Encompassing 1,917 miles and running north to south through 15 states and Washington, D.C., with original construction that began in 1947 and planned improvement continuing even to the first decade of the 21st century, Interstate 95 presents many opportunities for interesting travel stops. From unique historic places to eccentric, brightly decorated travel centers, I-95 offers out-of-the-ordinary entertainment for all tastes.
Providing 1,050 acres of botanical gardens, Longwood Gardens is located about 10 miles from Interstate 95 in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A greenhouse conservatory built in 1919 houses 20 indoor gardens covering 4.5 acres and containing 5,500 different types of plants. There are 325 acres of outdoor gardens, including gardens specifically designed for children, gardens that showcase certain types of trees, and rose and topiary gardens. Visitors will find several gardens featuring water and fountain displays spread across the grounds. After many renovations and improvements, a house built by Quaker farmer Joshua Peirce in 1730 still stands on the grounds of Longwood Gardens. In 2010, the house contains the Longwood Heritage Exhibit.
This museum in Baltimore, Maryland, exhibits close to 6,000 items of pop culture memorabilia from the late 1700s to the the early 21st century. About two miles from Interstate 95, Geppi's Entertainment Museum is located in Camden Station at Camden Yards and includes games, comics, toys, prints and dolls pertaining to popular media and characters famous during those years. Visitors can participate in several educational tours, with topics including the history of pop culture and preservation of memorabilia. The museum charges a small admission fee and is closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Located about six miles from I-95 in St. Augustine, Florida, this jail housed up to 72 prisoners from the time of its construction in 1891 until 1953, when the building began to be used as a tourist attraction. Also known as The Old Jail or the Authentic Old Jail, this building was converted to a museum with weapon displays and inmate cell exhibits depicting imprisonment during the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The site also contains the renovated living quarters where the sheriff and his family would have lived, as well as the gallows, where inmate executions took place. Actors dressed as deputies from the beginning of the 20th century conduct tours through the jail.
A Mexican-themed rest area and family entertainment stop less than a mile from I-95 in Dillon, South Carolina, South of the Border offers a wide variety of options for travelers. There are two service stations on-site, as well as a motor inn and campground. Six restaurants are available with a variety of foods, including steak, ice cream, diner-fare, and authentic Mexican fare. Souvenir, fireworks and antique shops are among the shopping options found at South of the Border. Attractions include a reptile exhibit, a small amusement park and an observation tower. Opened in 1949 by Alan Schafer as a small beer stand, South of the Border has grown to cover 135 acres.
