Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carlisle, Pennsylvania and Neptune City, New Jersey
Have you ever taken a road trip and wanted to find hidden gems off the beaten path? If so, this article is for you! This route takes you from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to Neptune City, New Jersey, and showcases five unexpected places to stop along the way. The entire trip takes around four hours, but with these stops, it's sure to be a memorable experience.
Halfway Point: Malvern, PA
Before diving into the five unexpected places to stop, it's essential to mention the halfway point of the trip - Malvern, PA. This charming town located in Chester County boasts unique boutiques, delicious eateries, and intriguing history. Take time to explore the Great Valley, where hundreds of years ago, the indigenous Lenape tribe inhabited the land. The town also has ties to the Underground Railroad and played a significant role in the Civil War. A must-see while in Malvern is the Wharton Esherick Museum, showcasing the quirky and distinct art of Wharton Esherick.
1. Lititz, PA- Wilbur's Chocolate Company
Lititz, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1756 and is known as America's coolest small town. While there are many reasons to visit Lititz, one of the most decadent is Wilbur's Chocolate Company. The music of the bean grinder greets visitors as they step inside this chocolate haven, and fresh chocolate aromas fill the air. Wilbur's chocolate has been delighting taste buds since 1884. Tour the chocolate museum on site and enjoy the chocolate-covered pretzels, which are a local favorite.
Favorite food: Chocolate-covered pretzels!
2. Elysburg, PA- Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels Amusement Resort is a destination in itself. This unique Pennsylvania attraction is hand-built and family-owned. Knoebels welcoms visitors to experience numerous rides, a beautiful wooden carousel, and the famous Grand Carousel Museum. The park itself covers 45 acres and has no admission fee. Taste Knoebel's authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine, such as fresh-baked pies and hand-rolled soft pretzels.
Favorite food: Hand-rolled soft pretzels!
3. Pottstown, PA - Sly Fox Brewing Company
After a day of sightseeing, take a moment to relax and enjoy some hand-crafted beer at Sly Fox Brewing Company. This brewery has been serving the Montgomery County area since 1995 and has earned several awards for its beer-making prowess. Sly Fox's beer can be found throughout the region, but the brewery has a wide variety of seasonal and small-batch specialties only available at its Pottstown location.
Favorite food: Pretzel bites and beer cheese dip!
4. Allentown, PA - The Allentown Art Museum
The Allentown Art Museum is right off of I-78 and an impressive sight from the highway. The museum features over 11,000 works of art and collections that have been amassed over several decades. The Museum is home to a vast collection of classic European artwork, American art, and Asian art. The Museum also offers classes, events, and unique workshops for visitors to participate in.
Favorite food: A true cannoli from the Carmelcorn Shop.
5. New Brunswick, NJ - Rutgers Gardens
Rutgers Gardens is not only the perfect stop for garden enthusiasts, but it is also a great spot for anyone who needs to stretch their legs after a long car ride. The gardens span across 180 acres and offer a wide range of horticultural experiences. Visitors can participate in educational programming, gorgeous garden tours, and family-friendly activities. There is even a food stand on-site selling fresh produce from the garden.
Favorite food: A fresh and ripe Jersey tomato!
In conclusion, this route from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to Neptune City, New Jersey, is a fantastic way to explore hidden treasures off the beaten path. Take the time to check out these unique and exciting stops, each with their own picture-perfect moments and delicious eats. Road trip yourself to Pennsylvania and New Jersey to have an unforgettable experience!