Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Caledonia to Evanston
Driving from Caledonia, Illinois to Evanston, Illinois can take about two hours and is around 100 miles in distance. But this is simply a straight drive without any stops. This route offers a lot more than just highways and fields. There are some amazing towns, sights, and foods waiting to be explored. The drive is especially scenic during fall and spring.
The halfway point of this road trip is the city of Elgin, IL. Elgin is located on both sides of the Fox River and offers many picturesque views along the way. Here are five unexpected places to make your road trip more memorable and enjoyable.
1. Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford (35 miles from Caledonia)
The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford is considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan, and it's easy to see why. The garden is meticulously crafted with a variety of plants, rocks, and water features to create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. You can easily spend hours enjoying the gardens' beauty and tranquility. The tea house located on the garden grounds offers traditional Japanese tea and snacks.
Favorite food to eat: Matcha tea and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
2. Jailhouse Rock, Dundee (22 miles from Anderson Japanese Gardens)
It's hard to miss the bright red Jailhouse Rock on the side of the road in Dundee. The building was originally built as a bakery and grocery store in 1868, and after serving as a jail, saloon, and pool hall, it is now a unique restaurant and bar! Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with a quirky and fun atmosphere with the walls adorned with memorabilia from the Elvis era. And speaking of Elvis, be sure to order their famous Elvis Burger, which comes with peanut butter and bacon!
Favorite food to eat: Elvis Burger
3. Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden, Geneva (10 miles from Jailhouse Rock)
The Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden in Geneva is a wonderful spot to unwind and relax. Once the private home of George and Nelle Fabyan, it has now been turned into a museum open to the public. The gardens feature a traditional Japanese garden, a Dutch-style windmill, and a picturesque rose garden. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the villa, which is full of architectural and artistic treasures.
Favorite food to eat: Japanese green tea
4. Bahá'í House of Worship, Wilmette (16 miles from Fabyan Villa Museum)
The Bahá'í House of Worship is an impressive architectural gem located in the city of Wilmette. It is one of only seven Bahá'í temples in the world and the only one in North America. The building was constructed in 1953 and its design is inspired by the lotus flower. Visitors can take a guided tour of the temple or explore the gardens surrounding it.
Favorite food to eat: Persian tea and baklava from the temple gift shop
5. Northwestern University, Evanston
Arriving in Evanston, visitors can explore a beautiful campus of Northwestern University. The University is considered one of the most prestigious in the United States and boasts a stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors should be sure to check out the Deering Library, a neo-gothic library filled with rare books and manuscripts.
Favorite food to eat: Deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati's
This road trip might take longer than usual, but it's worth the effort. The unique and unexpected places along the way will enrich your journey and offer experiences that will create memories for a lifetime. So, whether it's the relaxing Japanese gardens, quirky restaurants, or stunning temples that you're after, you'll find something to appreciate on this drive.