This summer, I had the luxury of driving from New York to California, and then back — meaning I got to view so much of our country in one summer. While my friends and I had some majors stops planned along the way (such as the Grand Canyon, Chicago, and St. Louis), there were a few places we pulled off along the way that proved to be amazing places to stop. These lesser-known places were some of the best parts of my trip, and I highly recommend them to anyone making a similar cross country road trip.

1. Casey, Illinois

While Casey isn't a town that's nationally known, they're home to a variety of the world's largest things. They even have a warehouse where they manufacture these items to keep people stopping along their drive. While I was there, I visited the world's largest wind chime, mailbox, rocking chair, wooden shoes, knitting needles and crochet hooks. A bonus was a life size bird cage that was sitting on the corner of a street.

2. Grandpa's Cheese Barn

This is that attraction in Ohio that you see the signs for, but never think to stop. It's a little attraction all on its own. While you're "cutting the cheese at Grandpa's Cheese Barn," you can sample every type of cheese imaginable (my favorite was the siracha cheddar). There's a variety of other quirky little shops to stop in the same area and makes for a good laugh for your road trip.

3. Cadillac Ranches

In the panhandle of Texas, there's a row of Cadillacs sticking out of the ground that many come by just to spray paint. It's an amazing spot for pictures, or if you want to add your own artwork to the spray painted collection.

4. The World's Largest Ball of Paint

In Indiana, there's a ball of paint over 25,000 layers thick. You can call and ask to visit the ball, and even paint the next layer yourself. It's not every day you get to say that you've added to the world's largest ball of paint.

5. Albuquerque, New Mexico

While this may seem like a more obvious stop to visit along your road trip, it can also be easily overlooked. I highly recommend stopping and taking a walk around this cute little town. There are some amazing artwork and cute restaurants to eat at.

6. Children's Pool in La Jolla

This little beach area has become a popular spot for seals to lounge around and sun bathe. It's a beautiful spot by the Pacific Ocean and has some of the best, most serene views earlier in the morning.