Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chicago, Illinois to Allendale, New Jersey

Are you planning a road trip from Chicago, Illinois to Allendale, New Jersey? While it might seem like a long and boring drive, there are plenty of exciting places to visit and explore along the way. This article will guide you through five unexpected places to stop and visit during your journey.

The drive from Chicago to Allendale takes approximately 13 hours, covering a distance of around 800 miles. The first leg of the journey takes you through Indiana and Ohio, while the second leg takes you through the Pennsylvania Turnpike before you reach your destination in New Jersey. Here are five unexpected places to stop that will make your journey more exciting and memorable.

Youngstown, OH - The Halfway Point

Youngstown, OH is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs during your long road trip. Located around six hours from Chicago and seven hours from Allendale, it is the perfect midway point to break-up your journey. Youngstown is a small but charming city that has a rich industrial history.

1 - The Butler Institute of American Art

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown is one of the most impressive museums in the country. It boasts an extensive collection of American art, with over 20,000 pieces spanning over three centuries. From modern pieces to classic works of art, it is a great place to explore American art. Don't miss its impressive Forging Ahead sculpture outside.

Favorite food: Youngstown-style pizza at Belleria Pizzeria

2 - Hershey, PA

Another unexpected place to visit during your road trip is Hershey, Pennsylvania. Hershey is a small town with a sweet surprise. Known as the "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey is home to the iconic Hershey's Chocolate Factory. Cocoa Beach and Chocolate World invite you to witness how they make their iconic chocolate candies.

Favorite food: Hershey Chocolate cake at The Cocoa Cafe

3 - Lancaster, PA

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, you'll find a slice of Amish country. The Amish community is an essential part of Lancaster, bringing its unique culture and traditions to the area. You can tour their farms, sample their delicious food, explore the Amish Village, and shop for handcrafted goods.

Favorite food: Shoofly Pie at Bird in Hand Bakery & Cafe

4 - New York City, NY

No East Coast road trip would be complete without a visit to the Big Apple. If you're looking for good food, art, fashion, and a healthy dose of culture, NYC is the place to visit. From the Statue of Liberty, American Museum of Natural History, Times Square, Central Park to Empire State Building, there is always something going on in NYC.

Favorite food: Hot dogs at Gray's Papaya

5 - Princeton, NJ

Princeton is one of the most beautiful and historic towns in New Jersey. Its Ivy League school, Princeton University, is one of the oldest and most prestigious educations in the nation. The town is a living memorial to the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War events, historic sites, and art come together seamlessly.

Favorite food: Tameletti at Casa Aziz.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these five unexpected places are easily missed during long road trips from Chicago to Allendale NJ. However, by making stops in these hidden gems, you'll add a lot of fun and quality into your journey. Have a great time driving and exploring the Midwest and East Coast of the United States of America.