Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Columbus, Ohio

Have you ever embarked on a road trip that ended up being more memorable for the unexpected pit stops? The drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio, is no different. In fact, it’s a scenic route that takes about eight hours. This route is perfect for a weekend getaway or a mini-vacation. The best way to take it all in is to take the scenic route, which adds another hour to the drive. Here are five unexpected places to stop and visit on your next drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Columbus, Ohio.

Halfway Stop: Berea, KY

Before we get to our main destinations, let's talk about Berea, KY. It is the halfway mark between Chattanooga and Columbus, Ohio. This charming town is a great place to take a pit stop and stretch your legs. The Berea Crafts Festival is held annually, and it features over 100 artists and craftspeople, so it's worth timing your trip to coincide with it. Other must-see sights in Berea include the Kentucky Artisans Center and the Little Boone Creek Outdoor Education center.

1. The Land of Oz, Beech Mountain, NC

Did you know that there is a Wizard of Oz theme park in North Carolina? It's called the Land of Oz, and it’s located in Beech Mountain, North Carolina. It was opened in 1970, but it was shut down in 1980, and the park fell into disrepair. However, in the late 90s, the park opened again from June to November, giving people a chance to experience the Yellow Brick Road once more. Visitors can walk the iconic yellow brick road and meet a cast of Oz characters, including Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. The top attraction has to be the tornado ride — a trip through a simulated twister.

What to eat: The park offers food and drink sold at Auntie Em's Kitchen.

2. The American Sign Museum, Cincinnati, OH

If you're a vintage signage enthusiast, you won't want to miss the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. The museum features over 20,000 square feet of signage from neon, to wood, to made of metal. There are over 200 signs on display, with some dating back to the 1800s. The museum also showcases the historic design and development of signs, which we take for granted today. You can even purchase souvenirs that are replicas of the iconic signs you see everywhere.

What to eat: Skyline Chili is a must-eat in Cincinnati, no questions asked.

3. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-stop destination for any music lover. The Hall of Fame is home to over 30,000 records, photographs, and other memorabilia, as well as numerous exhibits featuring famous artists, instruments, and even music videos. If you're lucky, you might even get to see a concert. They have an impressive lineup all year round, and it's worth checking out their events calendar.

What to eat: Slyman's is a Cleveland institution known for their hefty corned beef sandwich.

4. The Warther Carvings Museum, Dover, OH

Next on our list is the Warther Carvings Museum in Dover, Ohio. This museum features intricate wood carvings of locomotives, as well as a collection of early 20th-century tools. The museum is home to over 50 steam-powered engines, including a model of Ohio Central No. 17, which has over 8,000 parts.

What to eat: Eat a hearty Italian meal at the Dover House before your visit to the museum.

5. The National Museum of Cambridge Glass, Cambridge, OH

The final stop on our list is the National Museum of Cambridge Glass in Cambridge, Ohio. It boasts an extensive collection of Cambridge Glass, which was one of the most prominent and influential makers of fine glass in the United States in the early 20th century. The museum features one of the largest glass collections in the United States, with over 5,000 pieces on display.

What to eat: A visit to Cambridge isn’t complete without trying their delicious locally brewed beers from the Cambridge Brewing Company.

In conclusion, there are many reasons to take a road trip from Chattanooga to Columbus, Ohio. If you're looking for a unique and memorable adventure, these five unexpected stops will give you just that. With so much to see and do, there's never been a better time to hit the road and let the journey be the destination. So pack your bags, hop in the car, and enjoy the ride!