Top Five Best Places to Visit on a Trip Between Cedar Rapids, Iowa and North Babylon, New York

Looking to hit the road for an adventure between Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and North Babylon, New York? Here are the top five best places to visit along the way!

Halfway Point: Elyria, OH

Before we dive into the top five best places to visit on this road trip, let's talk about the halfway point: Elyria, OH. This small city is located just a few miles west of the halfway point between Cedar Rapids and North Babylon. While it might not be a destination in itself, it's a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and explore some local shops. If you're looking for something to do, check out the Lorain County History Center, which features exhibits about the history of the area, including a display about Elyria's own Charles Martin Hall, who invented a method for producing aluminum on an industrial scale.

1. Chicago, IL: Art and Architecture

About 200 miles west of Elyria, you'll find yourself in the Windy City: Chicago, IL. This is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art and architecture. The city is known for its skyscrapers, including the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1973. You can also take an architecture boat tour to see some of the city's famous buildings from the river. If you're more into art than architecture, be sure to check out the Art Institute of Chicago, which has an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, among others.

2. Pittsburgh, PA: Food, Art, and History

As you head east from Chicago, Pittsburgh, PA, is a great destination to add to your list. This city has undergone a bit of a renaissance in recent years, and there's plenty to see and do. Start with the food: Pittsburgh is known for its Primanti Bros. sandwiches, which are piled high with meat, cheese, and french fries. If you're looking for something a bit healthier, check out the Strip District, which has a variety of locally owned restaurants and food shops. The city is also home to several museums, including the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Heinz History Center.

3. Hershey, PA: Chocolate and Fun

About 230 miles east of Pittsburgh, you'll find Hershey, PA, home of Hersheypark and the Hershey's Chocolate World attraction. This is a great place to take kids, but even adults will enjoy the chocolate-themed rides and attractions at Hersheypark. Chocolate World offers tours of the Hershey's factory, as well as a variety of chocolate-themed activities and souvenirs. If you're looking for something a bit more grown-up, check out the Hershey Theatre, which features a variety of productions throughout the year.

4. Philadelphia, PA: History and Culture

About 100 miles east of Hershey, you'll find yourself in the City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia, PA. This city is full of history and culture, and there's plenty to see and do here. Start with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, both of which played important roles in American history. If you're a fan of art, check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which has an impressive collection of works from around the world. If you're looking for something a bit quirkier, check out the Magic Gardens, a mosaic-covered art installation that covers half a block in the South Street area.

5. New York City, NY: Big City, Big Fun

As you head northeast from Philadelphia, your final destination is just a few hours away: New York City. There's no shortage of things to do in the Big Apple, whether you're into art, theater, or just exploring new neighborhoods. If you've never been before, start with some of the classics: the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. If you're looking for something a bit more offbeat, check out the High Line, an elevated park built on an old railroad track, or the Tenement Museum, which explores the lives of immigrant families who lived in the Lower East Side in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Overall, this road trip from Cedar Rapids to North Babylon has something for everyone. Whether you're into art, history, chocolate, or big cities, these five destinations are sure to entertain and inspire you on your journey. So pack your bags, hit the road, and have a great trip!