Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burton, Michigan to Milford, Connecticut

Have you ever embarked on a long road trip and found yourself yearning for interesting places to stop along the way? If so, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are many unexpected gems to visit en route from Burton, Michigan to Milford, Connecticut. This route spans a distance of approximately 830 miles, and if driven non-stop, it would take about 13 hours without traffic. Here, we present five fantastic locations to stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy some wonderful treats along the way.

Halfway Point: Brookville, PA

Before we get to the five surprising locations, let's first stop at the midway point between Burton and Milford: Brookville, Pennsylvania. Located in the heart of Jefferson County, Brookville is a charming town surrounded by breathtaking hills and valleys. This historic town is known for its Victorian-era architecture, with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Brookville is also a prominent hub for outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. Be sure to visit the Jefferson County Courthouse and the Laurel Mill Playhouse for a cultural experience.

1. Punxsutawney, PA: Home of Groundhog Day

As you continue eastward from Brookville, consider a stop at the world-renowned Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, home to the famous weather-predicting groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. This town, with a population of less than 6,000, attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually on February 2nd to witness Phil's Groundhog Day prediction. Apart from the annual event, Punxsutawney offers family-friendly activities such as the Weather Discovery Center, Phil's Burrow, and restaurants like Mary's Place serving typical Pennsylvania Dutch Country cuisine.

Must-Eat In Punxsutawney: Meatball Subs at Punxsy Pizza

2. Canajoharie, NY: Cheese Lover's Haven

Canajoharie, located in the Mohawk Valley region of New York, is a quiet but vibrant community known for producing award-winning cheeses. Stop by the Arkell Museum and take a guided tour of the Beech-Nut factory, where baby food and other food products are produced. To satisfy your sweet tooth, visit the Circle W general store and their bake shop, offering delicious baked goods and ice cream.

Must-Eat In Canajoharie: Cheese Curds at Canajoharie Creek Farm

3. Mystic, CT: Seaside Delight

Moving eastward on Interstate 95, you'll come across Mystic, Connecticut, a historic seaport village. The seaside town is located near the Mystic River, which flows into the Long Island Sound. Mystic is home to one of America's oldest commercial shipyards, the Mystic Seaport Museum, where visitors can learn about the town's maritime history and experience a whale-ship exhibit. Stroll through the Mystic Aquarium and visit the Downtown Mystic District for unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Must-Eat In Mystic: Fried Clams at Sea View Snack Bar

4. Westerly, RI: A Taste of Italy

Just a few miles south of Mystic, you'll find Westerly, Rhode Island. This charming coastal town captures the attention of Italian food enthusiasts with its classic Italian bakery, Sardelli's, and Italian-American steakhouse, Venice. Dive into a delicious Italian feast and take a stroll along the scenic Napatree Point Beach.

Must-Eat In Westerly: Cannoli at Sardelli's Italian Café Bakery

5. New Haven, CT: Ivy League Charm

New Haven, Connecticut, is the home of Yale University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the United States. Visit the world-renowned Yale University Art Gallery and the Peabody Museum of Natural History. Stroll through the picturesque green spaces, including the 16-acre East Rock Park, and grab some tasty treats at Casey's Tavern, known for its extensive craft beer selection and pub grub.

Must-Eat In New Haven: Apizza at Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana

Conclusion

This road trip from Burton, Michigan, to Milford, Connecticut, is full of surprises and hidden treasures. Whether you stop to watch Punxsutawney Phil predict the weather, taste award-winning cheese in Canajoharie, experience the maritime history of Mystic, explore the Italian charm of Westerly, or immerse yourself in the Ivy League culture of New Haven, each stop has something unique to offer. Make sure to plan for plenty of time to explore each of these stunning locations, eat delicious food, and create unforgettable memories.