Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cape Canaveral, Florida to Dallas, Texas
If you are planning a road trip from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to Dallas, Texas, you might be wondering what places you can visit along the way. The journey is about 1,200 miles, and it usually takes around 17 hours of driving. While the destination might be the main attraction, the journey itself can be an adventure. In this article, we will introduce you to five unexpected places to stop that are worth adding to your itinerary.
The Halfway Point: Lucedale, MS
Before we dive into the individual attractions, we must mention Lucedale, MS - the halfway point of our journey. This small town in southeastern Mississippi offers a peaceful break from the long drive. You can stretch your legs at the Town Square Park, which is equipped with benches, picnic tables, and a gazebo. You can also visit the "Welcome to Lucedale" sign, take a picture, and buy a souvenir at the nearby gift shop. If you are a fan of barbecue, we recommend trying a platter of ribs or pulled pork at Williams Bros Bar-B-Q.
1. Oak Alley, Louisiana
Our first stop is Oak Alley, a historic plantation in Louisiana. Oak Alley is famous for its picturesque approach, where 28 evenly spaced oak trees line up to create a stunning corridor. The plantation house itself dates back to the 1830s and is surrounded by 25 acres of lush gardens. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and explore the gardens. If you have time, we recommend trying the pecan pie at the restaurant on site.
2. The Spam Museum, Minnesota
Yes, you read that correctly - there is a museum dedicated to Spam, the canned pork product. The Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is a quirky and entertaining destination that might surprise you. The museum exhibits include the history of Spam, its impact on popular culture, and its connection to the military. You can take a selfie with a giant Spam can or create your own can label. Before you leave, make sure to try a sample of Spam at the museum's Taste of Spam restaurant.
3. Cadillac Ranch, Texas
If you have a love for classic cars and art, Cadillac Ranch in Texas is the place to stop. Located in Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation created in the 1970s. It features ten Cadillac cars buried nose-down in the ground, and visitors are encouraged to spray-paint them. The cars are periodically repainted, creating a constantly changing work of art. After taking your turn with the spray paint, we recommend trying a classic Texan steak at The Big Texan Steak Ranch nearby.
4. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico is a natural wonder that should not be missed. The caverns are a network of over 119 caves that are estimated to be 4-6 million years old. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own through well-lit pathways. The main attraction is the Big Room, which is a massive chamber that is over 4,000 feet long and 255 feet high. The caverns also have a bat population that usually appears at night. After the tour, we recommend trying the green chili burger at the Carlsbad Tavern nearby.
5. The Kansas Underground Salt Museum
The last stop on our list is the Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson, Kansas. This museum offers a unique experience where visitors can go 650 feet underground to explore a former salt mine. The tour includes a history of mining in the area and a visit to the Underground Vaults and Storage area, where valuable items such as movie reels and original recordings are stored. The museum also offers a train ride underground, where visitors can see the mine's equipment and tools. Before leaving, we recommend trying the German sausage at the museum's cafe.
Conclusion
If you are embarking on a road trip from Cape Canaveral, Florida, to Dallas, Texas, these five unexpected places should be added to your itinerary. From historic plantations to quirky museums, natural wonders to unique underground experiences, each destination offers something different and exciting. So take a break from the long drive and explore these hidden gems along the way.