Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cary, North Carolina to Waverly, New York

Driving a long distance can be a tedious task, but it can be made enjoyable by taking some unexpected stops on the way. A road trip from Cary, North Carolina, to Waverly, New York, takes approximately 10 hours and covers approximately 600 miles. The route takes you through Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the New York Catskill Mountains. The journey is filled with panoramic views, delightful small towns, and significant landmarks. Here are five unexpected places to stop along the way to add some excitement, delicious food, and memories to your trip.

Halfway Point: Falls Church, VA

Before exploring the stopovers, a halfway point is an ideal place to stretch your legs, grab some food, and recharge your energy. Falls Church, Virginia, is the exact midpoint between Cary and Waverly, NY, and it provides a perfect opportunity to break a long driving journey. Falls Church has an inviting small-town charm, and visitors can explore numerous walkable paths, several gardens, shops, and restaurants. To make a stopover even more exciting, one can visit the State Theater, which hosts live performances and movies.

1. Natural Bridge of Virginia

The Natural Bridge of Virginia is a geological formation consisting of a natural arch spanning across a limestone gorge. It is the oldest tourist attraction in America, and visiting this natural wonder can add some geological education to your trip. The location has trails for hiking, camping, and picnic spots, providing a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, and relax with a beautiful view. Natural Bridge is only a few minutes off the Interstate-81 in Virginia, and visitors can drive up to the location, park and enjoy to their heart’s content. The local coffee shops and restaurants offer delicious coffee and cuisines to rejuvenate your driving stamina.

2. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is an excellent stop if you are interested in learning about the Chesapeake Bay cultural heritage and waterman's way of life. The museum has twelve exhibits and interactive exhibits that describe the Bay's boat building, crabbing, oystering, and fishing history. The kids can even have some fun crabbing, riding on fishing boats, and exploring the floating trees exhibit. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is located in St. Michaels, Maryland, and provides a perfect opportunity to learn about the Bay and its maritime heritage. St. Michaels has several restaurants that serve delicious local seafood, oysters, and crab cakes, making it even difficult to leave this small town.

3. Hershey's Chocolate World, Pennsylvania

Hershey's Chocolate World is a must-visit stopover for people with sweet tooths. The bigger part of Hershey is dedicated to chocolate, and visitors can learn about the history, manufacturing, and process of chocolate making. The visitors can take a tour on the Chocolate-making process on which they demonstrate how chocolate bars are made from cocoa beans. Visitors can explore the chocolate world in various ways, like taking a trolley tour, following chocolate trails, or designing a Hershey bar wrapper. Hershey's Chocolate World in Pennsylvania has several food courts that serve a variety of chocolate-themed dishes like ice creams, cakes, and milkshakes.

4. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is an art museum located on South Street, Philadelphia. The museum's creation is the work of mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, who used non-conventional materials to make the art museum. The museum has several rooms which depict Isaiah's personal life, vision and cultural heritage, and visitors can explore the artwork. Guests have an opportunity to interact with the various interactive exhibits located around the Magic Garden. Philadelphia is known for its junk food, and visitors can hog on cheese steaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, and tasty Philly's water ice.

5. Binghamton Zoo At Ross Park, New York

The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is a good place to mark your ending of the road trip. The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is located in Binghamton, New York, and is one of the oldest zoos in the USA. The 90-acre facility hosts 192 animals from 80 different species, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings while exploring the exhibits. The various animal habitats at Ross Park Zoo include the Tropical Rainforest, African Savannah, and Arctic Tundra. The zoo has a snack shop that serves many delicious treats such as hot dogs, ice cream, and burgers.

In conclusion, stopping at unexpected places can make your long drive enjoyable and memorable. Cary to Waverly, New York, is a long journey, and taking stops at different places, one can make the journey pleasant and fun. The above-mentioned places are suitable for people from all age groups, provide exciting history, art, and geology lessons, and have delicious cuisines to offer. So, pack your bags, get your car ready, and embark on a journey of a lifetime.