Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Center Township, PA to Pepper Pike, OH
Have you ever taken a long drive and felt the need to stretch your legs and explore something new along the way? Well, a road trip from Center Township, Pennsylvania to Pepper Pike, Ohio has opportunities to do just that. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, but with these unexpected places to stop along the way, the trip can be extended to an exciting adventure.
Halfway Point: Lordstown, OH
Before diving into the stops, it is essential to highlight the halfway point between Center Township and Pepper Pike, which lands at Lordstown, OH. This small village has a lot to offer with various restaurants and shops along with an interesting historical background. Lordstown is famous for the General Motors plant that was established in 1966 in the village, but unfortunately, in recent years, the plant's production has come to an end. Despite the sadness around the production plant's closure, Lordstown remains a lovely spot to catch a break, and from there, the journey East continues.
1. Greenville, PA - A Town Frozen in Time
As a first stop, traveling around 30 minutes East, Greenville, PA, is hard to miss. This little town is a teenager's dream and a history buff's heaven. Greenville has something for everyone, and visitors are amazed by the preserved 19th-century architecture around the town. Victorian houses and brick streets will make anyone feel like they are in a movie from back in the day. At the center of Greenville stands the magnificent Thiel College, which was established in 1866. Don't leave Greenville without trying their famous Pennsylvania-style pizza at Gia's Pizzaria, which is not your average pizza, combined with the lovely scenery of the town makes this a delightful stop.
Favorite food to eat: Pennsylvania-style pizza
2. Chagrin Falls, OH - A Picturesque Little Village
Around an hour from Greenville, PA is Chagrin Falls, OH, a waterfall lover's paradise. The village is filled with beautiful waterfalls, including the famous 20-foot Main Falls downtown. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful walk around the town, watch a movie at the Chagrin Cinemas, which was established in 1931, and shop for souvenirs at the various shops. The uniqueness of this small village is the constant need to come back, as every season brings its unique charm to the town.
Favorite food to eat: Anything at Rick's Cafe.
3. Ashtabula, OH - A City Rich in History
A little over 30 minutes from Chagrin Falls, OH, Ashtabula, OH is a city with a long history to tell. The Ashtabula Depression is a historical landmark where trains would run through on a 771-foot bridge towering over 70 feet above the ground. Today it's a managed park and a place to catch a breathtaking view of the city. Another historic site is the Hubbard House, built-in 1842, and a museum today that offers a glimpse into the life of Ashtabula residents centuries ago. To recharge for the rest of the journey, visitors can visit Rennick's Meat Market and try their delicious sandwiches.
Favorite food to eat: Rennick's Meat Market sandwiches.
4. Cleveland, OH - Home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, OH, is midway between Ashtabula and Pepper Pike and is a perfect place to grab a few-hour break. This vibrant city has something for everyone, from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to the FirstEnergy Stadium to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Yet, the one place that owners all attention is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, opened in 1983, which had been a tribute to all those who have contributed to the development of rock and roll. Even if visitors are not fans, exploring the six floors of the museum and witnessing the history of rock and roll from the 1950s to current times is worthwhile.
Favorite food to eat: Melt Bar & Grilled Fried Cheese and Lake Erie Perch.
5. Aurora, OH - A Village Full of Surprises
The last stop on the journey to Pepper Pike is Aurora, OH, a quaint village with loads of surprises. Visitors can start with the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, which has over 60 stores of designer clothing and accessory stores. For the more outdoor types, here's the adventure; visiting the Aurora Highlands where visitors can feed and pet alpacas and llamas, including a wagon ride around the 20-acre farm. And last but not least is the Winery at Wolf Creek, a picturesque winery with excellent wine and a stunning view of the vineyards.
Favorite food to eat: The Barn at the Winery at Wolf Creek.
Conclusion
Center township to Pepper Pike may seem like an ordinary drive, but with these exciting places along the way, it's an adventure worth taking. Greenville, Chagrin Falls, Ashtabula, Cleveland, and Aurora have something unique to offer visitors and are only a few of the many small towns in between. Despite the distance, this drive can easily become a weeklong affair, and the surprises don't seem to end. So, why not take a break, dive into the towns' history, and add a memorable experience to life's journey?