Quick things to see between Boston and Indianapolis other than corn
July 13, 2021 7:30 AM Subscribe
In a couple weeks I will be driving solo from Boston to Indianapolis, with an overnight stop in Cleveland. I'll drive back from Indianapolis via Hershey, PA. I would like to find some interesting but brief stops along the way.
I have long days of driving so I won't want to stop for very long. I'm talking 10 minute visits to the largest ball of twine in the midwest, checking out the best hot dog in Ohio, stretching my legs along Lake Erie. That sort of thing.
My route is whatever Google's quickest route is, which is currently I-90 to Cleveland, 71 to Columbus, 70 to Indianapolis. I do not want to go very far off the highway to see anything.
Things I like:Good food, especially regional food and fast food restaurants that I don't have in Massachusetts. (I will be stopping at a Waffle House, thank you very much)
Dumb roadside attractions like twine balls and henges made out of cars.
Fake dinosaurs!
Monuments to ridiculous but not-terrible people
Scenic areas where I can take a quick walk
Scenic views where I can stretch my eyeballs
Is there anything or should I just put a volleyball in my passenger seat so I have someone to talk to?
Any other general tips for this area/route are appreciated.
I have long days of driving so I won't want to stop for very long. I'm talking 10 minute visits to the largest ball of twine in the midwest, checking out the best hot dog in Ohio, stretching my legs along Lake Erie. That sort of thing.
My route is whatever Google's quickest route is, which is currently I-90 to Cleveland, 71 to Columbus, 70 to Indianapolis. I do not want to go very far off the highway to see anything.
Things I like:
Is there anything or should I just put a volleyball in my passenger seat so I have someone to talk to?
Any other general tips for this area/route are appreciated.
Presque Isle State Park
Conneaut Railroad Museum is nice, has a beautiful berkshire.
posted by nickggully at 7:44 AM on July 13, 2021
Conneaut Railroad Museum is nice, has a beautiful berkshire.
posted by nickggully at 7:44 AM on July 13, 2021
Roadside America is the standard for finding offbeat attractions. For example the Field of Giant Corn Cobs in Dublin, Ohio. Dublin also has a Wendy’s with a statue of Dave Thomas outside and corporate memorabilia inside. Both are easy to get to from I-270 as you drive around Columbus.
Springfield, west of Columbus, is home to the Hartman Rock Garden, a 1930s folk art environment someone built in their yard.
Unfortunately you’re a few years too late for the great Prehistoric Forest in Marblehead, Ohio (you took a trolley to see the dinosaurs and on approaching the deadly T Rex were instructed to reach under your seat to grab the toy machine gun to protect yourself).
posted by plastic_animals at 8:11 AM on July 13, 2021 [2 favorites]
Springfield, west of Columbus, is home to the Hartman Rock Garden, a 1930s folk art environment someone built in their yard.
Unfortunately you’re a few years too late for the great Prehistoric Forest in Marblehead, Ohio (you took a trolley to see the dinosaurs and on approaching the deadly T Rex were instructed to reach under your seat to grab the toy machine gun to protect yourself).
posted by plastic_animals at 8:11 AM on July 13, 2021 [2 favorites]
Atlas Obscura is another good source for this type of info.
posted by coffeecat at 8:15 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by coffeecat at 8:15 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
This is actually a pretty interesting drive, once you get out of New England. Your route is correct; I wouldn't do it any other way, at least in part because the alternatives (e.g., I-80) are so much less interesting.
First up, Central New York/the Mohawk Valley. Super scenic along the Erie Canal. You're on the thruway, so it's not super convenient to get off, but if you do, it's quite nice.
Second, Buffalo, the best regional fast food city in the United States. You could spend a week in Buffalo (I recommend doing so!) and not eat at all the local fast food places. Wings are the most famous, of course, but probably not the most impressive. Beef on weck is the real attraction, either Charlie the Butcher near the airport (right off 90), or Anderson's (multiple locations, not as good but they have frozen custard). If you've been to a roast beef place on the North Shore, it's kind of like that, only better. Also Mighty Taco, Ted's Hot Dogs, Jim's Steak Out - all local chains with distinctive offerings. Order a loganberry to drink at any of them; it's Buffalo's unique Hawaiian Punch-like juice. And if you can find some sponge candy, so much the better. Seriously, Buffalo has a lot of unique local food.
