Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from City of Corning, New York and Orlando, Florida

Are you planning to go on a long drive from Corning, New York to Orlando, Florida? Driving is an exciting and adventurous way to travel, and the route from Corning to Orlando is no exception. The drive covers approximately 1,165 miles, and if you take Interstate 95, you will pass through some fascinating towns, cities, and beautiful landscapes.

The drive takes about 18-20 hours, depending on the number of stops you make, driving speeds, and traffic conditions. To break the monotony and enjoy the travel experience, we suggest that you make some stops along the way. Below are five unexpected places that you should not miss on your drive from Corning, New York, to Orlando, Florida.

Halfway Point: Eastover, NC

Before we get to the main five unexpected stops, you have to visit Eastover, NC, the half-way point between Corning and Orlando. Eastover is a small town that offers great food and scenic views. Stop there to freshen up and take a break from driving.

If you are looking for a restaurant in Eastover, Big T’s is an excellent choice. The restaurant serves traditional Southern food, including fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens. You have to try their sweet iced tea, and if you crave something sweet, their banana pudding is fantastic.

1. Sumter, SC – Swan Lake Iris Gardens

If you love nature, Sumter, SC, is a great place to stop. The Swan Lake Iris Gardens is an eight-acre park with a variety of plants, trees, and flowers. The park has over 100 species of Irises, and they bloom from mid-April to early May. Besides the gardens, there are also walking trails, a playground for kids, and a boardwalk.

If you get hungry in Sumter, head over to Willie Sue’s Restaurant, serving Southern Soul Food that will take you to another level. Willie Sue's is known for its fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie.

2. Savannah, GA - Wormsloe Historic Site

Savannah is a charming city that you must visit on your drive to Orlando. The Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the city's best-kept secrets. It is a Colonial-era estate and the oldest standing structure in Savannah.

The highlight of the site is the magnificent avenue of oaks, an iconic signature of Savannah culture. You can also take a guided tour of the historic house, which features period furniture and clothing.

For lunch, you have to try Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, one of Savannah's best-known restaurants, famous for its Southern-style buffet. The menu is packed with southern-style dishes such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, and mashed potatoes, which attract locals and visitors alike.

3. Jacksonville, FL – Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Jacksonville is Florida's largest city and is full of attractions that are worth a visit. One gem of a place in Jacksonville is the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique destination for nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to big cats, including tigers, lions, leopards, and bobcats. You can take guided tours and learn about their behavior, habits, and habitats.

For a taste of authentic Jacksonville cuisine, go to Metro Diner, a diner-style eatery that serves southern-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can try their famous chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and shrimp and grits.

4. St. Augustine, FL – Castillo de San Marcos

St. Augustine is another fantastic city that you should not miss on your driving trip to Orlando. It is the oldest city in the state and has a lot of history and culture to offer visitors. The city is home to the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a Spanish fortress built in the 1600s.

The fortress is made of coquina stone, and its design is unique due to its star shape. You can learn about the fortress's history and explore its interior, climb the staircases and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

For a taste of delicious Floridian seafood, pay a visit to Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille. They serve seafood dishes such as crab cakes, crawfish etouffee, and shrimp and grits, among others.

5. Sanford, FL – Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

If you love zoos and botanical gardens, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, FL, is a must-visit destination. The zoo is home to over 350 animals from various continents, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America. The botanical gardens have over 1000 plant species, including bamboo gardens, butterfly gardens, and wetland plants.

To finish the journey, visit The Old Jailhouse, a restaurant in Sanford that has old-world charm and serves Southern-style cuisine. You can try the fried green tomatoes, smoked alligator sausage, and their classic Southern-fried chicken.

Conclusion

There you have it, five unexpected stops that you can make to break the monotony of driving from Corning, New York, to Orlando, Florida. Visiting these destinations will provide an opportunity to learn about local culture, history, and nature, and indulge in regional cuisine. So, if you plan on taking a long drive, don't be afraid to make these exciting stops and take a break from the highway. There will be plenty of memories to make, experiences to savor, and stories to tell.