Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Calhoun, Georgia to East Rutherford, New Jersey

Driving from Calhoun, Georgia, to East Rutherford, New Jersey, is a long and beautiful journey with plenty of interesting places to stop and see. The drive is approximately 850 miles and takes around twelve and a half hours, without taking into account any stops. This road trip takes you through multiple states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

#1 Natural Bridge, VA The halfway point of the journey is marked by one of the most natural and breathtaking landmarks on the route, Natural Bridge, Virginia. This natural limestone gorge stands 215 feet high and stretches 90 feet wide along Cedar Creek, making it one of the most massive natural bridges in the world. The Natural Bridge State Park comprises 1,600 acres of lush woodland, waterfalls, and hiking trails, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the beautiful scenery. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Natural Bridge, which includes history from the American Indian, American Revolutionary War, and the Civil War eras.

Favorite Food to Eat: A visit to Natural Bridge is not complete without trying the southern-style pulled pork sandwich at Southern Inn Restaurant. This cozy eatery, located inside Natural Bridge State Park, serves freshly smoked pork topped with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, coleslaw & homemade chips.

#2 Hershey's Chocolate World, PA Chocolate lovers can rejoice because the second stop on this road trip brings them to Hershey's Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Here visitors can learn how the cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate, take a tour of the factory, and visit the Chocolate Tasting Experience. You can customize your candy bar and explore the candy store, where you can find Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and other exclusive chocolates. There are also affordable accommodations nearby for anyone who wants to extend their stay.

Favorite Food to Eat: A visit to Hershey's Chocolate World wouldn't be complete without trying their signature treat, the Hershey's Chocolate Milkshake. The creamy and indulgent milkshake is made with rich, chocolate syrup and topped with delicious whipped cream.

#3 Baltimore, MD The third unexpected place to visit on this road trip is the vibrant and historic city of Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and a thriving art scene. History buffs will enjoy visiting Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, where the National Anthem was penned by Francis Scott Key. The city has a thriving art scene, with the Baltimore Museum of Art, Walters Art Museum, and the American Visionary Arts Museum.

Favorite Food to Eat: An absolute Baltimore classic, a visit to Attman's Deli isn't complete without trying their world-famous Corned Beef Sandwich. This sandwich is piled high with juicy, tender corned beef, and topped with spicy Mustard, making it a satisfying and delicious option for any meal.

#4 Princeton, NJ Princeton, New Jersey, is the next exciting stop on the trip. This town is home to one of the world's most prestigious universities, Princeton University, and offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Visitors can tour the campus, which encompasses hundreds of acres of beautiful architecture, sculptures, and sculptures. The town has its fair share of attractions, too, including great museums, historical landmarks, and beautiful parks.

Favorite food to Eat: Don't leave Princeton without trying a slice of the famous Tomato Pie from Papa's Tomato Pies. This family-owned restaurant, open since 1912, creates thin crust pizza, topped with bright red tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, that has kept people coming back for over a century.

#5 Manhattan, NY The last stop before East Rutherford is the city that never sleeps, New York City. This vibrant, captivating city has thousands of things to offer visitors, including magnificent skyscrapers, Broadway shows, museums, and food. From the flashing lights of Times Square to the sophistication of Central Park, there's no shortage of things to do and see in Manhattan.

Favorite Food to Eat: A visit to Luke's Lobster in the middle of Manhattan is an excellent opportunity to enjoy some of the best seafood New England has to offer. Their signature dish is a Lobster Roll, which is freshly tossed with butter, lemon, and served in a buttery toasted bun.

Conclusion

A road trip from Calhoun, Georgia, to East Rutherford, New Jersey, is full of unexpected places to stop and explore. By visiting Natural Bridge, VA; Hershey's Chocolate World, PA; Baltimore, MD; Princeton, NJ, and Manhattan, NY; visitors will experience fascinating and unique locations with plenty of activities, food, and history. So, pack up your car and hit the road to these five unexpected places, and you'll make memories that will last a lifetime.