The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Buffalo, NY to Philadelphia, PA
BUFFALO, NY - Planning a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? Look no further for the top things to do along the way! With a trip time of approximately 7.5 hours, halfway point Johnson City, NY offers a great opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel before continuing down to the must-see destinations.
Stop 1: Corning Museum of Glass
Located in the charming town of Corning, New York, the Corning Museum of Glass is a world-renowned destination for glass enthusiasts. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations, interact with exhibits on the history and culture of glass, and even make their own glass souvenir to take home. The museum boasts a collection of over 50,000 pieces of glass from all eras and continents.
Fun Fact: The Corning Museum of Glass is home to the largest collection of glass paperweights in the world.
Stop 2: Watkins Glen State Park
Nature lovers won't want to miss a visit to Watkins Glen State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East." The park features a series of stunning waterfalls cascading through a rocky gorge, with hiking trails winding through the lush forests and past scenic vistas. History buffs can also explore the park's roots as a Native American hunting ground and the subsequent arrival of early settlers.
Fun Fact: Watkins Glen State Park was once the site of a major manufacturing industry, with mills powered by the park's waterfalls producing everything from paper to textiles.
Stop 3: Hershey's Chocolate World
No road trip is complete without a sweet treat, and Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania has got you covered. This interactive museum and gift shop celebrates all things chocolate, from learning about the history of the Hershey's company to creating your own candy bar. Visitors can also take a tour of the Hershey's factory to see the production process in action.
Fun Fact: Hershey's Chocolate World features the largest collection of Hershey's memorabilia in the world.
Stop 4: Independence National Historical Park
For history buffs, no trip to Philadelphia is complete without a visit to Independence National Historical Park. The park is home to the iconic Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were both signed. Visitors can also explore other historic landmarks from the American Revolution and beyond, such as the National Constitution Center and Franklin Court.
Fun Fact: The Liberty Bell weighs over 2,000 pounds and was originally cast in London, England.
Stop 5: Reading Terminal Market
Foodies won't want to miss out on a trip to Reading Terminal Market, located in the heart of downtown Philadelphia. The market, established in 1893, features over 80 vendors selling a wide variety of local and international foods. From Amish baked goods to Philly cheesesteaks, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Fun Fact: Reading Terminal Market is one of America's oldest continually operating markets, with a history dating back over 125 years.
Conclusion
From the stunning natural beauty of Watkins Glen State Park to the rich history of Independence National Historical Park, this road trip from Buffalo to Philadelphia has something for everyone. With a total trip time of approximately 7.5 hours, it's the perfect route for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure. Don't forget to fill up on chocolate at Hershey's Chocolate World and sample the local flavors at Reading Terminal Market. Happy exploring!