Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brookfield, Ohio to Falls Church, Virginia
Are you planning a road trip from Brookfield, Ohio to Falls Church, Virginia, and looking for some off-the-beaten-path places to stop along the way? While major cities and famous tourist spots may be tempting, sometimes the best memories are made in unexpected places. This article will take you on a journey through five unique destinations that will add excitement and adventure to your trip.
The Route
Before we dive into our destination recommendations, let's talk about the route. The drive from Brookfield, Ohio to Falls Church, Virginia, spans approximately 315 miles and takes around five hours. The route passes through the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, offering scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains and charming small towns.
Halfway Point: Little Orleans, MD
Before we delve into the five unexpected places, we want to mention the halfway point of this drive: Little Orleans, Maryland. If you're looking for a place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat, Little Orleans is a great spot. This unincorporated community is located just off I-68 and offers a variety of restaurants and outdoor activities.
1. Jigger Shop
Located in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, Jigger Shop is a historic ice cream parlor and restaurant that has been serving delicious desserts for over 120 years. The Jigger Shop is famous for its jiggers, which are small-sized milkshakes that are served in a metal cup filled with extra milkshake. Visitors can choose from a variety of flavors, including classic favorites like vanilla and chocolate, as well as seasonal flavors like pumpkin and apple cider. In addition to jiggers, the restaurant also serves lunch and dinner items like sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
Must-Try: Jiggers with extra peanut butter cups.
2. The Toy and Plastic Brick Museum
If you're a fan of Legos and other plastic building toys, you won't want to miss The Toy and Plastic Brick Museum in Bellaire, Ohio. The museum showcases a vast collection of vintage and modern toys, including Legos, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, and more. Visitors can see rare toys and learn about the history of plastic toys and how they are made. The museum also offers a gift shop where you can purchase toys and memorabilia.
Must-Try: The museum doesn't have a restaurant on-site, but there are several cafes and restaurants in Bellaire. Try the barbecue at Dave's Cosmic Subs.
3. Flight 93 National Memorial
Located near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the Flight 93 National Memorial is a powerful tribute to the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who bravely fought against the hijackers on September 11, 2001. The memorial includes a visitor center, a Wall of Names, and a walking trail that leads to the crash site of the plane. Visitors can learn about the events of that day and pay their respects to the heroes who lost their lives.
Must-Try: The memorial doesn't have food on-site, but there are picnic areas nearby. Consider bringing a packed lunch and enjoying a peaceful meal in the beautiful surroundings.
4. Fallingwater
Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Fallingwater is a masterpiece of modern architecture that is situated in Mill Run, Pennsylvania. The house was built in 1935 as a private residence and is now open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the unique design of the house, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape. The house is built over a stream and includes several terraces and balconies that offer stunning views of the waterfalls.
Must-Try: Fallingwater doesn't have a restaurant on-site, but there are several nearby cafes and restaurants. Try the Italian-style pizza at Pizza King in Mill Run.
5. Luray Caverns
Located in Luray, Virginia, the Luray Caverns are a series of underground caves that offer a fascinating glimpse into the natural world. Visitors can explore the caverns on a guided tour and see stunning rock formations, pools of water, and underground lakes. The caverns are also home to the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the largest instrument of its kind in the world, which produces music by striking the cavern's stalactites.
Must-Try: The Luray Caverns offer a variety of food options, including burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream at the Caverns Cafe.
Conclusion
From ice cream to museums to historic landmarks, this road trip from Brookfield, Ohio to Falls Church, Virginia, has it all. By stopping at these five unexpected places, you'll create memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an adventure that you'll never forget.