Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from New Rochelle, NY to Hatboro, PA
The drive from New Rochelle, NY to Hatboro, PA is approximately 115 miles and can be completed in just over 2 hours. While the route is relatively straightforward, there are a few unexpected places that are worth stopping at to break up the journey and experience some unique sights and tastes along the way.
Halfway Point: Milltown, NJ
Before diving into the list of unexpected places to stop, it's worth mentioning the halfway point on the drive: Milltown, NJ. This small town of around 7,000 residents may not be a major tourist destination, but it's a charming stopover that serves as a great place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and have a look around. Visitors to Milltown can explore the local shops, historic sites, and parks before getting back on the road for the second half of the trip.
1. Grounds for Sculpture - Hamilton, NJ
Just a short detour off of the I-95 lies a hidden gem worth visiting - Grounds for Sculpture. This 42-acre sculpture park is home to over 275 contemporary sculptures, gardens, and rotating exhibitions of art in various mediums. The park invites visitors to immerse themselves in art, nature, and themselves, with a provocative art program, international cuisine, and weekly events including music, poetry, and performance. The park's Rat's Restaurant is a must-visit for delicious French-inspired cuisine.
2. Princeton University - Princeton, NJ
Perhaps one of the most prestigious Ivy League universities in the US, Princeton University is a beautiful campus worth a visit. Visitors can marvel at the impressive Gothic architecture, take a guided tour of the campus, and check out the Princeton University Art Museum. Princeton is also home to a range of quality restaurants, but Hoagie Haven is an essential stop for anyone in search of a filling sandwich.
3. The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works - Doylestown, PA
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works is a museum of the National Park Service that tells the story of the life and work of ceramic artisans in Pennsylvania. Visitors can go on a guided tour to learn about the process of making these intricate crafts and can even try their hand at a few techniques. The tile works also offer a store where visitors can purchase handmade pottery to commemorate their visit. Virago Baking Company, just a few miles away, is one of the tastiest little secrets in town and serves up a delicious cinnamon roll that's worth every penny.
4. Peddler's Village - Lahaska, PA
Peddler's Village, nestled in the heart of Bucks County, is a historic outdoor shopping mall that offers a range of unique stores, boutiques, and eateries. The village is a nod to colonial America's past, with charming cobblestone paths, old-fashioned street lamps, and beautiful gardens. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or attend one of the seasonal festivals hosted in the village. The Cock 'n Bull restaurant at the village is known for its homestyle cooking and indulgent apple pie.
5. The Pearl S. Buck House - Perkasie, PA
The final stop on this list is the home of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck. The atmosphere of this historic house offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of an accomplished writer while also providing a fascinating lesson in the history of China and America. Visitors can explore the home's beautiful and peaceful gardens and even take an educational tour through the house. A visit to the house isn't complete without a stop-off at the Blue Moose Restaurant, serving up freshly baked cinnamon and blueberry muffins that leave a taste of nostalgia on the palate.
Conclusion
The drive from New Rochelle, NY, to Hatboro, PA, may be a short one, but there are plenty of unexpected places to explore along the way. Each of the five places listed offer a unique example of art, history, and culture – not to mention mouth-watering food – that are sure to enrich any road trip. So, the next time you're embarking on a road trip through the East Coast of the USA, don't forget to take a detour to see the wonders mentioned above. Happy travels!