Cleveland to Baltimore road trip: 24 stops worth the detour

A playful restored roadside-coffee-pot stop that gives the Pennsylvania stretch a proper Lincoln Highway artifact.

An Ernie Els course with a ruined-mill finishing hole.

Founded in 1772 by three Quaker milling brothers on the Patapsco River, this cobblestone Main Street of 200+ 18th/19th-century granite buildings has flooded catastrophically multiple times (2016, 2018) and rebuilt each time -- a mill town that refuses to quit, now full of galleries, cafes, and the oldest B&O Railroad station in the country a block away.

Longtime family-run Hungarian kitchen turning out hearty, homestyle classics. Order: Chicken paprikash.

a boardwalk fall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

A US Open–qualifier course in the Frederick area.

Waterfalls, towpath & a scenic railroad

Vibrant New Orleans-style East Liberty spot with over ten oyster varieties, Cajun seafood, and inventive cocktails. Order: Fresh oyster selection.

Family-owned Upper Lawrenceville Thai restaurant with one of the city's most beautiful garden patios and refined traditional cooking. Order: Khao soi.

Third-generation family spot since 1958, steps off the Towpath Trail in the middle of the park — the default refuel for cyclists and Scenic Railroad riders. Big patio, Monday wing night.

Homewood smokehouse often named the city's best barbecue, marked by parking-lot smokers and tender ribs with mustardy sauce. Order: Smoked ribs with mac and cheese.

Pennsylvania’s biggest resort, a Laurel Highlands staple

Lawrenceville Spanish spot from chef Justin Severino offering pintxos, house-made charcuterie, and shareable plates, named to OpenTable's Top 100. Order: House-made charcuterie board.

September 17, 1862 remains the single bloodiest day in American history -- over 22,000 casualties in about 12 hours around this small whitewashed Dunker meetinghouse. The battle's outcome gave Lincoln the opening to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. A quiet, reflective stop rather than a triumphant one.

Liddy served as project architect on this Pete Dye layout in northeast Ohio, a stout, well-bunkered test. Championship bones at public-course value.

Simple Strip District counter deli widely named the best pierogi source near downtown, with hot pierogi ready to eat until mid-afternoon. Order: Potato and cheese pierogi.

routinely called the most beautiful park in baseball — the skyline and Roberto Clemente Bridge beyond right