Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Caln Township, Pennsylvania and Morgantown, West Virginia

Driving from Caln Township, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia will take around 4 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 258 miles. The journey is highly enjoyable, with beautiful scenery to appreciate and many small towns to explore on the way.

Halfway Point: Hustontown, PA

Before diving into the five unexpected places to stop on the journey, it's worth mentioning the halfway point: Hustontown, PA. The town is a quaint little spot, home to plenty of farmland and rural charm. Visitors who happen to stop in can browse through antique shops, check out the local school that dates back to 1879, or enjoy a picnic at the nearby Cowans Gap State Park.

1. The National Christmas Center (Paradise, PA)

Located just a few minutes off of the main highway, the National Christmas Center in Paradise, Pennsylvania is the perfect stop for anyone who loves all things Christmas-related. The museum is a 20,000 square foot facility, featuring thousands of holiday artifacts from around the world. The center is open every day except for Wednesdays, and offers visitors a unique perspective on how Christmas is celebrated worldwide.

Must-have food to try in Paradise: Shoofly pie, a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses.

2. The Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum (Hagerstown, MD)

Train enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland. The museum is housed in a former roundhouse building, and features 20,000 square feet of exhibits that explain the history of railroading in the area. Visitors can see everything from antique train cars to vintage timetables and other pieces of railroading equipment.

Must-have food to try in Hagerstown: Maryland-style crab cakes, which boast a perfectly balanced mix of lump crab meat and other flavorful ingredients.

3. The Ohiopyle State Park (Ohiopyle, PA)

Nature lovers will appreciate a stop at Ohiopyle State Park in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. The park is set on over 19,000 acres of natural beauty, and offers visitors opportunities to hike, bike, fish, and even whitewater raft. The park is home to the stunning Ohiopyle Falls, which is a must-see attraction.

Must-have food to try in Ohiopyle: A classic foot-long hot dog with all the fixings.

4. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston, WV)

Visitors with an interest in history and the supernatural will appreciate a visit to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia. The asylum was built in 1864, and was in use for over a century. Today, visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the treatments, conditions, and daily life of the patients who once lived there.

Must-have food to try in Weston: A delicious slice of pepperoni roll, a West Virginia staple that is similar to a calzone.

5. The Forks of Cheat Winery (Morgantown, WV)

Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the Forks of Cheat Winery in Morgantown, West Virginia. The winery produces a variety of wines using locally sourced grapes, and has won a number of awards for their exceptional vintages. Visitors can enjoy tastings, tours, and live music events on the winery's beautiful grounds.

Must-have food to try in Morgantown: A delicious bowl of chicken and noodles, a West Virginia comfort food staple.

This trip is not just about reaching Morgantown; it's about discovering some of the hidden gems that are often missed when traveling on the highway. Visitors who take the time to stop and explore these five unexpected spots on the way will be rewarded with fascinating history, stunning scenery, and delicious food. So pack up the car and hit the road; you won't regret it!