Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chesapeake, Virginia to Middletown, Rhode Island
Driving from Chesapeake, Virginia to Middletown, Rhode Island covers a distance of approximately 600 miles. The journey can take up to 10 hours, depending on traffic and number of stops. Along the way are several hidden gems, each with its unique charm, culture, and history, making the long drive enjoyable. Here are five unexpected places to stop on the route to Middletown that offer a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical significance.
Halfway Point: Woodbury, NJ
Woodbury, NJ, is halfway between Chesapeake and Middletown. It is a charming historic town with a population of about 10,000 people. The town is home to an extensive collection of antique shops, art galleries, and independent boutiques that line the streets downtown. Visitors can explore the city's rich history, which dates back to the early 17th century. The city's landmark buildings, such as the Gloucester County Courthouse, date back to the eighteenth century and offer a glimpse of the city's historic past. The town is also home to several parks, including Woodbury Creek Park, that offers walking trails, picnic spots, and recreational areas.
Favorite Food: Executive Diner's Chicken and Waffles is a must-try dish while in Woodbury. The dish is a delicious combination of crispy fried chicken and golden waffles served with maple syrup.
1. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania
The Gettysburg National Military Park, located in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The park is the site of the Civil War's most significant battle, fought between July 1 and 3, 1863. The park covers over 6,000 acres and offers visitors a chance to observe the battlefield and learn about the events leading up to the war and its aftermath. The park has several museums, including the Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War and the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where visitors can pay their respects.
Favorite Food: The Dobbin House Tavern, a historic restaurant located within the park, offers authentic colonial-style dishes such as chicken pot pie and pepper pot soup.
2. Watkins Glen State Park, New York
Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York state, Watkins Glen State Park is a natural wonder. The park is a popular spot for hiking and offers several trails overlooking spectacular waterfalls, deep gorges, and rock formations. The most famous trail is the Gorge Trail, a two-mile trail that snakes through the park's most unique feature, a 400-foot deep gorge carved by glacial action over centuries.
Favorite Food: The Seneca Lodge, located at the entrance of the park, serves up a mean cheeseburger and hot dogs grilled to perfection.
3. Mystic Seaport Museum, Connecticut
The Mystic Seaport Museum, located in Mystic, Connecticut, is the country's leading maritime museum. The museum is home to the largest collection of historic ships in the United States, including the world's last remaining wooden whaleship, the Charles W. Morgan. Visitors can explore the grounds and the exhibits, which showcase maritime history and artifacts from the 19th century and earlier. The museum offers several guided tours, including a boat tour of the Mystic River.
Favorite Food: The Sea Swirl of Mystic, located a few miles from the museum, serves up delicious seafood such as clam chowder, fried clams, and lobster rolls.
4. Provincetown, MA
Provincetown, located at the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a vibrant beach town that offers a mix of art, culture, and history. The town has several art galleries, museums, and performance spaces that highlight its artistic community. Visitors can explore the Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot tower that pays tribute to the Pilgrims who landed in Provincetown in 1620. The town is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach.
Favorite Food: The Lobster Pot, a local seafood restaurant, serves up fresh seafood such as clam chowder, lobsters, and clams.
5. Narragansett, RI
Narragansett, Rhode Island, is a seaside town located on the southern coast of Rhode Island. The town boasts several beautiful beaches, including Narragansett Town Beach, which is consistently listed as one of the best beaches in the country. Visitors can explore the town's historic landmarks, including the Towers, a pair of stone towers that date back to the late 19th century. The town also has several seafood restaurants that serve up fresh seafood and local specialties.
Favorite Food: Aunt Carrie's, a local seafood restaurant, offers delicious fish and chips and Rhode Island's famous clam cakes.
Driving from Chesapeake, Virginia to Middletown, Rhode Island, offers a unique experience, with several unexpected places to visit along the way. The five destinations highlighted in this article provide a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical significance that make the long drive enjoyable. Don't miss the chance to explore some of the country's most beautiful landscapes and landmarks.