Third, Cleveland/Northeast Ohio. Mostly skippable, IMO. I'm not a huge fan. Lake County (east of Cleveland) has some wineries and stuff, which might make for a nice place to stretch your legs. In terms of the best hot dog in Ohio, Dan's Dogs in Medina is generally considered that, although I've never been myself. Medina's a cute town. If you do get a hot dog, or stop at a grocery store, pick up some Stadium Mustard, which is the best kind of mustard. Cleveland also has a really cool radio station, WKHR 91.5, which plays a lot of old school big band music. You'll only get reception while you're on the 271, though, from about Mentor to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which, actually, would probably also be a good scenic stop, now that I think about it.
Fourth, Columbus. I lived there for 20 years, I could go on and on, but you're just stopping for lunch, so I won't. Your best bet in Columbus is to eat at a Skyline Chili. It's really a Cincinnati thing, but there are Skylines this far north, and it's definitely something unique. I love the stuff. Follow up with Graeter's ice cream, which is also from Cincinnati but still kind of a Columbus thing. (Don't eat Jeni's, which isn't good but also which you can get in Massachusetts so it's not like a special thing.) And there's Cornhenge in Dublin, which isn't far off 270; you'd basically be cutting a corner to see it. (It's right down the street from a Graeter's, too.) Again, I think it's kind of cool, but YMMV. For scenic stops, Highbanks metro park is at the junction of 71 and 270 and has some quick but nice hikes.
Fifth, Dayton. A lot of good aviation musuems if you're interested in stopping for a museum. Either the USAF museum in the Fairborn area (northeast), or the Wright Brothers stuff downtown. There are a couple of good metroparks right off 70, Taylorsville and Englewood.
In between Dayton and Indy, Richmond is a cute small town with a pretty big park in town for a quick walk. There's a hotel in New Castle with an enormous basketball shoe in front. Kind of famous. It's next to a Steak n Shake, which IMO is the most underrated Midwestern fast food chain. Try the chili.
I assume once you're in Indy you'll have someone to show you around or recommend stuff, but there's a lot of stuff to do there. I could go on and on about the drive, but it's my lunch time and I'd rather eat my own food than talk to you about it!
posted by kevinbelt at 8:22 AM on July 13, 2021 [9 favorites]
First up, Central New York/the Mohawk Valley. Super scenic along the Erie Canal. You're on the thruway, so it's not super convenient to get off, but if you do, it's quite nice.
Second, Buffalo, the best regional fast food city in the United States. You could spend a week in Buffalo (I recommend doing so!) and not eat at all the local fast food places. Wings are the most famous, of course, but probably not the most impressive. Beef on weck is the real attraction, either Charlie the Butcher near the airport (right off 90), or Anderson's (multiple locations, not as good but they have frozen custard). If you've been to a roast beef place on the North Shore, it's kind of like that, only better. Also Mighty Taco, Ted's Hot Dogs, Jim's Steak Out - all local chains with distinctive offerings. Order a loganberry to drink at any of them; it's Buffalo's unique Hawaiian Punch-like juice. And if you can find some sponge candy, so much the better. Seriously, Buffalo has a lot of unique local food.
Third, Cleveland/Northeast Ohio. Mostly skippable, IMO. I'm not a huge fan. Lake County (east of Cleveland) has some wineries and stuff, which might make for a nice place to stretch your legs. In terms of the best hot dog in Ohio, Dan's Dogs in Medina is generally considered that, although I've never been myself. Medina's a cute town. If you do get a hot dog, or stop at a grocery store, pick up some Stadium Mustard, which is the best kind of mustard. Cleveland also has a really cool radio station, WKHR 91.5, which plays a lot of old school big band music. You'll only get reception while you're on the 271, though, from about Mentor to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which, actually, would probably also be a good scenic stop, now that I think about it.
Fourth, Columbus. I lived there for 20 years, I could go on and on, but you're just stopping for lunch, so I won't. Your best bet in Columbus is to eat at a Skyline Chili. It's really a Cincinnati thing, but there are Skylines this far north, and it's definitely something unique. I love the stuff. Follow up with Graeter's ice cream, which is also from Cincinnati but still kind of a Columbus thing. (Don't eat Jeni's, which isn't good but also which you can get in Massachusetts so it's not like a special thing.) And there's Cornhenge in Dublin, which isn't far off 270; you'd basically be cutting a corner to see it. (It's right down the street from a Graeter's, too.) Again, I think it's kind of cool, but YMMV. For scenic stops, Highbanks metro park is at the junction of 71 and 270 and has some quick but nice hikes.
