Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charleston, West Virginia and Haverford Township, Pennsylvania

Driving from Charleston, West Virginia to Haverford Township, Pennsylvania can be a long and tedious journey. However, taking a break from the highway to explore some of the lesser-known towns can break up the monotony of the drive and make the trip much more enjoyable. This article highlights five unexpected places to stop while on this journey. The trip, which is approximately 397 miles, takes around 6 hours without stopping.

Halfway Point: Little Orleans, MD

Before diving into the five unexpected places, we would like to highlight Little Orleans, Maryland, our halfway point. For travelers who love the outdoors, Little Orleans offers a great opportunity to camp, hike, and cycle at the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Paw Paw Tunnel, which was built to funnel water from the north side of the Potomac River to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, making this town well worth the stop.

1. Berkeley Springs, WV

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, is a charming town renowned for its natural hot springs. The warm mineral water soothes the skin and is known to have healing effects. Best of all, visitors can have affordable access to the hot springs at Berkeley Springs State Park, which charges only $3 per person. While in Berkeley Springs, make sure to visit the town square, which is filled with quirky shops, art galleries, and restaurants that serve up some of the best food in the area. One must-try is the pumpkin butter and apple butter at the Country Inn.

2. Frederick, MD

Frederick, Maryland, is the second-largest city in Maryland. This charming city should not be missed. Its historic downtown area is filled with boutiques and shops, as well as a variety of galleries and museums, making it a perfect spot for art lovers. The town also boasts a lively nightlife scene, with many local breweries and wineries to explore. Frederick's oldest brewery, Brewers Alley, is a great place to enjoy craft beer and a good meal.

3. Hershey, PA

Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a town that needs no introduction. This famous destination is home to Hershey's Chocolate World, where visitors can experience the chocolate-making process and even create their chocolate bars. Hershey's Park is another must-visit for people with children, with over 70 rides spread across 110 acres. For lunch, visitors should try the famous Hershey's chocolate waffles, which are a treat for the taste buds.

4. Lancaster County, PA

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is known for its picturesque Amish country. Visitors can take a tour of the Amish farms and learn more about the Amish way of life. Lancaster city is the oldest inland city in the United States and offers a rare glimpse of the past with its well-preserved architecture. Visitors must try the shoofly pie, which is a traditional Lancaster County dessert that is made from a molasses filling and crumbly crust.

5. Valley Forge, PA

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is a town that is steeped in history, located 18 miles from Philadelphia. Valley Forge is the site where General George Washington and his army spent the winter of 1777-1778. Visitors can see the log cabins built by soldiers during that winter. Valley Forge National Historical Park features a museum with interactive exhibits explaining the history of the park and a visitor center. A casserole dish of hot, homemade mac and cheese at Valley Forge Market & Café is perfect for lunch.

Taking the trip between Charleston, West Virginia, and Haverford Township, Pennsylvania, might take some planning. One must be willing to explore the less popular towns in the area. But the five unexpected places mentioned above is a perfect way to capture the essence of what this region has to offer. A “road less traveled” journey can make the trip fun, memorable, and enjoyable.