Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania and Charleston, South Carolina
Driving from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania to Charleston, South Carolina is more than just a weekend road trip. It's a journey filled with breathtaking views, fantastic food, and unique landmarks. The distance between these two cities is approximately 650 miles, which can take around 10 hours, depending on the route taken. The drive is a fantastic opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and discover unexpected stops. In this article, we explore five unexpected places to stop and explore on this road trip.
Halfway Point: Battleboro, NC
Your halfway point on this trip is Battleboro, a small town in North Carolina. Here, you can take a well-deserved break before continuing the journey further south. Battleboro is known for its charming main street, which is dotted with antique shops and locally-owned restaurants. A must-visit stop is The Brass Pelican, a hidden gem that offers vintage and farmhouse-style home decor. Grab a coffee and pastry at Main Street Grille Cafe before hitting the road again.
1. Downtown Fredericksburg, VA
Located around 2.5 hours from Brookhaven, downtown Fredericksburg is the perfect place to stretch your legs, wander the streets, and explore local history. This historic town offers something for everyone - from quaint boutiques to a civil war battlefields. Check out the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which features exhibits on American military history. Make sure to grab a slice of pizza at Benny Vitali's Pizza before leaving. It's a local favorite!
2. Old Spanish Fort, FL
Old Spanish Fort is a charming little town located near Pensacola, FL, about 11 hours from Brookhaven. Its own Spanish architecture and aesthetic will transport you to a world of adventures. Set on the Gulf Coast, you can take a dip in the beaches or go on a scenic hike. The town is known for its riverfront seafood restaurants, and locals highly recommend the blackened grouper sandwich at the Sunset Grill.
3. The Alligator Bay Distillery in Punta Gorda, FL
The Alligator Bay Distillery is a unique, rum-making paradise located around 12 hours from Brookhaven. This distillery specializes in handcrafted, small-batch rum, and produces an array of spirits made from local ingredients. Additionally, visitors get a chance to taste the rum and learn about their complete distillation process. You can also purchase souvenirs and bottles of rum to take home. Make sure to grab a bottle of Gator Bite, a citrus-flavored rum, and a favourite of South Floridians.
4. Cypress Island Preserve, LA
Cypress Island Preserve is a nature lover's paradise located close to Lafayette, Louisiana, about 16 hours from Brookhaven. Take a walk around the boardwalk trail and explore the lush cypress trees and abundant wildlife. The preserve is home to a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects, including alligators! While you're in Lafayette, don't forget to stop at Blue Dog Cafe for some authentic Cajun food. You can't go wrong with their Jambalaya!
5. Middleton Place, SC
It's not a visit to Charleston without a stop at Middleton Place, located around 9 hours from Brookhaven, PA. Tucked away in the heart of the Lowcountry, Middleton Place is a National Historic Landmark and a well-preserved 18th-century plantation. Visitors can witness a unique living history experience, where artisans in period clothing demonstrate daily activities such as blacksmithing, pottery, and cooking. Make sure to try the She Crab Soup at their restaurant. It's a local favorite!
Conclusion
Traveling from Brookhaven, PA, to Charleston, SC provides one with a sense of escapism. As you reach these less-traveled destinations, even just for a brief detour, we hope that you get to experience the rich history, culture, and nature. The above-listed unexpected stops are only some of the sparkling jewels to explore along the way. So pack your bags, fuel up, and hit the road to experience the Southern hospitality firsthand.