Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brentwood, PA to Champion, OH

Are you looking for a road trip that features offbeat and interesting attractions? Look no further than the stretch of Route 65 from Brentwood, Pennsylvania to Champion, Ohio! This drive will take you through beautiful countryside and charming small towns, and best of all, you’ll discover five amazing places you didn’t even know existed. Here are five unexpected places to stop that will make your road trip unforgettable.

Halfway Point: Beaver Falls, PA

Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Brentwood and Champion, making it the perfect spot to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat. Visit the charming downtown area dotted with antique shops and boutiques. Beaver Falls has a rich history to explore such as the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, which was built in 1901 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It was one of the first public libraries to have separate departments for adults, children, and circulation. While in Beaver Falls, you can't forget to get a cookie from the iconic store Eat'n Park, a favorite bakery for over 70 years and has become a household name in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

1. The National Aviary - Pittsburgh, PA

Located in Pittsburgh, the National Aviary is America's only independent indoor nonprofit zoo dedicated exclusively to birds. You can immerse yourself in the tropical world of vibrant-colored birds in the wetlands immersion exhibit, where there are over 20 different species of waterfowl, including a royal spoonbill, black-crowned night-herons, and roseate spoonbills. They also have unique bird encounters where you can feed flamingos or have penguins walk with you! You can also buy souvenirs at the gift shop area, where they sell beautiful bird-themed items. Don't forget to grab a Langos from B52 Cafe, a Hungarian street food, and cafe located 2 miles from the Aviary.

2. Ohio University - Athens, OH

Located in Athens, Ohio, Ohio University was founded in 1804, the oldest university in the Northwest Territory, and eighth oldest public university in the United States. It is a stunning campus, known for its red-brick façades of the historic buildings, the lush greenery, and beautiful gardens. The campus is home to the John Calhoun Baker University Center, which houses two restaurants and a coffee shop, all open to the public. The University is a great place to take a stroll around while appreciating the beautiful flora and fauna and the brick buildings. The popular restaurant Broney's Alumni Grill in Athens offers steaks, seafood, and other American dishes just 5 minutes from campus.

3. World's Only Statue of Chick-O-Stick - Alliance, OH

On your road trip, you may have noticed some unique roadside attractions, but none can compare to the world's only Statue of a Chick-O-Stick in Alliance, Ohio. Chick-o-Stick is a delicious peanut butter-flavored candy wrapped in a crunchy orange and red coconut shell. It has always been a favorite among candy lovers. The statue was erected in 2019 in honor of the city's iconic candy staple made only a few miles from Alliance. You can learn more about the history of Chick-o-Stick at the nearby Gardner Museum of Ceramic Art and Cultural Center. A great place to grab a bite would be downtown at the sTudio Cafe, which has an eclectic menu featuring local favorites, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.

4. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center - Sandusky, OH

Looking for a thrill on your road trip, then Ghostly Manor Thrill Center located in Sandusky, Ohio, is perfect for you. It is a year-round, indoor amusement park that houses different attractions like a skating rink, Virtual Reality games, a 3D theater, and laser tag. The center has created escape rooms for all ages, with different themes from haunted mansions to prison breaks! Once you've had your fill of thrill, head over to Berardi's Famous Italian Restaurant, which is famous for its Berardi Burger.

5. Harry London's Chocolate Factory - Canton, OH

Harry London's Chocolate Factory in Canton, OH, offers a unique chocolate manufacturing tour of the facility, where you can see how their famous chocolate collections like Butter Cheesecake, Chocolate Nut Bridge Mix, and S'mores Truffles are made. The factory store has everything from coffee-and-chocolate gift packs to chocolate-covered fruit and nuts as well as non-chocolate items. The best takeaway, Chocolate-covered pretzels, a treat so unique and delicious, can't be missed. Canton is also home to Musica, a live music venue with a diverse lineup of performances and concerts for all genres of music.

Why You Should Take This Trip

From the scenic Route 65 to discovering new and exciting places, this road trip is a great way to experience the hidden gems of Western Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a foodie, there is something for everyone on this journey. Don't miss out on unique experiences like feeding a flamingo at the National Aviary, taking a stroll around Ohio University campus, and experiencing the thrill of the Ghostly Manor. Finish your day by indulging in unique foods and treats like Butter Cheesecake chocolates from Harry London's Chocolate Factory. Hit the road and embark on your adventure to discover unexpected places on your road trip!