Fifth, Dayton. A lot of good aviation musuems if you're interested in stopping for a museum. Either the USAF museum in the Fairborn area (northeast), or the Wright Brothers stuff downtown. There are a couple of good metroparks right off 70, Taylorsville and Englewood.
In between Dayton and Indy, Richmond is a cute small town with a pretty big park in town for a quick walk. There's a hotel in New Castle with an enormous basketball shoe in front. Kind of famous. It's next to a Steak n Shake, which IMO is the most underrated Midwestern fast food chain. Try the chili.
I assume once you're in Indy you'll have someone to show you around or recommend stuff, but there's a lot of stuff to do there. I could go on and on about the drive, but it's my lunch time and I'd rather eat my own food than talk to you about it!
posted by kevinbelt at 8:22 AM on July 13, 2021 [9 favorites]
The Rock n' Roll museum in Cleveland. Even if you aren't a big fan it is still an extraordinary place detailing in depth a history in various media. It is a large part of the cultural history of our times. When I went I was there when it opened in the morning and was the one of the last to leave when it was closing around 5 PM and I hadn't been through it all. I was exhausted but happy. You can eat there too.
posted by philv599 at 8:34 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by philv599 at 8:34 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
Were it me, I'd find a lock on the Erie canal to visit.
posted by SemiSalt at 9:21 AM on July 13, 2021
posted by SemiSalt at 9:21 AM on July 13, 2021
Where are you staying in the CLE? If you’re staying off 271 vs. staying downtown I may have some ideas for decent food or sights. (We’re in Shaker Heights, so in between 271 and downtown.)
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:25 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:25 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
Just east of Cleveland, stop in Ashtabula and hit Lake Shore Park for a nice break and beautiful views of Lake Erie.
Or a little further east, check out Presque Isle State Park in Erie PA.
Both offer a nice chance to stretch your legs and check out the scenery.
posted by hydra77 at 9:58 AM on July 13, 2021
Or a little further east, check out Presque Isle State Park in Erie PA.
Both offer a nice chance to stretch your legs and check out the scenery.
posted by hydra77 at 9:58 AM on July 13, 2021
Response by poster: Where are you staying in the CLE?
Somewhere downtown, I think, right off 90. I'll be arriving after a ten hour drive and leaving early the next morning so I don't expect to see much but dinner suggestions are welcome.
posted by bondcliff at 10:07 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
Somewhere downtown, I think, right off 90. I'll be arriving after a ten hour drive and leaving early the next morning so I don't expect to see much but dinner suggestions are welcome.
posted by bondcliff at 10:07 AM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
As far as regional fast-food, Culver's is worth a visit. Started as a Wisconsin brand, but looks like they've expanded well into Indiana and Ohio. If you haven't had deep fried cheese curds before, Culver's is not the pinnacle, but I've definitely had worse. They also have their own Root Beer.
posted by yuwtze at 10:11 AM on July 13, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by yuwtze at 10:11 AM on July 13, 2021 [3 favorites]
This is probably too far off your route, though you could enjoy a scenic ride south from I-90 and then head west to pick up the freeway farther along. I just really want to mention Kinzua Bridge State Park in Kane, PA.
The bridge is a 19th century railroad bridge across a beautiful gorge, that was hit by a tornado in 2003. Half of the bridge was still standing, and it was been turned into a scenic view—you walk out onto it, to a glass-bottomed platform that provides beautiful views up and down this steep-sided gorge. It's also of interest that you can still see the tornado damage, both in the form of fallen bridge parts and, at least when I was last there five years or so ago, in some of the trees and greenery.
I love this place, probably because I love scenery and railroads, and if it sounds like your cup of tea, it's worth spending part of your trip on side roads for, if you have time—the drive itself is very scenic.
posted by Orlop at 10:33 AM on July 13, 2021 [3 favorites]
The bridge is a 19th century railroad bridge across a beautiful gorge, that was hit by a tornado in 2003. Half of the bridge was still standing, and it was been turned into a scenic view—you walk out onto it, to a glass-bottomed platform that provides beautiful views up and down this steep-sided gorge. It's also of interest that you can still see the tornado damage, both in the form of fallen bridge parts and, at least when I was last there five years or so ago, in some of the trees and greenery.
