Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cincinnati, Ohio to Waltham, Massachusetts

Traveling by car is one of the best ways to explore new places, and the road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Waltham, Massachusetts is no exception. This trip offers spectacular views, historic landmarks, and delicious food. The journey covers approximately 875 miles and takes around 13 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops along the way. Here are five unexpected places to make a pit stop during the journey.

Halfway Point: Buffalo, NY

Before we dive into the other unexpected places to stop during the journey from Cincinnati to Waltham, let's talk about Buffalo, NY, which is half-way from the start line to the finish. Buffalo is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Erie and is rich in history. It is home to several attractions, such as the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, where visitors can glance through the magnificent art pieces. Make sure you explore other places like the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and the Buffalo Zoo. So, why not break up your journey and spend some time discovering Buffalo, NY?

1. Corning Museum of Glass

If you are an art enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY is the ideal spot to visit. This museum was established in 1951 and features more than 50,000 glass objects that span over 3,500 years of history. Visitors can participate in glassblowing workshops, exhibitions, and demos. Glass making is a fine art that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. After exploring the museum, visitors can stop by the Museum Cafe and savor delicious burgers and soups.

2. Watkins Glen State Park

Located in Watkins Glen, NY, Watkins Glen State Park features a stunning gorge trail, waterfalls, rock formations, and quiet picnic areas. It is a popular recreation site for hikers, picnickers, and nature lovers alike. Visitors can hike the Gorge Trail and explore the glen, hear the waterfalls, and revel in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's the perfect stopover spot, especially for families traveling along the route. There are multiple restaurants in and around Watkins Glen where visitors can find a variety of delicious meal options, including the famous Spicy BBQ Ribs at the Rooster Fish Brewing Pub.

3. Shelburne Farms

When driving from Cincinnati, OH, to Waltham, MA, be sure to put Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT, on your itinerary. The farm is a National Historic Landmark and a non-profit organization that invites visitors to explore and learn about grassroots education practices, sustainability, and creativity. Shelburne Farms hosts several exciting programs and events, including camping, cheese making workshops, and trail walking in the farm's forest. The farm features many scrumptious food options, including freshly made Vermont cheddar cheese, tomato soup, and Rice Pudding.

4. Concord, MA

Concord, MA, is a delightful town nestled in the state of Massachusetts, about 20 miles northwest of Boston. It is full of American history, quaint inns, and small boutique shops that make this stopover spot a must-visit. The town was the site of the famous Battle of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution, which was fought on April 19, 1775. Visitors can explore the historic sites like Old North Bridge, Minute Man National Park, and The Concord Museum. After exploring Concord, MA, visitors can dine at Woods Hill Table, known for its farm-to-table menu.

5. Naumkeag

If you count yourself as someone who appreciates surreal gardens, then Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA, is the place to be. Naumkeag Garden is a historical, 44-acre summer retreat developed by Joseph Choate, a renowned attorney and ambassador. It takes visitors to a different world, filled with lush gardens, terraced lawns, blue spruce trees, and stone walls. The trails weave through the gardens and take visitors through a Chinese garden, a rose garden, and a grand May Apple Folly. After a peaceful stroll through the gardens, visitors can try some of the scrumptious dishes at The Red Lion Inn.

As you can see, the road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Waltham, Massachusetts covers a vast distance, but there are numerous exciting spots to explore along the way. From a glass museum and gardens to historic landmarks and picturesque towns, each stop has something different to offer. With the promise of delicious food at each location, there's no reason not to break up the drive into several journeys. So go ahead, pack your bags, and embark on an adventure today!