Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carlyle, Illinois and Belleville, Ontario

Carlyle, Illinois to Belleville, Ontario is approximately a 12-hour drive. The route takes you through several states, including Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, before crossing the border into Canada. The trip is long but filled with picturesque landscapes, unique small towns, and unexpected places. Here are five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Carlyle, Illinois, to Belleville, Ontario.

Halfway Point: Maumee, OH

Maumee, Ohio, is the perfect halfway point between Carlyle, Illinois, and Belleville, Ontario. It's a small town with a charming downtown area that's worth exploring. Stroll along the shops, cafes, and restaurants for a relaxing break. The Maumee Antique Mall is a must-visit destination for antique enthusiasts. You'll find over 300 dealers selling a wide range of antiques and vintage items. The place is quite extensive, so you could easily spend hours browsing the merchandise.

Favorite Food to Eat: Stop by J & G Pizza Palace for their famed deep-dish pizza. The recipe is a well-guarded family secret that's been handed down for generations.

1. Sandusky, OH: Cedar Point Amusement Park

Cedar Point Amusement Park is the largest amusement park in the world and boasts an impressive 72 rides, including 18 roller coasters. The park spans 364 acres and overlooks Lake Erie. It's a fun-filled destination for all ages, and there's something for everyone. The amusement park offers live entertainment shows, water rides, thrill rides, and more.

Favorite Food to Eat: The park has a famous restaurant called Famous Dave's BBQ. Their signature dishes include ribs, chicken, catfish, and barbeque sandwiches.

2. Erie, PA: Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie. The park provides a unique blend of nature and activities. Visitors can enjoy the beach, swimming, biking, and kayaking. There are several trails around the peninsula, making it an ideal destination for hiking and walking. The park also has an observation tower that provides panoramic views of the lake.

Favorite Food to Eat: Stop by Sara's, a local ice cream shop, for their famed homemade ice cream. They have over 50 flavors to choose from, so there's something for everyone.

3. Buffalo, NY: Anchor Bar

The Anchor Bar is the birthplace of Buffalo wings and still serves some of the best wings in town. The wing sauce is the restaurant's secret recipe, and it's served with crispy wings. The Anchor Bar is an iconic destination in Buffalo and is known for its wings and history.

Favorite Food to Eat: It's all about the wings at the Anchor Bar. Make sure to order them with a side of celery and blue cheese dressing.

4. Watertown, NY: Boldt Castle

Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of New York. The castle was built by George Boldt, the former owner of the Waldorf-Astoria. The castle is known for its beautiful gardens and unique architecture. Visitors can explore the castle's grounds, rooms, and history through guided tours.

Favorite Food to Eat: Stop by the Riverside Diner for comfort food classics such as burgers, fries, and milkshakes.

5. Kingston, Ontario: Kingston Penitentiary

Kingston Penitentiary is a former maximum-security prison in Kingston, Ontario. The prison is famous for its imposing architecture and its historical significance. Visitors can explore the interior and exterior of the building through guided tours. The prison has housed some of Canada's most infamous criminals, such as Paul Bernardo and Clifford Olson.

Favorite Food to Eat: Stop by Chez Piggy for a fine dining experience. The restaurant is located in a 19th-century limestone building and serves contemporary Canadian cuisine.

The Conclusion

This road trip from Carlyle, Illinois, to Belleville, Ontario, is long but filled with unexpected places. Whether you're exploring the world's largest amusement park, enjoying homemade ice cream, or exploring Canada's famous prison, there's something for everyone. The route takes you through several states and provinces, making it an exciting and unique adventure. So, pack your bags, grab some snacks, and hit the road for an unforgettable road trip.