A Road Trip from Chattanooga, TN to South Orange, NJ: 5 Unexpected Places to Stop
Are you gearing up for a road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee to South Orange, New Jersey and looking for unexpected stops along the way? Look no further! This exciting route boasts amazing views of historic settlements, unique attractions, and exceptional restaurants. With roughly twelve hours of driving, the route passes through several cities with plenty of places for adventurers of all kinds to take a break. Buckle up and let's explore!
The Halfway Point: Lexington, VA
As the midpoint between Chattanooga and South Orange, Lexington, VA should be the perfect stop to stretch your legs and grab some snacks. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lexington boasts some of Virginia's most beautiful scenery. This small city is home to two historically significant universities, Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute. Visitors can explore the universities' campuses, museums, and other cultural centers. Additionally, they can also engage in other outdoor activities like hiking and camping at nearby Goshen Pass. Don't forget to snap some photos of the city's iconic landmarks such as the VMI Parade Ground and Boxerwood Gardens.
1. Asheville, NC
Located at 220 miles east of Chattanooga, Asheville, NC is a perfect pit-stop along the trip. This artsy and cultural town is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains with vast scenic views. Once you get there, explore Asheville's music, restaurants, and exciting street life. It is a must-visit place for food lovers, famous for its brewers, local farmers, and chefs. Get a taste of Asheville's local delicacies like biscuits, fried chicken, and buttermilk pie at Tupelo Honey Cafe. Asheville's remarkable landmarks include the world-renowned Biltmore Estate, the Art-Deco architecture of the Flat Iron Building, and the Grovewood Village filled with galleries and shops.
2. Lexington, KY
After a five-hour drive from Asheville, the next stop on your journey is Lexington, KY, also known as the 'Horse Capital of the World.' Home to the famous Keeneland Racetrack, Kentucky Horse Park, and many established horse farms, it's a great place to experience the beauty of the horse world. Visitors can take guided tours of the horse farms, enjoy horse racing at Keeneland, and take pleasure in the traditional Southern hospitality in historic downtown. And while in town, be sure to try the hot brown, an iconic local sandwich that is a unique must-have dish at the Brown Hotel.
3. Pittsburgh, PA
Located only four hours from Lexington, Pittsburgh, PA, is a hidden gem in the northeast. The city has come a long way from its industrial past, transforming into a vibrant and modern metropolis with art, culture, and food. Pittsburgh is known for its iconic skyline, bridges, and three rivers that run through the city. Outdoor recreation and sports fans can enjoy a game day at the Heinz Field or PNC Park. Make sure to take a tour of the splendid Carnegie Museum of Art or the Andy Warhol Museum, two of the city's art museums. On the dining scene, a must-try is Primanti Bros., home of the ultimate Pittsburgh sandwich: French fries, coleslaw, and meat piled high on their signature Italian Bread.
4. Lancaster, PA
For a more relaxing break, travelers must visit Lancaster, PA. It's an ideal place to explore the Amish culture and countryside, located only a two-hour drive east of Pittsburgh. Lancaster's scenic farmland is dotted with charming historic towns and picturesque countryside. One of Lancaster's must-visit sites is the Kitchen Kettle Village, which features a variety of unique local shops, homemade goods, and fresh foods. Tourists could also indulge in Pennsylvania Dutch classics such as scrapple, shoofly pie, and chicken pot pie at the Miller's Smorgasbord Restaurant.
5. New York City, NY
The final and ultimate stop on this adventurous road trip is the City of Dreams, New York City. After an easy trip from Lancaster, you'll get to experience the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. From Broadway's famous theaters to world-famous museums and landmarks, the city has something for everyone. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, explore Central Park's beauty, or take in the view of the city from the Empire State Building. Food enthusiasts should not pass the opportunity to grab a slice of New York-style pizza at Di Fara Pizza or indulge in mouth-watering pastrami at Katz Delicatessen.
Conclusion
In summary, this road trip boasts several unexpected places to stop and enjoy the journey from point A to point B. Visitors will have great experiences in Asheville's creative arts scene, Lexington, KY's horse culture, Pittsburgh's beautiful skyline, Lancaster's Amish heritage, and New York City's energetic vibe. So, put on your comfortable shoes, hop in the car, and head out on the adventure of a lifetime!