Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burlington, Ontario and Pensacola, Florida

If you are looking for an adventure and a change of scenery, why not take a road trip from Burlington, Ontario to Pensacola, Florida? This journey covers over 2000 miles and takes about 20 hours of driving time, excluding stops. While there are some popular destinations on this route, such as Nashville and Atlanta, there are also many hidden gems that you should not miss. In this article, we will introduce you to five unexpected places to stop on your drive from Burlington to Pensacola.

The Halfway Point: Elizabethtown, KY

Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is an ideal spot to take a break and stretch your legs after driving for hours. Located roughly halfway between Burlington and Pensacola, Elizabethtown offers various activities for visitors. If you are a history buff, you can visit the Brown-Pusey House, which was built in 1825 and served as a hospital during the Civil War. There is also the Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum, home to a large collection of vintage automobiles. If you are traveling with kids, you can check out the Elizabethtown Nature Park or the Freeman Lake Park.

Favorite Food: Be sure to try the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, a local specialty made with turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and cheese.

1. Bardstown, KY - Bourbon Capital of the World

Bardstown, KY, is a small town with a big reputation as the Bourbon Capital of the World. Visitors can tour various distilleries, including the iconic Maker's Mark Distillery and Heaven Hill Distillery. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History offers an in-depth exploration of whiskey-making in America. If you are interested in the town's history, check out the My Old Kentucky Home State Park, which features the Federal Hill mansion, the inspiration for Stephen Foster's famous song.

Favorite Food: Try the Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, which is available at most restaurants in the area.

2. Chattanooga, TN - A City Surrounded by Mountains

Nestled between the Appalachian Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, Chattanooga is a charming city that offers stunning views of the surrounding nature. Visitors can take a scenic drive up to the Lookout Mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the town and the Tennessee River. You can also visit the Tennessee Aquarium, which is home to thousands of marine animals and plants. If you are a history buff, check out the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which features a museum and several monuments commemorating the Civil War battles that took place there.

Favorite Food: Try the Tennessee-style smoked brisket, which is cooked low and slow for a tender and flavorful result.

3. Montgomery, AL - The Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement

Montgomery, AL, played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Visitors can visit several historical sites that relate to this period, such as the Rosa Parks Museum and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Art and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival offer cultural attractions for visitors.

Favorite Food: Try the Alabama-style barbecue ribs, which are seasoned with a sweet and spicy rub and slow-cooked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender.

4. New Orleans, LA - The Big Easy

New Orleans, LA, needs no introduction. This vibrant city is famous for its music, food, and colorful architecture. Visitors can take a stroll through the French Quarter and listen to jazz bands playing on street corners. You can also visit the National WWII Museum, which is the top-rated museum in the United States. Of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without trying some of the local dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

Favorite Food: Try the gumbo, a hearty stew that typically contains chicken, sausage, and seafood, served over rice.

5. Pensacola, FL - Beaches and Blue Angels

Located on the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola is a coastal city famous for its sparkling white sand beaches. Visitors can relax on the beach, take a sunset cruise, or go fishing. If you are a fan of aviation, be sure to check out the National Naval Aviation Museum, which houses the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. The Saenger Theatre and the Pensacola Opera offer cultural entertainment for visitors.

Favorite Food: Try the seafood platter, which features a selection of local fish, shrimp, and oysters, fried to perfection.

In Conclusion

From the Bourbon Capital of the World to the Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, this road trip from Burlington to Pensacola offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or simply want to relax on the beach, there is something for everyone on this route. So why not pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on an adventure? You won't regret it.