Plan my trip.... or maybe just give me some ideas
At the end of July I am going on a road trip from Chicago to NJ. Without traffic that’s an estimated 14.5 hr drive. Since it will probably take me a few days to do that on my own, I want to take photos along the way but not go so far off the beaten path that I tack on too much extra time. So, here are google’s 2 suggested routes
Is anyone familiar with what is in between Chicago and the Philadelphia area ( I know Philly and east of it) that is near those routes where I should be sure to stop by for photo ops? Doesn’t have to be a tourist attraction. Could just be some nice scenery, farms, water, etc.
Well, I have plentry of time to plan so please throw in some ideas if you hear of anything. It’s too bad I don’t know anyone east of Philadelphia so I am going to have to stay in cheap motels along the way…..ick.
DeviousLili
merely based on road crews and typical Pennsylvania roadwork (ugh) I recommend taking the I-80 route. However, that leaves me unable to recommend much, as I live along the I-76 route! Would rather your trip be a good one instead of a haggard and cursing one, though! :)
Dana DiPasquale replied
driving alone will make it haggard either way :) Thanks for the advice
DeviousLili
You’re very welcome! Having driven cross-country many times myself, I understand the query and hope you find the answers that help most.
Matt Adamik
don’t miss the lovely shores of Lake Erie around Cleveland… oh they have that crazy Rock Hall of Fame… it’s expensive, but maybe one of those things you have to do once if you’re a big music fan.
Oh, Cedar Point if you have time & like amusement parks… it’s always in one of the top 10 coaster parks in the world.
Dana DiPasquale replied
oo, good idea about Lake Erie! Thanks
Earhart Chappe...
scranton
Dana DiPasquale replied
what’s in scranton to shoot?
Victoria DeMore
Lake Erie and Scranton in PA are nice, but you MUST stop in Pittsburgh. Based on your work, I’m sure you’d find plenty of interesting things in Pittsburgh. From the Inclines you can get great cityscape shots. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city full of friendly people. Now that the map has loaded, I suppose that it may be a tad bit out of the way. Your route actually takes you past where I’m from in PA, north of Pittsburgh around the Mars/Valencia area. There are lots of farms around there. Somerset is also a nice area, but it was also where flight 93 crashed Sept. 11. There is a memorial there. Haven’t been out there yet, but you’ll be driving through that area. Bedford, PA is also has a beautiful, countryside. But out of everything you’ll be driving through, the people you’ll see and scenery in Pittsburgh is just too much to pass up.
If you go to Pittsburgh, and want to get some great character shots of the city, go to the Strip District in the early hours. You’ll see some great people, people proud of the city, and that’s where the fresh produce gets brought in. There’s Pittsburgh Macaroni Company with great cheese and meat, and Wholley’s and their seafood, and Pittsburgh Cut Flower with flowers and craft stuff. There’s a great gift shop there that makes everything out of metal. And don’t miss Primanti Brothers for an amazing sandwich for lunch. Then, head over to the South Side for some of the best bars in town. Mario’s is my favorite. It’s got an old pub feel to it and lots of local celebrities (especially hockey players from the Pittsburgh Penguins) frequent the place.
Dana DiPasquale replied
Thanks! Great info!!
Earhart Chappe...
i can find my photos . but there are fab buildings and churches, and grave yards that date back to the civil war.the abandoned buildings are the coolest though
Dana DiPasquale replied
Ah, that sounds neat. I would really need to know where I was going, though, for abandoned buildings.
Earhart Chappe...
downtown scranton cannot miss it,
Mary Campbell
Dana, post this in the Keystone state group they have lot’s of people from Pennsylvania and can give you good western PA advice. I use to travel that root alot when I went to grad school but it’s been a few years and I was mostly rushing. Pittsburg area you can stop and see falling waters Frank Lloyd Wrights place, And the Amish lands start a bit after that.. Hersey has a nice butterfly house, good if you like that kind of stuff. Good place to wander. Don’t forget Gettysburgh, nice park there. You’ll have to get off 76 though if you want to see anything. I don’t know much west of there. But it’s mostly farmland along 76 and forests along 80 so it depends on which route you take across PA.
Have fun, wandering.
Maria Medeiros
I hope your trip was a safe one.