Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Canton, Georgia to New York, New York

Driving from Canton, Georgia to New York, New York will take around 14 hours. It's a long journey, but it's a great opportunity to see some of the interesting sights that America has to offer. Along the way, there are many unexpected places that are worth a visit. In this article, we'll be exploring five of the most unusual and fascinating places to stop on this drive.

midway stop: Buchanan, VA

Before we dive into the five main stops, we want to highlight the midway point on this journey: Buchanan, Virginia. Located in the Shenandoah Valley, Buchanan is a charming small town that's perfect for a lunch break. Grab a sandwich at the Buchanan Fountain and Grille or a slice of pizza at Benny's Pizza. After lunch, take a walk through the historic downtown area and visit the Buchanan Theatre, which was built in 1920.

1. The World's Largest Peanut: Ashburn, GA

Our first stop on this journey is Ashburn, Georgia, which is home to The World's Largest Peanut. Located in the town's Peanut Plaza, this 20-foot-tall peanut statue is an impressive sight. Visitors can snap a photo with the giant legume and learn all about the region's peanut industry at the nearby Ashburn Peanut Museum. When in Ashburn, don't leave without trying some boiled peanuts, a Georgia favorite.

2. The Sponge Docks: Tarpon Springs, FL

Located a bit off the main route, but worth the detour, is Tarpon Springs, Florida. This town boasts the largest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the country, and it's known for its Greek cuisine, culture, and sponge diving industry. Take a stroll through the Sponge Docks, a neighborhood lined with colorful shops selling sponges, souvenirs, and Greek treats like loukoumades (honey puffs). If you have time, take a sponge diving tour to learn about this unique and dangerous profession.

3. The House on the Rock: Spring Green, WI

The House on the Rock is a true American oddity. Located in Spring Green, Wisconsin, this attraction is part house, part museum, and part funhouse. Designed and built by Alex Jordan Jr. in the 1940s, the House on the Rock features bizarre collections of everything from mechanical music instruments to life-sized sculptures of sea creatures. Visitors can explore the unique spaces, like the room with the world's largest indoor carousel, and marvel at the house's stunning views of the surrounding valley.

4. The Corn Palace: Mitchell, SD

If you're a fan of roadside attractions, you won't want to miss the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. This building is covered in elaborate murals made entirely from corn cobs and husks. The murals are changed every year, so there's always something new to see. Inside the Corn Palace, visitors can learn about the history of this unique building and shop for souvenirs made from corn.

5. The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site: Wall, SD

Our final stop takes us to Wall, South Dakota, home of the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. This site preserves and tells the story of the Cold War-era missile field and control center, which housed nuclear missiles capable of reaching the Soviet Union. Visitors can take a guided tour of the underground control center and see some of the missile facilities up close. It's a fascinating and sobering look at a pivotal moment in American history.

In conclusion, taking a long drive like the one from Canton, Georgia to New York, New York can be a great adventure. Along the way, there are endless opportunities to discover unique and fascinating parts of our country. From the World's Largest Peanut in Ashburn to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site in Wall, there's something for everyone on this trip. So, pack your bags, get in the car, and hit the road!