Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Campobello, SC to Port Saint Joe, FL

If you're embarking on a road trip from Campobello, South Carolina to Port Saint Joe, Florida, you won't be disappointed with the sights along the way. This scenic route spans across two states, taking travelers through some of the most beautiful vistas in the Southeast. The drive takes approximately nine hours if you take I-85 and I-185 through Georgia and I-10 through Tallahassee. However, if you want to make the most of your trip, make sure to take a few unexpected detours and enjoy everything these hidden gems have to offer.

Halfway Point: Hamilton, GA

Before we dive into our top five stops along the way, it's important to mention one of the most important places to stop halfway through your journey. Hamilton, Georgia, is the perfect midway point for a road trip to Port Saint Joe. This charming Southern town is a hub for performing arts, local history, and outdoor activities. You'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes to explore, all while taking a break from the long journey.

1: Andersonville National Historic Site, Andersonville, GA

Andersonville National Historic Site is located in Sumter County, Georgia, and it's a must-visit on your road trip. This historic site was a Confederate prison camp during the Civil War, and it's now a museum and memorial that honors the thousands of soldiers who were held captive there. The museum features exhibits and artifacts from the war, as well as a comprehensive history lesson about the camp. The grounds are also home to the National Prisoner of War Museum and the Andersonville National Cemetery.

Make sure to stop by the Andersonville Trading Post, where you can browse a selection of books, souvenirs, and gifts related to the Civil War. You'll want to try their famous chili and homemade fudge, which are must-haves for any visitor to the area.

2: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the road trip. This oasis offers visitors an opportunity to explore 2,500 acres of blooming gardens, scenic trails, and recreational activities. In the springtime, visitors can stroll through gardens like the Azalea Garden, showcasing over 3,000 shrubs. During the summer months, the gardens transform into a lush paradise, with over 1,300 varieties of flowers. Over the winter holidays, the gardens display more than 8 million lights in their annual Fantasy In Lights display.

While at Callaway Gardens, make sure to make a stop at The Piedmont Dining Room, which serves a variety of Southern favorites such as fried chicken, catfish, and pecan pie.

3: Bradley's Country Store, Tallahassee, FL

Next on our list is Bradley's Country Store in Tallahassee, Florida. This country store offers a true Southern experience, complete with groceries, antiques, and old-fashioned charm. Here, you can stock up on homemade jams, jellies, sausage, and cheese. The store's antique collection includes everything from vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia to car parts from the 1940s. Visitors can relax on the front porch while sipping a cold glass of sweet tea or freshly squeezed lemonade.

The store also has a grill, where visitors can enjoy breakfast or a lunch of pimento cheese sandwiches, smoked sausage, and barbecue beef brisket.

4: Three Rivers State Park, Sneads, FL

Three Rivers State Park in Sneads, Florida offers a chance to explore the beauty of nature and the great outdoors. The park is situated at the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers and Lake Seminole. The park's visitors can enjoy fishing, boating and hiking trails. The park also has camping sites, cabins, and a playground for kids.

After a long day of hiking and fishing, head to Ocheesee Creamery, a short drive from the park entrance. The creamery is known for its delicious handcrafted ice cream and dairy products. Visitors will love the local honey frosted pecan that generously dot their ice cream.

5: Apalachicola National Forest, Apalachicola, FL

The Apalachicola National Forest in Apalachicola, Florida, is an ideal location that’s perfect for nature lovers. This national forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and amphibians, and the largest population of red-cockaded woodpeckers in the world. There are also plenty of natural landscapes to explore, including about 107 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and off-road biking.

At breakfast, make sure to stop by Hole In The Wall Seafood for their fried shrimp and grits, which are some of the most delicious in the area.

Conclusion

A road trip from Campobello, South Carolina, to Port Saint Joe, Florida, is an unforgettable experience, full of history, culture, and outdoor recreation. By visiting unexpected detours as Andersonville National Historic Site, Callaway Gardens, Bradley's Country Store, Three Rivers State Park, and the Apalachicola National Forest, you'll be able to make the most of your journey along the way. With tasty food and sights to see, there's no better way to explore the southern states. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road and enjoy the ride!