Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Altoona, Iowa and Chattahoochee County, Georgia

If you're looking for a road trip that takes you through the heart of America, a drive from Altoona, Iowa to Chattahoochee County, Georgia fits the bill. This 1000-mile journey is filled with scenic beauty and unexpected surprises. While the trip can be completed in 16 hours without stopping, we recommend taking a slower pace and exploring some of the fantastic sights and attractions the route has to offer.

At the halfway point of this journey, you'll find Paducah, KY, a charming little town that's well worth a stop. Although it's not one of our five unexpected places, you'll find plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops, antique stores, and art galleries around every corner. If you're a history buff, make sure to stop at the National Quilt Museum and the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum.

Here are five unexpected places to stop and visit along the way:

1. The Iowa Arboretum (Madrid, IA)

The Iowa Arboretum is a hidden gem just a short drive from the freeway. Here you'll find 415 acres of woodlands, prairies, and gardens offering a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature. The Arboretum provides a perfect starting point for a scenic drive through central Iowa. Stop at the visitor center to pick up a map or take a guided tour. The site also offers picnic facilities, a gift shop, and a series of seasonal events and workshops.

Favorite food: Local cheese and wine at the Arboretum's tasting room.

2. The Gateway Arch (Saint Louis, MO)

From the outside, the Gateway Arch may seem like just another tourist attraction. But as soon as you step inside and board the tram to the top, it becomes an all-encompassing experience. Not only do you get a breathtaking view of the city, but you can also learn about the region's history and lifestyle inside the Arch's museum. To finish your visit, make sure you stop off in the gift shop which has a host of elegant souvenirs and memorabilia.

Favorite food: Gooey butter cake - this St. Louis classic is a must-try pastry available at most bakeries in the area.

3. The Antique Rose Emporium (Brenham, TX)

The Antique Rose Emporium is an absolute must-visit for gardening enthusiasts. This beautiful garden center isn't just a place to buy plants, but rather an oasis where visitors can learn about a range of plants and flowers. Here you'll find dozens of gardens, display areas, and educational exhibits that demonstrate a range of gardening techniques, planting tips, and growing methods. Don't leave without picking up some rose water or homemade jam from the Emporium's gift shop.

Favorite food: Texas-style barbecue at Truth BBQ in Brenham.

4. The Talladega National Forest (Talladega, AL)

Talladega National Forest offers an excellent opportunity to explore Alabama's natural beauty. The National Forest is full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife, not to mention high elevation points and overlooking vistas. The area opens itself up to abundant possibilities like mountain biking, horse riding, and camping. Inside the forest, Cheaha Mountain offers the highest point in Alabama.

Favorite food: Fried catfish and hushpuppies at Sim-M's Kitchen in Talladega.

5. The Little White House (Warm Springs, GA)

The Little White House is one of Georgia's overlooked gems and a must-visit location on any itinerary. Franklin D. Roosevelt often used this historic site as way to escape from the pressures of the presidency and work on his health. The house is preserved as it was in the early 1940s, and tours provide in-depth views of the President's office, living quarters, and museum exhibits. Visitors can stop in the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation, a fully operational hydrotherapy facility located next door.

Favorite food: Southern fried chicken at the Bulloch House in Warm Springs.

Conclusion

From the Iowa Arboretum to the Little White House in Georgia, this road trip highlights some of the most unexpected, but truly outstanding places America has to offer. Each of these locations provides an excellent way not only to take in the natural beauty of the United States but also the chance to connect with history and discover something new. Travel along this route is incredibly scenic and provides an opportunity to explore, relax, and connect with the world around us. We hope that these five unexpected places have inspired you to take the journey.