Top 10 Unique Day Trips - Philadelphia Area

Have you been trapped indoors for far too long? Here are 10 Unique Day Trips to get you out and about. As a service connected veteran with PTSD I love the safety of my home. However, I know I need to explore like I did prior to PTSD, so I search out locations that maybe aren’t the most popular but still have a lot to offer. The type of attractions that draw me in are: Historical, Natural, Artistic and Inexpensive (or Free)

I’ve been to all of the locations on the list below (some multiple times). Each location is easily accessible from Philadelphia and it’s suburbs so I won’t include places to stay. However, I will include a recommendation if I would have stayed overnight. Let’s get to the list!

***Milford, Pennsylvania (Raymondskill Falls)***

A resort town since the Gilded Age? It’s famous Grey Towers is what drew me to Milford, PA. Also it’s close proximity to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, specifically Raymondskill Falls also attracted me. (Natural. Check)

It’s the surprises that I found that make Milford and destination you should check out. Prior to planning my day trip I didn’t know that Frommer’s named Milford one of the “Ten Coolest Small Towns.” So maybe Milford isn’t that unknown.

Milford is the home of the famous “Lincoln Flag”. The 36-star flag was draped over the balustrade in the presidential box the night Lincoln was assassinated. Milford is unquestionably historic. (Historic. Check)

What surprised me the most was some of the unique shops that I wasn’t expecting. The Artisan Exchange, The Golden Fish Art Gallery, Earthly Treasures and Willow. I planned on going to Ann Street Antiques, however it was not open on the day I was in town. The Artisan Exchange was another place I had planned to go to but it was a lot cooler. I wasn’t expecting there would be a few metaphysical shops like Earthly Treasures in Milford but they are there. Willow is a home decor shop similar to shops in other towns but I found the best tea at Willow. (Artistic. Check)

Would I stay in Milford? There are some cool options like the Hotel Fauchere and Tom Quick Inn, however as a day trip Milford is great for me. Would I go back? Definitely. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is huge and I only good to see a fraction of it. Therefore, the Milford area would be great for a weekend trip or long weekend.

There wasn’t any entrance fees that I incurred. My expenses were Gas, Tolls, Food and Spending Money. RECOMMENDATION: YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen is a great restaurant option not far from Milford. The food was excellent, as was the portions and cost. The owner’s were very nice. When traveling I tend to eat during off peak times so when I was there it wasn’t crowded. (Inexpensive. Check)

Travel Time (Distance): Roughly 3 hour drive. I left early and arrived around 9:30am with one stop to visit Jayne Mansfield’s gravesite. I’m a fan of her unique movies and have always wanted to pay my respects. Cemeteries aren’t for everyone, however there is a lot of forgotten history in old cemeteries. Fairview Cemetery in Pen Argyl is a quaint and well maintained. Yes cemeteries are sad and there were plenty of heartbreaking gravestones like Catharine Meyers’ who passed in 1860 and was barely 1 year old. For me, paying respect is important…probably a military thing.

NOTE: I’m definitely an introvert. Was an introvert prior to PTSD, though the PTSD made my shyness worse. As such, one of my trip rules is that I’ll talk to at least one person. If you have PTSD, anxiety or shyness try to strike up a conversation with someone non threatening. For me grandmotherly figures are who I talk to the most. While at Grey Towers I spoke with a lovely women with an awesome wide brimmed hat. Having a human connection makes trips more memorable. Give it a try and let me know who you got chatty with.

A twist…America’s first pretzel bakery was established in 1861. You can still grab one today at the Sturgis Pretzel House. Typically my missions are solo, however I’ve been to Lititz several times all with friends/family.

Lancaster county has a lot of attractions and is a great vacation locale. Lititz stands on its own as it is a unique day trip all on its own. Trying to see Lancaster county in one day wouldn’t be possible.

The Moravians (West Slavic group from the Moravia region of the Czech Republic) created a village in 1757 on land which in 1855 would be incorporated to the present day borough. As such there is a lot of interesting architecture to see as you stroll through the town. When I was stationed in Europe I use to joke about all the cathedrals. In the states we have old churches and lighthouses for the architectural connoisseur. There isn’t a lighthouse in Lititz, but the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, completed in 1766 is worth a visit. (Historic. Check)

If architecture isn’t your passion, there always is chocolate. The history of chocolate in Lititz dates back to 1900. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory may now be condos, but the Wilbur Chocolate Retail Store and Museum is open to delight. Admittedly I’m not big on chocolate but you can see how they make their chocolate through large glass windows inside the store.

In the fall Lititz holds its annual Artisan’s Porchwalk where you can see artisans in ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, painting, woodworking and more. Many of the shops along Main street showcase artists year round. You’re bound to find something you didn’t know you needed. Something that I haven’t seen but told is popular in Lititz is poetry. Your artistic side shouldn’t have a hard time finding nourishment in Lititz. (Artistic. Check)

When visiting Lititz, my expense have been gas, food and spending money. Parking can be difficult depending on the time of year so factor in possible extra walking or pay for parking. There is metered parking on Main Street and Broad Street but. NOTE: During Christmas, other events and Sundays parking is free (if you can find a spot). The Bulls Head Public House has an excellent restaurant and bar as well as public restrooms. Every time we visit we want to eat at the Tomato Pie Cafe, however it has always been busy. (Inexpensive. Check)

One place I spend the most time at in Lititz is Springs Park. It’s not a large park but the ducks are always entertaining and people watching is good. During my last visit an artist set up an easel and was painting on one of the small bridges. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is close by and is planned for in the future. If you have a recommendation let me know. (Natural. Check)

Would I stay in Lititz? No, it’s close enough for me and a perfect day trip. If your planning a trip to Lancaster County, Lititz would be a great home base. Travel Time (Distance) is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Without tolls slightly longer.

