Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Albany, NY to Bethesda, MD

Are you planning a road trip from the City of Albany, New York, to Bethesda, Maryland, and looking for unique stops along the way? The route is approximately 375 miles, and it takes about six hours to drive, excluding any stops and traffic. But why not break up the drive by visiting some unexpected places and creating unforgettable memories? Here are five unexpected stops worth considering on your next road trip from Albany to Bethesda.

1. The Olana State Historic Site (Hudson, NY)

Olana State Historic Site is located in Hudson, New York, about 40 miles away from Albany. It was once the home of Frederic Edwin Church, an artist, and a key figure in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. The house is considered a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and decorated with Middle Eastern-inspired interiors. Visitors can tour the house and enjoy the panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. Not to be missed, the Persian-style gardens are a wonder to behold.

For lunch or a coffee break, visit the nearby Lil' Deb's Oasis, a quirky restaurant serving creative Latin-inspired cuisine. Try the fish tacos or the vegetarian empanadas.

2. Dia: Beacon (Beacon, NY)

Dia: Beacon is a modern art museum located in a former Nabisco box printing factory. It is a large-scale exhibition space known for its high-quality, archival presentations of artists' work. The museum's collection includes important examples from the 1960s to the present day of Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Land Art, and more. Don't miss the installation of Dan Flavin's fluorescent light pieces, which were created specifically for the Beacon location.

After exploring Dia: Beacon, head to the nearby Beacon Bread Company, a bakery that serves fresh bread, pastries, and sandwiches. Their egg and cheese on a croissant is a crowd favorite.

3. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Delaware Water Gap, PA)

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a stunning natural area that spans 70,000 acres and 40 miles of the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The park has numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and riverside beaches making it a perfect stop for nature lovers. The area was formed by the erosion of the Pocono Mountains and provides many scenic overlooks for photographers to capture the natural beauty.

For a quick bite, visit the J&J Deli in Delaware Water Gap for a delicious sandwich. Try their famous "Italian Stallion" sandwich filled with prosciutto, capicola, and provolone.

4. Hershey's Chocolate World (Hershey, PA)

Hershey's Chocolate World is a dream destination for chocolate lovers of all ages. Visitors can take a factory tour-style ride to see how chocolate is made, create their candy bar, and enjoy a tasting experience with over a dozen flavors of milk chocolate. The fun doesn't stop there, visitors can try Hershey's chocolate-inspired treats at the food court or explore the many shops selling Hershey's merchandise.

For lunch, try the grilled cheese sandwich at the Cocoa Beanery and enjoy the view of the surrounding gardens.

5. Baltimore Museum of Art (Baltimore, MD)

The Baltimore Museum of Art is a world-class museum located in Baltimore, Maryland, with an extensive collection of over 95,000 works of art. Visitors can marvel at the museum's collection of Matisse masterpieces or contemporary artists' works, including Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, and Jasper Johns. Don't miss the Cone Collection gallery featuring artworks of Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.

For a late lunch, visit the nearby La Cuchara, a Basque-inspired restaurant with delectable dishes like grilled octopus or roasted pork shoulder.

Conclusion

On your next road trip from Albany, New York, to Bethesda, Maryland, take a break from the monotony of the highway and explore some unexpected places. These unique stops offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring Victorian architecture and modern art to indulging in chocolate and nature. Each place offers ample opportunities to relax, recharge, and create unforgettable memories. Don't be afraid to deviate from the beaten path; it's an adventure waiting to happen. Bon voyage!