Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania to Niagara Falls, Ontario
Have you ever embarked on a long road trip looking for adventure and excitement? A drive from Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania to Niagara Falls, Ontario might not seem like the most exhilarating journey, but if you take a closer look, you'll discover plenty of hidden gems along the way. This 420-mile drive typically takes around seven hours and is filled with breathtaking scenery, small towns, and unique stops. Here are five unexpected places to stop on your drive from Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania, to Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Elmira, NY – The Halfway Point
Before diving into the unexpected stops, let's highlight the halfway point of the trip: Elmira, NY. This town is located on the southern border of New York and is home to the National Soaring Museum. It's a fascinating place to stop and learn all about gliders and their history. Elmira also boasts the John W. Jones Museum, which honors the life of the Underground Railroad's stationmaster. The museum displays exhibits, artifacts, and the abolitionist's former home. If you're in the mood for some nostalgia, visit Mark Twain's Study, where he wrote some of his beloved books.
1. Reading, PA – Midpoint Ice Cream and More
The perfect place to stop for a snack is Midpoint Ice Cream and More in Reading, PA! It's halfway between Chestnuthill Township and Elmira, and their handcrafted ice cream is the perfect treat to refuel. They have unique flavors like lavender blueberry and tequila sunrise sorbet along with classic favorites like chocolate chip cookie dough and mint chocolate chip. If you're in the mood for something savory, they have hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches.
2. Watkins Glen, NY – Watkins Glen State Park
Watkins Glen is a haven for nature lovers. The Watkins Glen State Park is a stunning natural gorge with 19 waterfalls and over 800 stone steps. It's an excellent place to go for a hike and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. You can also visit the Church of the Holy Trinity and enjoy the in-house library and collection of religious art. The town has several breweries and vineyards, and it's a great opportunity to sample some of the local beverages.
3. Syracuse, NY – Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is an incredible restaurant in Syracuse that offers some of the best barbeque on the East Coast. It's a rustic, casual spot with outdoor seating right next to the river, and a fantastic menu that includes crispy fried green tomatoes, jumbo BBQ wings, and Carolina pulled pork sandwiches. They offer unique cocktails like the Swamp Water and a slew of craft beers. It's a must-go restaurant for anyone driving from Chestnuthill Township to Niagara Falls.
4. Rochester, NY – Rochester Public Market
Rochester is another great stop during your drive to Niagara Falls. The Rochester Public Market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 5 am to 3 pm and features over 300 vendors. You can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and a variety of exotic items. It's a great opportunity to explore the local culture and learn about the different ethnicities that make up Rochester.
5. Tonawanda, NY – Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, located near Tonawanda, NY, is a great place to visit with children. The museum features exhibits on the history of carousels along with restored wooden horses and painted zoo animals. You can stop and ride on a vintage carousel or play games in the arcade. It's an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of carousels and appreciate their uniqueness.
After all these fun stops, it's hard to understand why anyone would not take this journey from Chestnuthill Township, Pennsylvania, to Niagara Falls, Ontario. You'll not only see breathtaking scenery and vistas, but you'll also experience small towns filled with adventure, scrumptious food, and fascinating museums. Do yourself a favor, pack up your bags, hit the road, and have some fun on this seven-hour drive!