Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cambridge, Illinois to Clearwater, Florida

Are you planning a road trip from Cambridge, Illinois to Clearwater, Florida? This is a great adventure that will allow you to experience a variety of landscapes and cultures. You will cover over 1,200 miles and pass through many states. During your journey, you will find several unexpected places worth stopping to explore. In this article, you will learn about the five best stops on this route.

The drive from Cambridge, Illinois to Clearwater, Florida takes approximately 20 hours by car. This journey will take you through cities, small towns, deserts, and forests. You will pass through notable places such as St. Louis, Nashville, and Atlanta. The midway point on your drive is the charming town of Guild, TN, located close to the Tennessee-Georgia border.

1. Bacon's Castle

Bacon's Castle is a historic house located in Surry County, Virginia. It is the oldest documented brick dwelling in the United States, dating back to 1665. The house was built by a wealthy farmer named Arthur Allen, and during the American Revolution, it served as a temporary headquarters for General Lafayette. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and grounds, which include a formal garden. While you are in Surry County, be sure to try the famous Virginia ham, which is dry-cured and aged for up to 18 months.

2. The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta and is the largest aquarium in the world. It is home to over 100,000 animals and 700 species, including whale sharks, manta rays, and beluga whales. Visitors can walk through a 100-foot-long tunnel and come face to face with some of the ocean's most extraordinary creatures. The aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours and interactive animal encounters. In Atlanta, you must try their delicious pecan pie.

3. St. Augustine

St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés. It is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. Visitors to St. Augustine can stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the Spanish colonial architecture. You can also tour the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century fortress, and take a boat tour of the Matanzas Bay. While in St. Augustine, you must try their famous datil pepper sauce, which is made with a small, sweet chili pepper.

4. The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands located off the southern coast of Florida. They are known for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and laid-back lifestyle. You can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive among the colorful marine life or simply relax on the beach and watch the sunsets. The Florida Keys are also famous for their key lime pie, which is made with Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk.

5. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is located in Spring Hill, Florida. It is known for its freshwater springs, which flow into the Weeki Wachee River. Visitors to the park can watch the famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform underwater shows or take a riverboat cruise through the mangroves. The park also provides opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and bird watching. While at Weeki Wachee, you must try their smoked mullet, which is a local delicacy.

Conclusion

A road trip from Cambridge, Illinois to Clearwater, Florida is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will take you through some of America's most fascinating places. On your journey, you will find a variety of unexpected stops that will make your trip even more memorable. These five stops, Bacon's Castle, The Georgia Aquarium, St. Augustine, The Florida Keys, and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, offer a range of activities, from historic sites to natural wonders. Be sure to sample each region's unique cuisine, from Virginia ham to Key Lime pie. You won't be disappointed if you make these stops on your road trip.