Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brunswick, Maine to Ann Arbor, Michigan

Taking a road trip from Brunswick, Maine to Ann Arbor, Michigan is an excellent way to experience the beauty and rich culture of the Northeastern United States. The trip covers over 1100 miles of scenic highways and roads that take drivers through historic towns and cities, picturesque farmlands, and rolling hills. The drive takes roughly 20 hours, and the best way to break up the journey is to make a few stops along the way. Here are five unexpected places to stop and explore during your journey.

Halfway Point: Memphis, NY

Memphis, NY represents the halfway point of the trip and is a charming little town with a population of around 2000 people. It is located in Onondaga County, New York, approximately 10 miles southeast of Syracuse. Memphis is an idyllic farming community with beautiful and historic buildings, plenty of green spaces, and friendly locals. Visitors can take advantage of the many restaurants and shops that line its quaint streets. You could sample locally made maple syrup or popcorn from one of the country stores and take a stroll around the village's scenic parks.

1. It's a Wonderful Life Museum (Seneca Falls, NY)

Seneca Falls is a historic town in Upstate New York, where the women's rights movement in America began, and is considered the birthplace of American democracy. It is home to the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, which is devoted to the movie from 1946 by Frank Capra. The museum's highlight is the Bailey family living room, which is a replica of the movie's set, and visitors are encouraged to take a seat on the sofa. Fans of the movie will love exploring the fascinating memorabilia, scripts, and photographs. Do not forget to order their famous Fried Chicken meal at Woody's bar-b-q grill nearby.

2. The Glass Museum (Corning, NY)

Few know that Corning, NY, is the leading manufacturer of glass in the United States. The town is home to the Corning Museum of Glass, one of the world's largest glass museums that puts on an immersive demonstration of glass-making from start to finish. The enormous museum has over fifty centuries worth of glass art and has a wing dedicated to 20th-century glass pieces that range from colorful vases to unique bridges. You could spend hours exploring the museum and trying out the glass blowing workshops. For lunch, grab a bite at Dippity Do Dahs, their New York Style Pastrami sandwich is a must-have.

3. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland, OH)

Nestled on the banks of Lake Erie, Cleveland is the home of the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The large glass pyramid-shaped building is a destination spot for music aficionados for obvious reasons; the museum houses history's best music memorabilia and artifacts, including costumes, guitars, posters, and other iconic items from every era and decade of the genre. There are also interactive displays, films, and regular performances and events. For people who love authentic Italian food, stop by the famous Mama Santa's Restaurant in Cleveland, they make the best Lasagna.

4. The National Museum of the United States Air Force (Dayton, OH)

The National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio is a must-visit for folks who appreciate aviation history and technology. It is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, with displays of over 360 iconic aircraft of historical importance, including the famed Bockscar B-29 and the Wright Brother's Kitty Hawk Plane. The museum also covers the history of the Air Force, with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits that showcase the technical and technological advancements of different eras. Refill your energy by having crispy chicken, barbecue sauce, and fries served at the famous Chicken Spot in Dayton.

5. Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park, VA)

The Shenandoah National Park is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes on the East Coast. It is also home to the Skyline Drive, a two-lane road that runs along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which has over 105 miles of jaw-dropping views. The road twists and turns, following the natural contours of the mountains with many scenic turnoffs and overlooks where drivers can snap beautiful photos. The area is also known for wildlife such as deer, black bears, and various bird species. For weary adventurers, we recommend stopping at the fabulous Wood Grilled Pizza near the entrance of the park.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a road trip from Brunswick, Maine, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a fantastic way to experience the diverse cultures and beauty of different northeastern states of America. Along the route, there are many exciting and unexpected stops worth exploring, from charming small towns like Memphis, New York, to iconic landmarks such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Besides getting to know these places, you will have the added bonus of trying out beautiful local foods, some of which should not be missed. Therefore, hop into your car and get going - you won't regret it.