Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive From Charlton, Massachusetts to Ormand Beach, Florida

Driving from Charlton, Massachusetts to Ormand Beach, Florida is a long journey, covering a distance of approximately 1,250 miles. It takes around 20 hours of non-stop driving, which can be a boring and exhausting experience. However, there are several beautiful and unexpected places to stop along the way, which can make the journey more enjoyable and memorable. In this article, we'll explore five of the best unexpected places to stop on a drive from Charlton, Massachusetts to Ormond Beach, Florida.

The Halfway Point: Battleboro, NC

Before we dive into the top five, let's stop at the halfway point of the journey, Battleboro, NC. This small town is located about 625 miles from both Charlton and Ormond Beach. Besides being the perfect break point, this town has several cozy motels and inns where you can spend the night and recharge for the next part of the journey.

#1: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires are located in Western Massachusetts and offer scenic mountain views and diverse culture. Take a stop at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts, a summer concert venue where you can enjoy live performances of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Tanglewood Music Festival. You'll also find several art galleries, museums, and historic mansions to explore in the area.

Food to Eat: For a unique culinary experience, have dinner at Nudel in Lenox, Massachusetts, which serves dishes featuring locally-sourced seasonal ingredients.

#2: Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut, a seaside town, is 110 miles from the Berkshires and located on the coast that borders of Rhode Island. The town has scenic views of Long Island Sound, and it's well known for the Mystic Aquarium, where you can see sea creatures like whales, dolphins, and beluga whales. You can see the high point of the town's history in the Mystic Seaport Museum, which is an authentic recreation of New England's Maritime history.

Food to Eat: If you're in the mood for seafood, stop at The Oyster Club. They serve fresh caught catches like scallops, and the atmosphere is exceptionally inviting.

#3: National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, Tennessee

The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee, which is 491 miles away from Mystic, Connecticut and hosted in the former Lorraine Motel, the location where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The exhibit traces the history of the Civil Rights movement, with highlights ranging from ancient slavery treatment to current issues. It's a fantastic educational opportunity and an impactful experience to learn more about history.

Food to Eat: To taste traditional Southern-style barbecue, stop by Central BBQ. It features several homemade sauces and served with melt-in-your-mouth meat.

#4: Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia

Peachtree Street is a famous street located in downtown Atlanta. It's a buzzing area that offers a variety of attractions for visitors, such as the High Museum of Art, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the Atlanta Opera. Not forgetting, it's known for the shopping scene too, with opportunities for boutique and retail shopping. It's an ideal stop for those who enjoy a mixture of attractions and activities.

Food to Eat: The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Midtown offers brunch all day long and a unique bistro-style menu. Enjoy Southern favorites like biscuits and gravy and French toast.

#5: Citrus Tower, Clermont, Florida

After spending over 1,000 miles on the road, the Citrus Tower in Clermont, Florida, is a unique landmark that offers panoramic views of Central Florida's citrus groves and rolling hills. At the top of the tower, you can see the landscape for miles around you. If you're lucky, you might spot a hot air balloon in the sky.

Food to Eat: Pammie’s Sammies in Clermont serves delicious muffuletta, a traditional Sicilian sandwich made with multiple varieties of cold cuts and cheese.

Conclusion

A drive from Charlton, Massachusetts, all the way to Ormond Beach, Florida, is long and tiring, but there are so many incredible and unexpected places to stop along the way. From the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts to sunny Florida, there are various experiences to enjoy. We hope this has inspired you to take a road trip and explore some of these beautiful places. Get some snacks, grab your tunes, and have a wonderful and unforgettable trip.