Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Akron to New Philadelphia

Are you looking for a scenic drive with a few unexpected stops? Look no further than the trip from Akron, Ohio to New Philadelphia, Ohio. This drive will take you through undulating hills and lush forests, with plenty of fun stops along the way. The 56-mile drive takes only an hour and 5 minutes and is packed with some incredible attractions.

Halfway Point: Canton, Ohio

Before we delve into the unexpected stops on this drive, let's introduce the halfway point, Canton. The city is located between Akron and New Philadelphia, and it's the perfect place to enjoy an array of attractions. Canton is known for being home to the NFL Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a must-visit for football enthusiasts offering plenty of impressive exhibits and interactive touch screens. The city also offers a blossoming arts district, incredible local restaurants and lovely parks, such as the 55-acre Stadium Park.

1. Hoover Historical Center

The Hoover Historical Center is in North Canton, Ohio, and it provides an insight into one of America's most successful entrepreneurial families, The Hoovers. Visitors of the center will see the early Hoover Company's headquarters, the ancestral Victorian home of the Hoover family, and a reproduction of the company's plant. Visitors will also enjoy a range of exhibits, including "The History of Vacuum Cleaners" and "The Hoover Boys and the 1929 Stock Market Crash." The best part is that it doesn't cost anything to tour the Hoover Historical Center.

Favorite Food Stop: Frank's Family Restaurant. There's no better way to end this unexpected visit than with a meal at Frank's Family Restaurant, serving American comfort food for over four decades.

2. Atwood Lake Park

Atwood Lake Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking and camping. The 1,500-acre lake is perfect for those who love water sports, and campers can enjoy 36 miles of shoreline. There are picnic areas with charcoal grills, volleyball courts, and a playground for little ones. It's also a perfect spot for hiking or biking. The park has several trails of different lengths, the Ashery Trail being the longest of the trails with its 4.5-mile loop.

Favorite Food Stop: Atwood Dock Marina & Grill. Atwood Dock Marina Restaurant at the Atwood Lake is an excellent place to visit after a day full of outdoor activities and fun. Enjoy your meal along the beautiful lake shores, which offer a beautiful view of the lake.

3. Warther Museum & Gardens

When you think of wood carvings, you may not consider it an art form. However, the Warther Museum & Gardens in Dover, Ohio, houses an extensive collection of beautifully carved wood pieces. Experience the exceptional art form of wood carving history that led Ernest "Mooney" Warther to be called the "World's Master Carver." See hand-carved artwork, including a fully-operational wooden birdhouse that features 90 interlocking gears. The museum not only impresses the art enthusiast but everyone.

Favorite Food Stop: Canal Dover Restaurant. Head to the Canal Dover Restaurant and taste their homemade spaghetti with succulent meatballs, which will fill your tummy and take you straight back to your childhood.

4. Trumpet in the Land

Trumpet in the Land is a cultural gem in New Philadelphia, Ohio. The open-air amphitheater focuses on recreating authentic Native American stories through theater. The outdoor theater uses the surrounding landscape to bring you a mesmerizing experience of music, dance, and drama and bursts of color in the firelight.

Favorite Food Stop: Carla's Country Kitchen. Carla's Country Kitchen is where you should have your meal after a delightful theatrical experience. Indulge in her signature homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast, or have a delicious chicken-fried steak sandwich for lunch.

5. J.E. Reeves Victorian Home & Museum

The J.E. Reeves Victorian Home & Museum in Dover, Ohio, is an excellent place to visit for the architecture or history enthusiasts. Dating back to 1867, the highly-detailed architecture is a must-see. The home and museum are also a must for those intrigued by personal and family history. You can learn about the remarkable Reeves family and their influence on Canton, Ohio.

Favorite Food Stop: Canal Street Diner. To end your trip on a high note, visit Canal Street Diner for an outstanding meal. Try their classic cheeseburger with their equally classic sweet potato fries.

Conclusion

Ohio is a state famed for its hospitality, scenic drives, and breath-taking attractions. Why not try this road trip that offers so much more than what meets the eye at first? These unexpected stops will give you a glimpse into the how the unstoppable spirit of Ohio's locals. So pack your things, fuel up your car, and hit the road from Akron to New Philadelphia for some unforgettable surprises.