Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bentonville, Arkansas to Emporium, Pennsylvania

The road trip from Bentonville, Arkansas to Emporium, Pennsylvania covers approximately 1078 miles across 12 states. This drive can be completed in about 17.5 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore some hidden gems along the way. In this article, we'll share five unexpected places to stop that you won't find in any tour guides.

Halfway Point: Cloverdale, IN

Before diving into the unexpected places to stop, we can't forget to mention the halfway point: Cloverdale, IN. Located halfway between Bentonville and Emporium, Cloverdale is the perfect place to stop for a rest. This small town is home to a few restaurants and shops, as well as a few Route 66 attractions. Grab a bite to eat at the locally-owned diner or stretch your legs at the Cloverdale Truck Plaza.

1. Clifty Falls State Park, IN

Clifty Falls State Park is located in Madison, Indiana, just a short detour off Highway 62. This park is known for its waterfalls and hiking trails, which showcase the beauty of southern Indiana. Visitors can choose from easy hikes to strenuous trails that lead to stunning overlooks. After the hike, enjoy a family picnic at one of the park's many scenic picnic areas. Don't forget to try the famous homemade fudge sold in the park's gift shop!

2. Mount Washington, NH

Mount Washington, located in the White Mountains of New Hampshire is the highest point in the Northeastern United States. Visitors can drive to the summit or take the world-famous Cog Railway up for a surreal experience. At the summit, visitors can explore the Mount Washington Observatory and the Extreme Mount Washington museum. Snack on a warm bowl of clam chowder at the summit's cafeteria while admiring the breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

3. Mystic Pizza, CT

If you're a fan of the 80s classic featuring Julia Roberts, you can't miss a stop at the iconic Mystic Pizza in Mystic, Connecticut. This pizza joint has been around since 1973 and is still serving up delicious pies today. Besides the fantastic pizza, visitors can buy Mystic Pizza merchandise and even take a selfie with the famous red car from the movie parked outside.

4. Jack's Cosmic Dogs, SC

Jack's Cosmic Dogs in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is not your average hot dog joint. Its quirky, outer space-themed decor sets a fun tone for diners, and the menu is full of unique hot dog combinations. Be sure to try the "Cosmic Dog," a grilled hot dog topped with sweet potato mustard, blue cheese slaw, and bacon. There are plenty of vegetarian options and delicious milkshakes too.

5. The Wilds, OH

If you're looking for a unique activity that's off the beaten path, consider a visit to The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. This conservation center is home to endangered species from around the world that roam over 9,000 acres of open land. Visitors can take a guided tour in an open-air safari vehicle, feed giraffes and bison, and even zipline over the animal enclosures. After all that excitement, grab a locally sourced sandwich at the Overlook Cafe.

Conclusion

While a road trip from Bentonville, Arkansas to Emporium, Pennsylvania can be done in one long stretch, there are plenty of unexpected places to make the trip memorable. Whether you plan on hitting every stop on this list or only have time for one, each location offers something unique that you won't find anywhere else. From hiking and stunning views to pizza and hot dogs, this trip is full of surprises.