Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Calabasas, CA to Wilmington, NC
Road trips are a quintessential American adventure. The journey between Calabasas, California and Wilmington, North Carolina spans just over 2800 miles, and provides a wealth of beautiful landscapes to explore, interesting people to meet, and wondrous things to see. The drive takes approximately 44 hours of non-stop driving, but why rush through such a long trip? The journey can be broken up into chunks, and interesting places visited along the way. This article covers five unexpected places to stop, with delightful food offerings to savor at each location.
Halfway thru the drive, visitors find themselves in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This city is the halfway point between the start and final destination, and offers a great opportunity to stretch legs, recharge, and enjoy the sights.
1. Moline, IL: John Deere Pavilion
The John Deere Pavilion is a mecca for farm machinery fans, with interactive exhibits that reveal the history and inner workings of John Deere farm tractors, harvesters, and other associated machinery. The Pavilion is a stunning, award-winning design, built with green technologies, and a real-life homage to the American Midwest and the farmers that have made it famous.
Don't miss the freshly-baked bread and pastries at the on-site cafe. They also offer hearty sandwiches made with freshly prepared meats and deli veggies. Best of all, the cafe also offers refreshing chilled drinks to keep you hydrated on your journey.
2. Joliet, IL: Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park and Odyssey Fun World
If you are traveling with family or friends and are looking for a great way to spend an afternoon or evening, then Joliet's Haunted Trails Family Amusement Park and Odyssey Fun World offer great family entertainment options. Odyssey Fun World offers 40,000 sq. ft. of indoor entertainment with dozens of fun rides and activities to enjoy. Haunted Trails offer in-ceiling miniature golf, an arcade game, go-karts, and a delicious selection of international dishes.
The best delicacy at Haunted Trails is their legendary deep-dish pizza. This mouth-watering pie isn't just a Chicago favorite, it's a regional and national must-try. Crispy and chewy at the same time, with melty cheese and delicious homemade sauce, this pizza isn't something you'll forget soon.
3. Morgantown, WV: The Cheat Lake Trail
Morgantown, West Virginia, is the home of The Cheat Lake Trail. At 4.4 miles long, this well-designed route takes in magnificent views of Cheat Lake and the natural beauty of the region. The trail is dotted with benches and a fishing dock, so it's a great chance to relax for an hour or two, and enjoy the peace and serenity of the surrounding countryside.
After a hike on The Cheat Lake Trail, you might want to indulge in a generous helping of hillbilly chili. This locally-produced chili is rich, spicy, and absolutely delicious, and best served with classic cornbread, melted butter, and hot sauce!
4. Luray, VA: The Luray Caverns
In Luray, Virginia, you can discover one of the world's largest cavern systems, with over 64 acres to explore. A guided tour of the Luray Caverns takes around 1 to 1½ hours and delves deep into the natural wonders of this unique environment that's renowned for its ceiling that sounds like a thunderstorm.
The Luray region is also known for an authentic southern dish, sweet potato pie. This dessert dish is a delicious balance between sweet and savory. The best part? Grab a slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream!
5. Myrtle Beach, SC: Broadway at the Beach
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a popular destination for beachgoers, but if you want to take a break from the sun and still do something fun, head straight to Broadway at the Beach. This shopping complex has an extensive assortment of shops, restaurants, and all kinds of entertainment options from miniature golf courses to live theatres and virtual reality exhibits.
South Carolina is a terrific place to indulge in a seafood feast, and the Crab House offers appetizing beverages and plenty of fresh seafood. Try their famous shrimp cocktail, crab legs or the famous key lime pie to appease your sweet tooth.
Conclusion
The journey from Calabasas, California, to Wilmington, North Carolina is a long one, but there are plenty of gems to discover along the way. From John Deere Pavilions to underground caverns, deep-dish pizzas to hillbilly chili, and seafood to sweet potato pie, the options are endless. The trip is far more relaxed and more enjoyable if the driver takes the time to plan and breaks the journey up with some great experiences along the way. Adventure awaits!