Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive Between Buffalo and Phoenixville

If you're embarking on a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, you're in for a treat. With a distance of roughly 300 miles between the two cities, the drive can take around 6 hours without taking any breaks. But why hurry? There are a lot of interesting places along the way that you can use to break up your journey. In this article, we'll introduce you to five unexpected destinations that you should consider stopping at, along with a few of our favorite local dishes to try.

Halfway Point: Apalachin, NY

Before we dive into the five unexpected stops, let's take a minute to appreciate the middle of the journey: Apalachin, NY. This small town is an ideal place to stretch your legs and get a little refreshment. If it’s breakfast time, stop by the Blue Dolphin Diner. The restaurant serves up scrumptious pancakes, waffles, and omelets. Plus, the staff is always friendly and the prices are reasonable.

1. Robert Treman State Park, Ithaca, NY

On the southern shores of Cayuga Lake is Robert Treman State Park, a 1075-acre tract of land named after Robert H. Treman, a wealthy banker, and conservationist. The park has several trails that lead through the rugged and scenic terrain of the Enfield Glen. If you're lucky, you might spot some waterfalls during your visit. For lunch, head to Ithaca Beer Co., which is located about 20 minutes from the park. The brewery's taproom serves up some of the best beers in the state, and their pub fare is also impressive.

2. Zippo/Case Museum, Bradford, PA

For a slice of Americana, stop by Zippo/Case Museum at Bradford, PA. Zippo, the lighter manufacturer, has been producing their iconic lighters here since the 1930s. The museum showcases their styles and designs over the years. In addition to the lighters, the museum also features knives and other pocket tools made by the Case company. Finish off your visit by grabbing a Philly Cheesecake at the Beacon Bar & Grill.

3. Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, PA

If you're fascinated by American history, you might want to take a brief detour to Gettysburg. Gettysburg National Military Park is a vast area designed to honor and remember the soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The park contains countless memorials, preserved battle sites, historic houses, and themed exhibits that chronicle one of the most significant conflicts of the Civil War. If you have extra time, visit the Dobbin House Tavern for dinner, established in 1776.

4. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

Longwood Gardens, located in Kennett Square, is a horticultural paradise with more than 1,077 acres of gardens, greenhouses, meadows, and forest. The star of the garden is the conservatory, which houses a phenomenal collection of orchids, water lilies, dwarf conifers, and other rare plants. During the holiday season, the gardens are transformed into a dreamlike wonderland with a jaw-dropping array of lights and floral arrangements. For some healthy food options, check out PureBread Deli while in Kennett Square.

5. Hershey’s Chocolate World, Hershey, PA

The sweetest destination on our list is Hershey's Chocolate World, located in Hershey, PA. At this interactive museum/attraction, you'll learn everything you need to know about chocolate, including its history, how it's made, and the process of creating the sweet treats. Don't miss out on the chocolate-making demos and the chance to create your own customized chocolate bar. Cap off your visit with a chocolate-infused meal at the Soda Jerk Diner.

Why You Should Try This Road Trip

If this article hasn't convinced you to take a break from making progress on this journey of yours, we don't know what will. The road trip between Buffalo and Phoenixville is chock-full of wonderful detours. With these five unexpected places, you can connect with nature, learn a bit of American history, and indulge in some delicious food. Why not take a few hours, break up the monotony of the drive, and create some unforgettable memories with your family and friends?