Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Camdenton, MO to Eatontown, NJ

Are you tired of the same-old boring drive between Camdenton, Missouri and Eatontown, New Jersey? Well, we've got you covered! This road trip can be completed in about 16 hours if you don't take any pit stops, but why not make the journey more exciting by exploring some hidden gems you might have otherwise missed? Here are five unexpected places to stop and some must-eat food items at each location.

Halfway Point: West Jefferson, OH

Before we dive into the five unexpected destinations, let's make a pit stop at the halfway point of this journey - West Jefferson, Ohio. This small town in Madison County is located conveniently at the midpoint of your journey. Stretch your legs and explore this charming historic district that has eight unique dining experiences, made-to-order doughnuts, and locally made ice cream. Plenty of scenic spots to stretch your legs, like the nearby O'Shaughnessy Dam Overlook, make West Jefferson an excellent addition to your road trip.

1. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Linn Creek, MO

Located about 15 minutes off of highway 54 on the way to Camdenton, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is an unexpected natural wonder with several hiking trails, a castle ruin and a natural bridge. The castle ruin, built in 1906 was modeled after an old European castle and its parking lot takes you right up to its front doors. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the ruins and explore them up close. The park's most popular trail is the castle trail, which takes you down to the park's natural bridge. The bridge's limestone walls provide impressive views and great photo opportunities. The park also has a nearby lake, ideal for kayaking or swimming.

Must-Eat: Hamburger at Whittle's Pub & Grub (in Linn Creek). Get a juicy burger and crispy french-fries at this local watering hole.

2. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis, MO

You could easily miss this greasy spoon diner out west. Ted Drewes has been serving up legendary frozen custard in the Route 66 area of St. Louis since it opened in 1929. The local custard consists of homemade custard blended with milk and sugar. And if you're driving through in December, Ted Drewes is also known for having the best tradition ever: a huge Christmas light display, so stop for a brief photo-op with the lights!

Must-Eat: A concrete or "intense indulgence" mixed with Oreo cookies. Their frozen custard is creamy and rich; this classic treat should not be missed.

3. Country Cupboard, Lewisburg, PA

Comprised of 90,000 square feet with over 20 handcrafted ITALIAN ice cream flavors, The Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania is a unique shopping experience. The store has something for everyone - antiques, furniture, a bakery, bulk food, deli, wine and cheese shop, home decor, and more. Lone-star quilts, Christmas decor, and other Americana are in abundance, making the store a great place to find a unique gift. Their bronze-copper kettles make delicious fudge and I'd highly recommend giving it a try, yum!

Must-Eat: Mint chocolate chip milkshake. Or, try any ice cream flavor -- they're all handcrafted.

4. Gardner's Candies, Tyrone, PA

Established in 1897, Gardner's Candies is a name known beyond the confines of Tyrone, Pennsylvania. They're most famous for their peanut butter meltaway, but no need to pick - they have all sorts of mouth-watering options, like chocolate turtles, truffles and caramels. They are particularly famous for their blueberry gelato and also have additional sweets like jelly beans and dried fruit. You can stop by their factory store and take a tour to see how their delicious chocolates are made.

Must-Eat: Peanut butter meltaways or dark chocolate truffle. These are two of Gardner's best sellers and for good reason: the meltaways are incredibly smooth and the truffle is dense and rich.

5. Atlantic City, New Jersey

You finally made it to your destination (or close enough), so it's time to live it up. Atlantic City is known as the "Las Vegas of the East Coast" for a good reason. Casinos line the boardwalk, giving you the opportunity to try your luck, taste the best in local cuisine and explore the famous beach and historic boardwalk. From luxury shopping to nightclubs, there's always something happening in Atlantic City.

Must-Eat: Lobster roll sandwich at Tony's Baltimore Grill, an old-school classic that's been serving Italian food to Atlantic City residents since 1927.

Conclusion

In summary, don't let the long journey from Camdenton, Missouri to Eatontown, New Jersey discourage you--there are plenty of unique destinations along the way. From custard ice cream to castle ruins, to mouth-watering chocolates and Atlantic City excitement, there's something for everyone on this road trip. So pack your bags, find a friend to enjoy the journey with, and let the adventures begin!