Top Five Places to Visit on a Trip Between Chesapeake, Virginia and Burlington, Vermont
If you're planning a road trip between Chesapeake, Virginia, and Burlington, Vermont, you're in for a treat! The Eastern Seaboard is full of exciting, historic, and beautiful destinations to explore. In this article, we'll cover the top five places to visit on your journey, highlighting unique attractions, stops, and experiences to break up your trip.
Route and Halfway Point: North Brunswick, NJ
Before we get into our top five destinations, let's talk about the route and our halfway point. The trip from Chesapeake to Burlington covers roughly 630 miles and can take anywhere from 10-12 hours depending on traffic and stops. The most direct route takes you up the Eastern Seaboard on I-95, passing through the major metropolitan areas of Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. However, we recommend taking a more scenic route that will allow you to explore a few more hidden gems along the way.
Our halfway point is North Brunswick, New Jersey, a quaint town located about halfway between Chesapeake and Burlington. North Brunswick offers a variety of chain and local restaurants, as well as several hotels and motels for a comfortable night's rest. Make sure to check out the Boyd Park & Arboretum, which features a butterfly garden, a walking path, and access to the Raritan River.
Top Five Destinations
Wilmington, Delaware - Stunning Scenery and Historic Sites
Our first destination is Wilmington, Delaware, located about 2.5 hours north of Chesapeake. Known for its beautiful scenery, Wilmington is home to the Brandywine River Museum of Art, which features an extensive collection of American art, including works by the Wyeth family. For outdoor enthusiasts, Wilmington offers several parks, including the Brandywine Creek State Park, where you can hike, fish, and picnic. History buffs will enjoy the Delaware History Museum, which showcases the rich history of not only Delaware but the entire Mid-Atlantic region.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - The City of Brotherly Love
Continuing north from Wilmington, we arrive in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the city of brotherly love. Philadelphia is known for its rich history, including its role in the American Revolution and its famous Liberty Bell. Visitors can explore Independence National Historical Park, which includes Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. There's also the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring an extensive collection of art from around the world, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. Don't forget to try a Philly cheesesteak while you're in town!
New York City, New York - The City That Never Sleeps
Traveling north from Philadelphia, we arrive in New York City, the city that never sleeps. There's no shortage of things to see and do in the Big Apple, including the iconic Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Take a stroll through Times Square or catch a Broadway show. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum pays tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and is a sobering but important destination to visit. Don't forget to grab a slice of New York-style pizza, too!
Stowe, Vermont - A Quaint New England Village
Our final two destinations are in Vermont, known for its stunning fall foliage and charm. Stowe, Vermont, is a beautiful New England village located about an hour and a half east of Burlington. Take a walk through the historic downtown area and explore the specialty shops and art galleries. The Stowe Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, while the nearby Green Mountain National Forest provides opportunities for hiking and camping.
Burlington, Vermont - A College Town with Picturesque Views
Our final destination is Burlington, Vermont, a charming college town situated on the shores of Lake Champlain. Enjoy scenic views of the lake and the nearby Adirondack Mountains from Battery Park or take a stroll down the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and live music. Don't miss the Burlington Farmer's Market, held every Saturday during the summer months, featuring local vendors selling fresh produce, crafts, and more.
Conclusion
While the journey from Chesapeake to Burlington is long, breaking it up with stops at each of these unique and exciting destinations will make for a much more enjoyable trip. From the historical sites of Philadelphia to the picturesque views of Stowe and Burlington, there's no shortage of things to see, do, and explore along the Eastern Seaboard. Happy travels!