Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chesapeake, Virginia to Freeburg, Illinois
Have you ever dreamed of taking a road trip that will bring you across the United States, but you're not sure where to stop? Well, why not take a trip from Chesapeake, Virginia to Freeburg, Illinois and make five unexpected stops along the way? This drive will take you approximately 10 hours to complete, but with five unique stops along the way, it won't seem that long.
The halfway point of this trip is a little town called Catlettsburg, KY. This small city is located at the junction of the Big Sandy River and the Ohio River, making it a hub for commerce and trade. While you're stopping at this halfway point, make sure to visit the Bob Amos Park. This park features several hiking trails, a playground, and picnic tables. It's a great place to stretch your legs and have a small picnic lunch.
Now, let's get to the five unexpected places you should visit on this trip.
The Foamhenge in Natural Bridge, VA: Located in Natural Bridge, VA, The Foamhenge, is a full-size replica of the Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, England. The monument was created by Mark Cline using foam and has gained fame as a quirky roadside attraction. Here, you can marvel at the foam structure, learn about the concept, and snap a few memorable photographs. Make sure to grab some fried chicken from the nearby Chick-fil-A on your way out.
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA: The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA is a bird lover's paradise. The Aviary is home to over 500 birds, including flamingos, penguins, owls, and eagles. They have both indoor and outdoor exhibits where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the birds. Be sure to try the award-winning pulled pork sandwich from their Atria's kiosk.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH: A trip to Ohio is not complete without seeing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Cleveland, OH. This museum is home to over 50,000 items relating to rock and roll history. There are permanent exhibits as well as special exhibits that rotate throughout the year. Don't forget to grab a slice of Cleveland-style pizza from Vincenza's Pizza on your way out.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, IN: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the famous Indy 500, is a must-visit stop when driving through Indianapolis, IN. Take a tour of the track, visit the museum, and even ride in one of the track's high-speed vehicles. If you're looking for a bite to eat, grab some Indiana-style fried pork tenderloin from Mug-n-Bun.
The Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville, IL: The Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville, IL is a great destination for history buffs. The mounds are the remains of an ancient Native American city that was home to more than 20,000 people from around 1050 A.D. to 1200 A.D. Visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of the Mississippian civilization at the Interpretive Center, and even climb one of the mounds to get a great view of the surrounding land. Make sure to grab a slice of St. Louis-style pizza from Imo's Pizza before leaving town.
In conclusion, driving from Chesapeake, Virginia to Freeburg, Illinois may not sound like the most exciting trip in the world, but with these five unexpected stops, it will be an adventure worth taking. From seeing a foam replica of Stonehenge to climbing a Native American mound, this trip will be packed with fun and interesting experiences. So, grab your best road trip snacks and hit the road!