Landing is a quiet gem near Lake Ontario—perfect for unwinding.
Relaxing ways to wrap up your road trip:
- 🛶 Boat tours and fishing trips on the lake
- 🌞 Chill on the beach or go birdwatching
- 🚴♀️ Explore nearby trails for hiking or biking
📌 Tip: Book your accommodations in advance—this lakeside spot can fill up fast!
🚗 Final Thoughts: Turning Boring into Memorable I-81 Road Trip
What started as one of the most “meh” drives in America can actually become a pretty epic road trip. If you’re heading south? Just reverse the stops and start from New York!
Safe travels—and if you see Steve and me on the road, honk and wave. (We’ll be the ones arguing about ‘who picked this radio station.
Mr. Jax Approved of Bristol, TN/VA & Roanoke Virginia. Both of these travel destinations offer plenty of things to do outside and pet-friendly accomidations.
