Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bellbrook, Ohio to Mesa, Arizona
Driving from Bellbrook, Ohio to Mesa, Arizona is an adventure that is sure to provide a fascinating and memorable experience. Along this route, travelers will come across various cities, small towns, scenic routes, national landmarks, and historic sites. This road trip is about 1550 miles long and may take 2-3 days, depending on how often one stops. A midway point on this journey is the city of Weatherford, OK. Here are five unexpected places to stop on this route, showcasing extraordinary sights and experiences that will provide a break from the long drive.
Halfway Point: Weatherford, OK
Weatherford, OK, is located roughly halfway between Bellbrook, Ohio, and Mesa, Arizona. Travelers can take this opportunity to replenish themselves and stretch their legs before continuing the trip.
1. St. Louis Arch National Park, Missouri
The St. Louis Arch National Park is located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The arch is one of the most iconic structures in the United States and is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The 630-foot arch offers a bird's eye view of the city and its surroundings - it's a breathtaking sight. After visiting the arch, visitors can head to Pappy's Smokehouse for some mouth-watering BBQ ribs.
2. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park, located near Brownsville, Kentucky, is home to the longest known cave system in the world. Visitors can take guided tours or explore the cave system on their own. Along with the cave system, the park offers hiking trails, biking trails, canoeing, and camping opportunities. Be sure to try some Kentucky Fried Chicken while in the area, as it's where the famous fast-food chain started.
3. Cadillac Ranch, Texas
Cadillac Ranch, located in Amarillo, Texas, is an outdoor art exhibit that features ten white Cadillacs buried up to their windshields in the ground. Visitors can bring their own spray paint and leave their mark on the cars. The attraction is free to visit and is open 24/7. One can stop at The Big Texan Steak Ranch for a 72 oz. steak, which is free if eaten in under an hour!
4. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
White Sands National Park, located just south of Alamogordo, New Mexico, is the world's largest gypsum dunefield. The rare white sand dunes cover over 275 square miles of the Chihuahuan Desert. Visitors can marvel at the unique landscape, hike, or slide down the dunes. It's an experience that one will never forget. A must-try food in the area is the green chile cheeseburger.
5. Hoover Dam, Nevada
Hoover Dam, located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, straddles the border between Arizona and Nevada. The dam is humongous, and the views from the top are mesmerizing. Visitors can take guided tours of the dam and the power plant or walk across the top of the dam. One can enjoy some shrimp cocktail at the Top of the World Restaurant, located on the 106th floor of the Stratosphere Tower in Las Vegas.
In conclusion, a road trip from Bellbrook, Ohio to Mesa, Arizona, is an adventure that is worth embarking on. Travelers can break up their long journey by visiting these unexpected places: the St. Louis Arch National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Cadillac Ranch, White Sands National Park, and the Hoover Dam. Besides the sights and landmarks, visitors can also enjoy some of the local cuisine unique to each location. This road trip is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in beautiful natural scenery. So pack your bags, fuel up the car, and hit the road - you won't regret it!