I love this place, probably because I love scenery and railroads, and if it sounds like your cup of tea, it's worth spending part of your trip on side roads for, if you have time—the drive itself is very scenic.
posted by Orlop at 10:33 AM on July 13, 2021 [3 favorites]
The Enon (Adena) Mound is 3 minutes from the 70. It's not a bad place to have a picnic.
posted by eotvos at 10:35 AM on July 13, 2021
posted by eotvos at 10:35 AM on July 13, 2021
This may be too much of a detour for you, but Mt. Gretna, PA is not far from Hershey, and you can get some great ice cream (they also have regular food) at the Jigger Shop there, plus it is a scenic area in and of itself.
posted by gudrun at 11:02 AM on July 13, 2021
posted by gudrun at 11:02 AM on July 13, 2021
Where are you staying in the CLE?
Somewhere downtown, I think, right off 90. I'll be arriving after a ten hour drive and leaving early the next morning so I don't expect to see much but dinner suggestions are welcome.
Well, you're not gonna have time for the Rock Hall.
How well this works out depends on your timing & day of the week, but JUST north of the 90/71 exchange is the West Side Market, which is kinda worth a stop if just for "seeing a historic place" value, and could give you some snacks/meals for the road.
The Market is on a stretch of W.25th Street that has several good restaurants, including Ohio City Burrito, Phnom Penh, Nate's Deli (Middle Eastern food) and the Great Lakes Brewing Company, if you're a beer guy. (DO NOT eat at Town Hall, the owners are Bad People.) And for dessert, Mitchell's Ice Cream.
If you're literally literally downtown, you might even be staying at The Arcade, and if you're close enough it's worth a quick visit just for the sight, and Rising Star Coffee is very good.
especially regional food and fast food restaurants that I don't have in Massachusetts.
Swensons.
posted by soundguy99 at 11:16 AM on July 13, 2021 [3 favorites]
Somewhere downtown, I think, right off 90. I'll be arriving after a ten hour drive and leaving early the next morning so I don't expect to see much but dinner suggestions are welcome.
Well, you're not gonna have time for the Rock Hall.
How well this works out depends on your timing & day of the week, but JUST north of the 90/71 exchange is the West Side Market, which is kinda worth a stop if just for "seeing a historic place" value, and could give you some snacks/meals for the road.
The Market is on a stretch of W.25th Street that has several good restaurants, including Ohio City Burrito, Phnom Penh, Nate's Deli (Middle Eastern food) and the Great Lakes Brewing Company, if you're a beer guy. (DO NOT eat at Town Hall, the owners are Bad People.) And for dessert, Mitchell's Ice Cream.
If you're literally literally downtown, you might even be staying at The Arcade, and if you're close enough it's worth a quick visit just for the sight, and Rising Star Coffee is very good.
especially regional food and fast food restaurants that I don't have in Massachusetts.
Swensons.
posted by soundguy99 at 11:16 AM on July 13, 2021 [3 favorites]
roadfood recommends Balaton and sokolowskis in Cleveland
posted by brujita at 1:26 PM on July 13, 2021
posted by brujita at 1:26 PM on July 13, 2021
Sokolowski's, sadly, has closed. Mostly because pandemic. Unknown whether they will reopen at any point in the future - website has said "temporarily closed" since Oct 2020 & apparently the family is not talking publicly about future plans, if any.
Balaton's in Shaker, an eastern suburb, so would probably work best as a food stop before going downtown to the hotel.
IMO your best downtown CLE dinner option would be Mabel's BBQ.
posted by soundguy99 at 1:58 PM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
Balaton's in Shaker, an eastern suburb, so would probably work best as a food stop before going downtown to the hotel.
IMO your best downtown CLE dinner option would be Mabel's BBQ.
posted by soundguy99 at 1:58 PM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
Green Lakes State Park is an otherworldly color for the area, and has a nice trail around the lake.
Downtown Erie along State St. has art and sculptures and stuff.
Any time in the Finger Lakes will be worth your while.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 5:59 PM on July 13, 2021
Downtown Erie along State St. has art and sculptures and stuff.
