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2 Florida Cities Make Best Road Trip List

Author Gina Birch

Millions of Americans are taking to the road this week for summer’s last hurrah. Labor Day weekend is almost here and if you want to get away but aren’t sure where maybe this will help. Two Florida cities make best road trip list for the long holiday weekend.

Must See Places is out with this new list of six cities that are not only the best for road trips this weekend and going into fall, but they are also among the most affordable destinations. If you want to get out of town and don’t want to blow the bank, check out these destinations for explorations.

What Florida Cities Make Best Road Trip List

First on the list is Jacksonville. Did you know that Jacksonville has the most extensive urban park system in the country? For outdoor enthusiasts there is a large beach front and also forests for hiking.

The city has numerous gardens to explore as well as a popular zoo. It is also known for having a thriving art and culture scene.

Aerial view of downtown Orlando at sunset
Getty Images
2 Florida cities make Best Road Trip list and Orlando is one. Besides theme parks, the downtown and surrounding areas are thriving.

Central Florida Cities Make Best Road Trip List

Next on the list is Orlando. As a Southwest Florida resident, I’ve made that road trip lots. However, this report says it’s not all about theme parks and tourist attractions. The Central Florida city and surrounding area has lots more to offer.

This list sites it’s state parks and cool springs along with cool outposts like Winter Park. Orlando is also a hotspot for foodies to explore with Micheline Star restaurants and a variety of ethnic cuisine. If you’re into art, take a mural tour through the Mills 50 District.

Florida Cities Make Best Road Trip List With These Pit Stops

When you are headed up to cities such as Orland and Jacksonville, it’s likely you’ll need to make a stop or two. The drive is doable from Southwest Florida, but it can get tedious. I write a dining series called Favorite Florida Pit Stops, highlighting mostly mom and pop places to pull over for refreshing and refueling. Refueling the body that is.

Click here for a great BBQ stop in Bartow with huge, affordable sandwiches, delicious southern favorites and desserts. Speaking of desserts, if you have a sweet tooth don’t pass up this cafe in Arcadia. It also has good savory fare.

Driving through Lake Wales, stop here for big plates of Mexican food and a small market too. If you’re craving something Italian, this lakeside Winter Haven restaurant is perfect.

Additional Cities On Best Road Trip List

Other cities on the list of best places to for an affordable road trip include the Washington DC metro area. It is busting at the seams with historical sites. There is much to see in district’s surrounding areas too. It’s also ideal in the fall for anyone who is interested is seeing the leaves change.

Houston, Texas is also on the list. It is a huge city with miles to explore. Here you can find everything from the Space Center to stunning outdoor parks.

Also in Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth made the list. Dallas has a 68-square mile art district, lots of shopping, dining and museums. Fort Worth is less than an hour away and is where you’ll get a taste of the wild wild west at the Stockyards and National Cowgirl Museum.

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.

Favorite Florida Pit Stop: Biggest BBQ Sandwich Found In Bartow

When you are taking a road trip into and out of Southwest Florida, it can take a minute. Not just because of traffic but because we are so far south. It’s inevitable that you’ll need to stop for some kind of refueling. Next time you need a good pit stop for sustenance, check out the biggest BBQ sandwich found in Bartow.

It’s at a restaurant called Boney Mac’s BBQ and it is my latest discovery for Favorite Florida Pit Stops. Favorite Florida Pit Stops is a culinary and travel series. It primarily features mom and pop restaurants along well traveled roads to and from Southwest Florida.

This is one of those places that you can smell before you see on Highway 17 and Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd. in Bartow. You likely whiz right by if 17 is the route you take to Orlando and other Central Florida locations.

About The Biggest BBQ Sandwich Found In Bartow

Boney Mac’s is old school. The smoker is in the parking lot facing the highway. The interior is wide open and orders are taken at a small counter. Beware, it also has tempting, homemade desserts linted up. The selections change daily.

The rest of the menu is full of southern and soulful favorites like collard greens, lima beans, fried okra, mac-n-cheese and more. Smoked meats include chicken, ribs and pork which all come in a variety of ways.

I ordered what I thought was a simple rib sandwich. I could not pick it up. The rib meat didn’t even come close to fitting between the two pieces of white bread it came with and I wasn’t mad about it at all. The amount of meat was enough to feed three people.

The BBQ sauce on the side was sweet and tangy mustard base. Best part was the value. The sandwich was only $11. If you are trying to feed a bunch of people and not break the bank, this is your stop. Everything I had was delicious too.

There is another great stop for BBQ lovers on Highway 17. It’s about 20 minutes south of Boney Mac’s. Click here to find more about Smokin’ Joes.

Here Are Photos Of The Biggest BBQ Sandwich Found In Bartow

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Author Gina Birch
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