Places to stretch your legs, grab a meal, and take a break on the way to Philadelphia
If you’re heading across Pennsylvania for the FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia, Mercer County is a fun and convenient stop along the way. Located near major routes like I-79 and I-80, it gives travelers a chance to get out of the car, eat, shop, explore, and reset before continuing the drive.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or a full car of soccer fans, Mercer County, PA has plenty of easy ways to make the trip more comfortable. You can stop for a quick walk, let the kids burn off some energy, grab a meal, or spend a little extra time checking out local spots before getting back on the road.
After a long stretch of driving, getting outside can make a big difference. Mercer County has several parks and outdoor spaces where you can walk, relax, and take a break without going far out of your way.
Maurice K. Goddard State Park is a great option if you want space to move around. The park features Lake Wilhelm and a paved trail for hiking and biking, making it a helpful stop if you want to stretch your legs and spend some time near the water.
Buhl Park is another easy stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. The park includes open space, playgrounds, picnic shelters, tennis courts, disc golf, a fitness trail, and a lake for fishing, so families can choose a quick activity or stay a little longer if their schedule allows.
Shenango River Lake is a good choice if your group wants a quieter outdoor break. With picnic areas, fishing, boating, nature photography, and places to enjoy the shoreline, it gives travelers a chance to slow down and get some fresh air before continuing the drive.
Pymatuning State Park is another option for travelers who have a little more time. It is known for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, fishing, and access to one of Pennsylvania’s largest lakes, which makes it a practical stop for families who want more than a quick roadside break.
For more parks, trails, lakes, and places to get outside, explore the Outdoor Adventures page.
If you’re traveling with kids or want something a little more active, several spots in Mercer County make road trip breaks more interesting.
Olympic Fun Center in Hermitage, PA features roller skating, a play zone, a rock wall, laser tag, and so much more! Making it the perfect indoor stop for families of all ages.
Keystone Safari in Grove City, PA is the perfect fit for families that enjoy exploring exotic animals and outdoor adventure. Visitors can feed and interact with more than 100 animals, and there are zip-line adventure courses for travelers who want to add a more active element to their visit.
Kraynak’s in Hermitage is another family-friendly stop, especially for travelers with kids who enjoy toys, displays, and seasonal decorations. Its Toyland is open year-round, and the shop is also known for seasonal displays like Christmas Lane, September 10th through December 31st, and Easter Bunny Lane, February 20th thru the Monday after Easter.
To find more stops for kids, families, and groups, browse the Attractions page.
Sometimes the best break is one where you can walk around, grab a coffee, and browse a bit. Mercer County makes it easy with a mix of outlet shopping, specialty stores, and local retail.
Grove City Premium Outlets is one of the most convenient stops for travelers. The open-air outlet center has more than 100 brand-name outlet stores, so you can spend as much or as little time as you want. It is also a good place to walk around and take a break from sitting in the car.
The Winner in Sharon offers an exciting array of stylish and trendy options for fashion, accessories, formalwear, and bridal shopping. With four floors of merchandise, it gives shoppers a more local retail experience than a typical highway stop.
Wendell August, located at Grove City Premium Outlets, is a unique, artisanal stop if you want to browse handcrafted metal giftware and pick up something made in America. It is a practical option for travelers who want a smaller shopping stop without committing to a full afternoon of browsing.
For more places to browse, shop, and take a walking break, visit the Shopping page.
At some point, everyone needs to sit down and eat. Mercer County has plenty of local restaurants where you can take a break from the car and enjoy a meal before continuing toward Philadelphia.
Quaker Steak & Lube in Sharon is a family-friendly option with a motorsports-themed atmosphere. It works well for groups who want a casual sit-down meal, wings, and a place that feels easy for road trip dining.
Iron Bridge Inn in Mercer offers a relaxed, lodge-like setting with fireplaces, barbecue entrees, slow-roasted prime rib, salads, wings, burgers, sandwiches, and homemade desserts. It is a good fit if your group prefers a full meal to a quick snack.
Hicks on The Square is another Mercer stop for lunch or dinner. With a casual atmosphere and options like salads, soups, sandwiches, chili, pasta, and beer on tap, it gives travelers a straightforward place to sit down and recharge.
Talbot’s Taproom & Terrace is another option for travelers looking for a local dining stop in Mercer County. It is a good one to keep in mind if you want to take a longer break and enjoy a meal before getting back on the road.
For adult travelers, the Mercer County Wine and Brew Trail offers a chance to try local wineries, breweries, and other beverage stops at your own pace. It is a better fit for travelers planning a longer stop or an overnight stay.
To find restaurants, cafés, breweries, and other places to refuel, check out our Dine and Sip page.
Long drives are easier when you have a scenic and inviting place to pause. Mercer County gives travelers options beyond a quick gas station stop, from parks and family-friendly attractions to shopping and local restaurants.
If Philadelphia is your final destination for the FIFA World Cup, consider including Mercer County on your route. It’s a relaxing place to stop, recharge, and enjoy a little more of Pennsylvania along the way.
