Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chantilly, Virginia and Lower Salford Township, Pennsylvania
Chantilly, Virginia, and Lower Salford Township, Pennsylvania are the starting and ending points of a trip that covers almost 180 miles in less than three hours. Along the way, there are many fantastic attractions, from educational museums to scenic parks, and delicious restaurants. The halfway point is Aberdeen, MD - a historic city situated between Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Here are some of the top things to do on this exciting road trip.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit Montpelier Mansion
Located in Laurel, MD, Montpelier Mansion is a historical house built between 1781-1785. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark, famous for its Neo-Palladian architectural style. Visitors can tour the mansion and explore the beautiful grounds. Be sure to take a glimpse of the stunning rooftop belvedere, once used as a lookout tower during the War of 1812.
Catch a Game at PNC Park
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is home to the PNC Park, one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums in the country. Catching a Pirates game is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, with views of downtown Pittsburgh's skyline and the Allegheny River. The park hosts different types of events throughout the year, including concerts and fireworks.
Get Lost in the Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is not only famous for its delicious cheesesteaks, but also for its historical prisons. The Eastern State Penitentiary was a model prison in the 1800s due to its unique system of isolation and reform. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the prison and see the cells of notorious criminals like Al Capone and Willie Sutton.
Explore Cherry Springs State Park
Located in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, Cherry Springs State Park is known for its stunning clear night sky full of stars. It is one of the few places on the East Coast where you can see the Milky Way and Northern Lights. During the day, visitors can hike, bike, or have a picnic while enjoying the beautiful nature.
Visit Bull Run Regional Park
Bull Run Regional Park is situated in Northern Virginia, just a few miles away from Chantilly. It's a beautiful park with over 1500 acres of green space, including a water park, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy water activities like fishing or kayaking in the 5.2-mile river.
Interesting Facts
- Montpelier Mansion was featured in an episode of the X-Files called "The List."
- The PNC park is situated on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, right on the spot where Fort Duquesne once stood.
- The Eastern State Penitentiary's cells were designed to prevent any interaction between prisoners, and the prison was the model for more than 300 others worldwide.
- Cherry Springs State Park was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2008, one of only a few around the globe.
- Bull Run Regional Park hosts over 200,000 visitors every year, making it one of the most popular parks in the area.
Conclusion
This road trip from Chantilly, Virginia, to Lower Salford Township, Pennsylvania, passing through Aberdeen, MD, is an amazing way to spend a weekend. Visitors can enjoy the historical significance of the Eastern State Penitentiary, a unique experience at Cherry Springs State Park, and the beautiful Bull Run Regional Park. Along the route, there are many exciting attractions to visit, including Montpelier Mansion and PNC Park. This trip is perfect for everyone, whether traveling with family or friends, and it will take less than three hours to complete. Don't miss this exciting adventure!