Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cheviot, Ohio and Freeport, Florida
Taking a road trip from Cheviot, Ohio to Freeport, Florida can be a fun and adventurous journey. This route covers a distance of approximately 860 miles and can take about 14 to 15 hours depending on traffic and the number of stops made along the way. To break up the monotony of the long drive, here are five unexpected places to stop and explore:
1. The National Museum of the United States Air Force - Dayton, Ohio
The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. Located in Dayton, Ohio, the museum boasts over 360 aircraft and missiles on display that span over 120 years of military aviation history. Visitors can see iconic aircraft such as the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" and the SR-71 Blackbird spy plane. This museum is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts or anyone interested in military history.
Favorite food to eat: The Valkyrie Café within the museum offers a variety of options for lunch, including burgers and sandwiches.
2. Jack Daniel's Distillery - Lynchburg, Tennessee
Located in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the Jack Daniel's Distillery is where the famous Tennessee whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled. Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery and learn about the process of making the world-renowned whiskey. The tour includes a visit to the famous Jack Daniel's Barrelhouse, where visitors can see rows upon rows of aging barrels.
Favorite food to eat: The Lynchburg Cake and Candy Company offers homemade fudge and bourbon-flavored chocolates.
3. Shiloh National Military Park - Shiloh, Tennessee
Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh, Tennessee, commemorates the Civil War Battle of Shiloh, where Union forces defeated the Confederates in a major battle that lasted two days. The national park features a museum and a self-guided driving tour of the battlefield. Visitors can see monuments and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives in the battle.
Favorite food to eat: Nashville-style hot chicken at Hattie B's Hot Chicken in Nashville, Tennessee, is a must-try.
4. The Florida Caverns State Park - Marianna, Florida
The Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna, Florida, features underground caverns that are millions of years old and made of limestone. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caves, which includes seeing stalagmites, stalactites, and various other rock formations. The park also has several hiking trails and canoeing opportunities.
Favorite food to eat: The Oyster Bar in Apalachicola, Florida, serves fresh seafood, including shrimp and oysters.
5. Gulf Islands National Seashore - Gulf Breeze, Florida
The Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches from Florida to Mississippi and features miles of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Located in Gulf Breeze, Florida, the Gulf Islands National Seashore includes barrier islands, historic forts, and campgrounds. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
Favorite food to eat: Peg Leg Pete's in Pensacola, Florida, offers a variety of seafood dishes, including shrimp po'boys and crab cakes.
Road tripping from Cheviot, Ohio, to Freeport, Florida, may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right amount of planning and preparation, it can be an unforgettable experience. These five unexpected stops along the way can break up the drive and offer some unique and fun experiences. From aviation history, whiskey distilleries, Civil War battlegrounds, underground caves, to white sandy beaches, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this drive. Not to mention, discovering delicious local dishes can make the trip even more memorable. Pack your bags, get behind the wheel, and embark on this exciting journey today!