Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Easton, Pennsylvania

Are you planning a road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Easton, Pennsylvania and looking for some unique stops to make along the way? This 850-mile drive can take around 14 hours non-stop, but why not make the most of it by exploring some of the hidden gems that lay off the beaten path? Here are five unexpected places that are definitely worth a visit.

The Halfway Point: Troutville, VA

Before we dive into the five unique stops, let's talk about the halfway point of this trip – Troutville, Virginia. This charming small town conveniently located near I-81 is a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.

One of the most popular attractions in Troutville is the Natural Bridge State Park. This stunning natural wonder was carved out by Cedar Creek and provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take a leisurely walk along the Cedar Creek Trail or hike up to the Lace Falls Overlook for some stunning views of the waterfall.

1. Fossil Handprints, Chilhowie, VA

Located about an hour north of Troutville lies the town of Chilhowie, Virginia. What makes this town unique is the fossil handprints located at the Saltville Quarry. These handprints date back over 300 million years ago and were made by prehistoric animals that lived in the area during the Permian Period.

Aside from the fossil handprints, Chilhowie is also famous for its southern-style cuisine. Stop by the Riverfront Restaurant for some mouth-watering fried chicken or grab a slice of pizza from Tony's Pizza and Subs.

2. Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center, Middletown, MD

Located just under two hours north of Chilhowie lies Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center in Middletown, Maryland. This beautiful park features over 130 acres of hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and a nature center with interactive exhibits.

One of the most popular trails in the park is the Pond Loop Trail, which is an easy 1-mile hike that takes you around the park's picturesque pond. If you're lucky, you may even spot some of the wildlife that call this park home, including muskrats, beavers, and various species of birds.

When it comes to food, stop by the Main Cup for some elevated American cuisine with a fantastic wine list to match.

3. Hershey's Chocolate World, Hershey, PA

If you have a sweet tooth, you won't want to miss Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, located just over an hour northeast of Middletown. This interactive attraction allows visitors to learn about the history of chocolate, see how it's made, and of course, taste all the chocolate they can handle.

Be sure to take a ride on the Hershey's Chocolate Tour, which takes you through a simulated chocolate factory and ends with a complimentary chocolate sample. After your tour, stop by the Bake Shoppe for some freshly baked treats or grab a bite to eat at the Cafe Zooka.

4. Peddler's Village, New Hope, PA

Located just under an hour east of Hershey's Chocolate World is Peddler's Village in New Hope, Pennsylvania. This charming shopping and dining destination features over 70 unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

One of the most popular restaurants in Peddler's Village is Earl's New American, which boasts a farm-to-table menu and a fantastic craft beer selection. After your meal, stop by the Cock 'n Bull for some homemade ice cream or fudge.

5. Easton Farmers' Market, Easton, PA

The final stop on this road trip is the oldest continuously operated open-air farmers' market in the country, the Easton Farmers' Market. Located in downtown Easton, Pennsylvania, this market dates back over 269 years and is full of local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and so much more.

Aside from the delicious food, the market also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including live music, cooking demonstrations, and yoga classes. Be sure to stop by the Go Go Gourmet for some fantastic gourmet sandwiches and baked goods before heading back on the road.

Conclusion

From fossil handprints to chocolate tastings, this road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Easton, Pennsylvania is full of surprises. These five stops offer something for everyone, whether you want to immerse yourself in nature or indulge in some delicious food. Don't just rush through this road trip; take the time to explore all the hidden gems along the way. Trust us, it will be worth the extra time and effort.