**3. Eastern Shores, Maryland (Betterton, Chestertown, Oxford, etc.)**

The Eastern Shores of Maryland is practically in my back yard yet it’s only recently that I explored the area. There are a lot of small, historic towns and I mapped out a course whereby I’d at least drive through some of them. Some of the towns I planned to only drive through turned into short stops. I drove through Cecilton. Stopped in Fredericktown to check out the marina and Kitty Knight House. Stopped in Galena and Betterton before my first planned stop in Chestertown. I’m usually very good at planning my trips, however since I was traveling on a Tuesday I assumed everything would be open. Nearly everything in Chestertown was closed (Sundays, Mondays & Tuesdays). I’m not sure if its due to COVID but I wasn’t alone as other people were shocked to see “closed” signs. A walking tour of Chestertown and an iced coffee at Play It Again Sam were the highlights.

Obviously I had planned to stay longer in Chestertown but many of the restaurants were also closed or didn’t open until dinner. A quick internet search of the area showed The Waterman’s Crab House in Rock Hall (which was my next stop) would be open by the time I arrived. I pride myself on precise planning but this trip had a lot of spontaneity which ultimately didn’t go well. I arrived in Rock Hall and parked precisely when the restaurant opened. I was the first to be seated and the water views were nice. Service was good and the crab cake I order wasn’t spectacular. Don’t order the Fried Green Tomatoes!

After lunch I drove to Eastern Neck Island before heading to Oxford and didn’t stop at any of the through towns. By far Oxford was the best town I visited on this day trip. There isn’t a lot to do in Oxford but it’s very walkable, has stunning architecture and the Scottish Highland Creamery is worth the drive. NOTE: there aren’t a lot of public restrooms but there was a portable one located near the creamery. I’m unsure if it would be open year round so best plan accordingly. Don’t be like me.

I had planned to go to St. Michaels but ultimately decided to head home since the day was extremely hot, I made several unplanned stops and my overall planning this trip sucked. Things didn’t go as planned but the trip had a lot of great moments. I enjoy driving, less so than when I was younger when I drove cross country several times.

I recommend stopping at the Cross Street Food and Garden in Galena, they have a lot of items not found elsewhere and their mini cider donuts make great snacks while driving. Betterton has an actual beach but not a lot else. Absolutely no one was on the beach, but again it was extremely hot (though isn’t that beach worthy?) I was unaware of the history of the area relating to Harriet Tubman and had I planned better I would have went to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park in Church Creek, the site of Harriet Tubman’s childhood home, memorial garden and museum all in Cambridge.

This day trip wasn’t expensive and I didn’t use much of my “spending” money. There are definitely a lot of historically interesting sites as well as natural beauty (I plan to revisit Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge).

Travel Time (Distance) is approximately 2 hours to Oxford, Maryland but if you start in Fredericktown/Galena like I did travel time is approximately 1 hour. Would I stay in the Eastern Shores? Absolutely. I do live relatively close but there is a lot I wasn’t able to see in one day. I’d stay in Chestertown, Maryland. Annapolis, Maryland is approximately 1 hour from Chestertown which could be included in a longer stay.

***4. Havre de Grace, Maryland (Port Deposit, Turkey Point, etc.)***

Havre de Grace is an easy day trip for me and one that I’ve made a couple of times. It’s an interesting small town and there are surrounding locations like Port Deposit, Conowingo Dam, Charlestown, Northeast, Elk Neck State Park and Turkey Point Lighthouse.

Downtown Havre de Grace has shops, restaurants, parks and museums for a full day. The decoy museum was surprisingly interesting. Always try to check out something I normally wouldn’t and often not I’m surprised. Either that or I’m easily entertained? The town is situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River and the head of the Chesapeake Bay so there are plenty of stunning water views.

The Tidewater Grille offers great food options, views of the Susquehanna and outdoor dining. I had a burger but this is were I should have had crab as the portions looked substantial. Other good options for grub are MacGregor’s which also has water views, River City Public House, Bomboy’s Homemade Ice cream and Concord Point Coffee. I didn’t eat at all these places on one day trip, I’ve been to Havre de Grace a few times due to it’s close proximity to the Perry Point VA Medical Center. One culinary let down was Sweet Eat Cakes. I bought cupcakes to take home and they were decent but not as great as the reviews claim. I’ll definitely give it a second try as all small businesses deserve.

Seneca Cannery Antiques is highly recommended for its location, building architecture and large selection of antiques. I easily found a few cool items and the customer service was awesome. Parking is easy and the town is very walkable. Definitely walk to or park near the Friends-Concord Point Lighthouse a then stroll along the water on the walking pier. The decoy museum is also in this area of town. (Historical. Check)

The State Theater is also recommended. It has been fully renovated and it’s a great place to support budding musicians, producers, filmmakers, photographers and other artists. The art galleries that wow me were the Bearwood Designs gallery, Arts by the Bay Gallery and the Artists’ Emporium. As a self taught artist I love supporting local artists and am appreciative of their inspiration.

***5. Surf City/Barnegat Lighthouse, New Jersey***

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