Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bethlehem, PA to Middletown Township, NJ

Driving from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to Middletown Township, New Jersey, may not seem exciting at first, but with many rural roadways, historic destinations, and unique eateries along the way, it can be an enjoyable experience. The scenic drive along Pennsylvania and New Jersey roads takes about two hours, and many hidden gems should not be missed.

Halfway Point – N Branch, NJ

As you approach the halfway point of your journey, consider stopping in North Branch, NJ, where you can enjoy a peaceful break in the small town with historic houses, picturesque farms, and riverside vistas. Wake up with a fresh coffee from Bluebird Coffee Shop (42 Main St, North Branch, NJ), where you can order hand-crafted Italian espresso drinks, or a pour-over with their ever-changing selection of coffee beans from around the world. You can also experience the Hunterdon Art Museum (7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ), exhibiting contemporary and modern art under a renovated 19th-century stone mill building.

1. O Wow Cow Creamery – Wrightstown, PA

When you have a sweet tooth, stop by O Wow Cow Creamery (591 Durham Rd, Wrightstown, PA), an artisanal ice cream shop in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Every scoop is original, creamy, and handmade from organic grass-fed milk sourced from local farms. Their flavors range from the classic vanilla and chocolate to the more adventurous Lavender Honeycomb, Banana Chip, and Cinnamon Cardamom. You can also order a dairy-free option made with coconut milk.

2. The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works – Doylestown, PA

Just off Route 611 in Doylestown, PA, The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works (130 E Swamp Rd, Doylestown, PA) is a National Historic Landmark with a tile factory that produces high-quality handmade tiles from authentic Moravian designs using traditional techniques. You can tour the facility to witness the tile-making process, explore the impressive tile installations throughout the building, or purchase unique Moravian tiles for your own use. You can find many antique stores and local restaurants in the charming center of Doylestown, such as the Hickory Kitchen (9 West Court Street, Doylestown), where you can order a delicious pulled pork sandwich.

3. Washington Crossing Historic Park – Washington Crossing, PA

Located along the Delaware River, the Washington Crossing Historic Park (1112 River Rd, Washington Crossing, PA) is a picturesque site where George Washington and his troops crossed the river to surprise the Hessians in Trenton, flipping the tide of the Revolutionary War. The park offers guided tours, exhibits, and reenactment events, or you can rent a kayak to paddle along the Delaware River. Afterward, you can hop across the river to the Lambertville, NJ, to enjoy a tasty brunch at Blue Moon Cafe (42 S Main St, Lambertville, NJ).

4. The Sourland Mountain Preserve – Hillsborough Township, NJ

The Sourland Mountain Preserve (421 E Mountain Rd, Hillsborough Township, NJ) is a beautiful forested area in Central New Jersey that is home to many hiking trails, streams, and wildlife. You can start hiking from the parking lot entrance, and take the Ridge Trail to get to the highest point in the preserve, where you can see a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. You may also want to keep your eyes peeled for the rare and endangered wildlife species, such as the bobcats and the timber rattlesnakes. Once you are done exploring, you can treat yourself with a slice of peach pie at the nearby Montgomery Pie Company (411 US-206 #5, Hillsborough Township, NJ).

5. The Grounds for Sculpture – Hamilton Township, NJ

The Grounds for Sculpture (80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ) is a 42-acre sculpture park founded by Seward Johnson, a sculptor who transformed the former fairgrounds in New Jersey into a world-class destination for art enthusiasts. The park showcases over 270 contemporary sculptures within its parklands, gardens, and indoor galleries. Every corner is a stunning Instagram-worthy moment where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and art. You can also sit down for a cozy lunch at Rat’s Restaurant (16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ) and dine on their farm-to-table French cuisine.

Conclusion

This delightful drive from Bethlehem, PA, to Middletown Township, NJ, can offer much more than just a straightforward trip. From a town with historic charm to scenic natural areas, you can explore many road trip stops showcasing different aspects of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You can also indulge in unique culinary experiences, such as artisanal ice cream, fresh baked pies, and farm-to-table meals, along the way. Take this trip and see for yourself what gems these states have to offer.