Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burlington, Iowa to Virginia Beach, Virginia

If you are planning to take a long drive from Burlington, Iowa to Virginia Beach, Virginia, you are in for a treat. This route covers 1,050 miles and passes through several states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia. It will take you about 16 hours to complete the journey, depending on your itinerary and stops. However, the distance and time should not deter you from taking this scenic route, as it offers beautiful scenery and exciting places to visit. In this article, we will highlight five unexpected places you should stop and visit on your drive from Burlington, Iowa to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Jackson, OH - The Halfway Point

Located in Jackson County, Ohio, Jackson makes for a great stop midway through your road trip. You can take a break and stretch your legs by visiting some of the town's attractions. Start by visiting the Jackson County Historical Society Museum to learn about the town's history. You can also visit the Leo Petroglyph State Memorial, where you will see ancient rock carvings. If you are a fan of the outdoors, Jackson boasts several hiking trails, including the Buckeye Furnace Trail and the Lake Katherine Trail. For food, stop by Pasquale's Pizza & Carry-Out for a slice of their famous pepperoni pizza, which comes with crispy edges, loads of cheese, and a perfectly chewy crust.

1. Crawfordsville, IN - A Small Town with Big Attractions

Crawfordsville may seem like a small town, but it boasts several attractions you shouldn't miss. Start by visiting the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum, a restored 19th-century villa that belonged to the author of "Ben Hur." You can also visit the Sugar Creek Winery, which offers tastings of their award-winning wines in a beautiful vineyard setting. For a taste of the local cuisine, head to The Creekside Lodge, where you can enjoy a juicy sirloin steak with mashed potatoes and gravy.

2. Wheeling, WV - A Historic City with a Modern Twist

Located on the Ohio River in West Virginia, Wheeling is a historic city that has reinvented itself with modern attractions. Start by visiting the Wheeling Artisan Center, a former market turned into a hub for local artists to showcase their work. You can also visit the West Virginia Independence Hall, which tells the story of West Virginia's statehood. For a bite to eat, head to Later Alligator, where you can try their famous chicken and waffles or the spinach and artichoke dip with house-made tortilla chips.

3. Harrisonburg, VA - A College Town with a Culinary Scene

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is a college town with a thriving culinary scene. Start by visiting the Virginia Quilt Museum, which features quilts from the 18th to 21st centuries. You can also visit the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, where you will find locally grown produce, baked goods, and crafts. For lunch, head to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, where you can try their classic cheeseburger and shoestring fries or the "Elvis" burger with peanut butter, bacon, and mayo.

4. Williamsburg, VA - A Historic City with Plenty of Fun

Williamsburg is a historic city that offers plenty of fun and interesting things to do. Start by visiting the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, a living museum where actors dressed in 18th-century costumes will take you back in time. You can also visit the Busch Gardens theme park, where you will find thrilling rides, shows, and animal exhibits. For dinner, head to the Blue Talon Bistro, where you can try their roasted chicken breast with potato puree and vegetables or the braised beef short ribs with buttermilk mashed potatoes and crispy fried onions.

5. Virginia Beach, VA - A Beach Destination that Delivers

Finally, your road trip will end at Virginia Beach, a beach destination that delivers on all fronts. Start by visiting the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, where you can see various marine creatures, including sea turtles, sharks, and otters. You can also spend time at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a three-mile-long boardwalk that offers breathtaking views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. For dinner, head to Waterman's Surfside Grille, where you can try their famous seafood platter, which comes with shrimp, scallops, crab cakes, and fish, served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.

In conclusion, driving from Burlington, Iowa to Virginia Beach, Virginia is a long and beautiful road trip that offers various attractions along the way. All of the above places are excellent stops where you can take a break, explore, and enjoy some of the local cuisine. Don't miss out on the chance to take this unforgettable road trip, as it's a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.