Any time in the Finger Lakes will be worth your while.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 5:59 PM on July 13, 2021
East of Cleveland in Mentor are two very accessible restaurants of of I90. Scooters Dawg House Is delightful and has surprisingly great food, not just dawgs, which are so good. And just down the road from there you can get a Lake Erie perch or walleye dinner at Brennan’s Fish House. Both of these restaurants fit the bill for local flavor without trying too hard, and have damn good food. If you had more time you could visit the truly phenomenal Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle, which has many, many restaurants and museums I can’t even go into omgaaaaawd!! Seconding Balaton in Shaker Sqare along with Edwin’s.
posted by waving at 7:22 PM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by waving at 7:22 PM on July 13, 2021 [1 favorite]
soundguy99 has really good suggestions for Cleveland. W. 25th Street has a wide variety of great places, including Market Garden Brewery and ABC The Tavern. Really, just walk down the street (it's just four blocks long) and poke your head in to see what you would like.
Depending on what time you come in, go to the The Soldier and Sailors Monument in Public Square in the center of Downtown-- specifically go inside of it. Lakeview Cemetery east of University Circle includes the James A. Garfield Monument and the resting places of other famous folks like Eliot Ness, Ray Chapman (only player in the major leagues to die from an injury suffered during play), Garrett Morgan (African American inventor of the stoplight an gas mask), and some rich guy named Rockefeller.
But, if you are in Cleveland on a weekend, and want a neighborhood bar with great live music, a lovely beer selections, and the most bonkers set of hot dog toppings (Froot Loops?), hit up The Happy Dog. Sit at the long wrap-around bar and you'll quickly make a friend or three.
Before you leave town, have breakfast at Nick's Diner. It's good food in a pleasantly bonkers space. You can go (and should) go to Waffle House anywhere, but there is only one Nick's.
posted by Avogadro at 4:19 AM on July 14, 2021 [1 favorite]
Depending on what time you come in, go to the The Soldier and Sailors Monument in Public Square in the center of Downtown-- specifically go inside of it. Lakeview Cemetery east of University Circle includes the James A. Garfield Monument and the resting places of other famous folks like Eliot Ness, Ray Chapman (only player in the major leagues to die from an injury suffered during play), Garrett Morgan (African American inventor of the stoplight an gas mask), and some rich guy named Rockefeller.
But, if you are in Cleveland on a weekend, and want a neighborhood bar with great live music, a lovely beer selections, and the most bonkers set of hot dog toppings (Froot Loops?), hit up The Happy Dog. Sit at the long wrap-around bar and you'll quickly make a friend or three.
Before you leave town, have breakfast at Nick's Diner. It's good food in a pleasantly bonkers space. You can go (and should) go to Waffle House anywhere, but there is only one Nick's.
posted by Avogadro at 4:19 AM on July 14, 2021 [1 favorite]
I was just in the Columbus area, so this is fresh in my mind. There’s a fusion restaurant I like in Columbus called Louie’s. It’s just a couple blocks off I-270 (a bypass that avoids the downtown I-71/I-70 exchange). Also very near there, same side of I-270, is a BBQ restaurant called Dickey’s. I don’t know if it’s special in any kind of global sense, but the brisket I had from there was super good.
Seconding the recommendation for Graeter’s ice cream.
posted by eirias at 4:42 AM on July 14, 2021 [1 favorite]
Seconding the recommendation for Graeter’s ice cream.
posted by eirias at 4:42 AM on July 14, 2021 [1 favorite]
Scenic areas where I can take a quick walk
Scenic views where I can stretch my eyeballs
You're going to be going by the Allegheny National Forest on your way out, and cross the Pennsylvania Appalachians on the way back. Maybe also going by Pittsburgh? There's gotta be some Pittsburgher MeFites that can give you specific recommendations.
posted by Halloween Jack at 12:13 PM on July 14, 2021
Scenic views where I can stretch my eyeballs
You're going to be going by the Allegheny National Forest on your way out, and cross the Pennsylvania Appalachians on the way back. Maybe also going by Pittsburgh? There's gotta be some Pittsburgher MeFites that can give you specific recommendations.
posted by Halloween Jack at 12:13 PM on July 14, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
I note that a small detour would take you by the baseball hall of fame. I’m not personally a baseball fan, but I am a fan of extremely specific museums.
posted by bq at 7:40 AM on July 13, 2021