Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Buckingham Township, PA to Dewey Beach, DE
If you're looking for a scenic drive with plenty of interesting stops along the way, look no further than the route between Buckingham Township, Pennsylvania and Dewey Beach, Delaware. The journey takes just over three hours, and along the way, you'll pass through rolling hills, charming small towns, and even a few unexpected gems that make great pit stops. Here are five unexpected places you won't want to miss.
Halfway Point: Odessa, DE
Before we get into the individual stops, it's worth noting that the halfway point between these two locations is the town of Odessa, Delaware. Founded in 1731, this charming little town is steeped in history and well worth a stop. Pick up a map from the visitor's center and take a self-guided walking tour of the town's many historic homes and buildings. Highlights include the Corbit-Sharp House (built in 1774), the Brick Hotel (established in 1822), and the Odessa Bank Building (now home to the Historic Odessa Foundation).
Stop 1: Newark, DE
The college town of Newark, Delaware (home to the University of Delaware) is a great place to stretch your legs and grab some lunch. Main Street is lined with plenty of cute shops and restaurants, but a standout favorite is Home Grown Cafe. This restaurant prides itself on sourcing locally and sustainably, so you can feel good about indulging in their delicious vegetarian dishes or juicy burgers. Be sure to try their famous Sweet Potato Fries, which are served with a mouthwatering maple dipping sauce.
Stop 2: Chesapeake City, MD
Just a short detour off the main road will bring you to the picturesque town of Chesapeake City, Maryland. This waterfront community is situated on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and is a popular spot for boaters and fishermen. Stroll down the town's charming streets and take in the colorful murals and historic architecture. Be sure to pop into the Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina for some seafood. Crab cakes are always a crowd-pleaser, but you can't go wrong with anything on their menu.
Stop 3: Aberdeen, MD
Sports fans won't want to miss a stop in Aberdeen, Maryland, home to Ripken Stadium and the Aberdeen IronBirds minor league baseball team. Even if you're not catching a game, the stadium grounds are worth a visit for their beautiful walking trails and fun memorabilia displays. For dining, check out BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. They have a wide selection of pizzas, burgers, and beers to choose from, and you won't want to leave without trying their famous Pizookie, a warm cookie topped with ice cream.
Stop 4: Middletown, DE
Another Delaware gem, the town of Middletown is worth a stop for its charming downtown area and picturesque scenery. Take a stroll through Lums Pond State Park, which features over 3,000 acres of woodlands and a gorgeous freshwater pond. Afterward, head to the Two Nine Nine Old School Grill for a meal. Their menu is filled with classic American fare, but don't miss out on their award-winning crab cakes.
Stop 5: Milton, DE
As you near your final destination of Dewey Beach, stop in Milton, Delaware, a small town with a big personality. Take a self-guided walking tour of the town's historic district, which includes buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Then head to Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant for a meal and a pint. Their menu features tasty pub fare like fish and chips and shepherd's pie, but their real standout is the Corned Beef Reuben.
When planning a road trip, it can be easy to focus solely on the destination and overlook the journey itself. But this drive from Buckingham Township to Dewey Beach is proof that sometimes the journey really is the destination. With plenty of interesting stops along the way, this makes for a perfect weekend trip or even a weeklong adventure. Don't miss out on the chance to explore this beautiful region of the country.