Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bel Air, Maryland to Christiansburg, Virginia
If you're looking for a road trip that takes you through both city and rural landscapes, a drive from Bel Air, Maryland to Christiansburg, Virginia provides just the right balance. The journey covers approximately 250 miles and takes around four hours, depending on traffic and how long you choose to spend in each of the unexpected places to stop.
The halfway point, Woodstock, VA, offers several eating options and places to rest. After refueling, you can continue your drive, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. Here are our top five unexpected places to stop during this memorable road trip.
1. Falling Waters State Park
Nature lovers will enjoy stopping at Falling Waters State Park, located in the Appalachian Mountains, near Williamsport. The park has several trails with unique rock formations, waterfalls, and streams. The park's most spectacular feature is the 74-feet waterfall. You can take the 1.5-mile hike to the bottom for a close-up view of the waterfall.
After a tedious morning hike, grab a bite to eat at Glazed and Confuzed Donuts. This donut shop offers homemade, handcrafted donuts that are to die for. They have delicious flavors like maple bacon, Samoa, and cinnamon toast crunch.
2. Catoctin Mountain Park
Located in Thurmont, Maryland, Catoctin Mountain Park occupies 5,810 acres of woodland and provides access to the Appalachian Trail. There are several hiking trails within the park that offer scenic views of wooded valleys, streams, and natural rock formations. The most popular trail, Catoctin Trail, is 8.5 miles long and provides breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
After a day of hiking, take a break and head to the nearby town of Emmitsburg. Get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine at the Carriage House Inn. Feast on dishes like homemade meatballs, lasagna, or Fettuccine Alfredo.
3. Green Bank Observatory
Located in West Virginia, the Green Bank Observatory is one of the most exciting and unusual scientific facilities in the world because of its unique radio telescope. The telescope uses radio waves to study the universe’s mysteries. It's located in a small town where all electronic devices are banned to prevent any interference with the telescope's operation.
After a tour of the facility, grab a bite at the nearby Elk River Inn & Restaurant. They offer delicious wood-fired pizzas with toppings like fig and prosciutto.
4. Davidsonville Historic State Park
Located in Arkansas, Davidsonville Historic State Park is one of the first settlements in the territory when it was a Spanish colony. It's a perfect place for a hike, with several hiking trails through the forest, valleys, and the Black River.
After exploring the park, head to the nearby town of Jonesboro and experience authentic Southern cooking at the Mean Pig BBQ. Loaded with crispy pork belly, smoked turkey, beef brisket, and mouth-watering ribs, no trip through Arkansas is complete without a trip to mean Pig BBQ.
5. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Located in Richmond, Virginia, The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a state-supported art museum with a collection of over 50,000 works of art. Visit this museum for exhibits that include Art Nouveau and Art Deco. You can also see famous paintings by artists like Jean Arp and Jean Dubuffet.
After touring the museum, take a break and grab a bite to eat at nearby Mama J's Kitchen. The restaurant serves Southern comfort food that includes fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens. It's a perfect place for a pitstop if you're craving a home-cooked meal.
Conclusion
A road trip through unexpected places is a great way to explore the world around you. The five locations we've highlighted during this journey are just a few of the many unexpected places worth visiting. From nature hikes, science observatories, museums, and delicious cuisine, this journey has something for everyone. So pack your bags, fuel up your car, and hit the road to embark on a journey of a lifetime.