10 pit stops for your summer drive

Have you already figured out where to go next this summer? If you haven't got one in mind yet, perhaps you should check our list of destinations to go to without the need of an SUV. We have listed there 5 awesome places to visit this summer, including bonus spots and activities to do. 

However, we felt the urge to complete the whole package. So we came up with our picks of stopovers you should try. Each of these places excel in bathroom ambiance, food quality, and service. Without further ado, here are 10 great pit stops for your summer drive.

On the way to Laguna

In case you're on your way to Laguna to get soaked in Pansol's hot springs, you might want to drop by at Stoven Café along Calamba en route to Pansol. Simply type in Stoven on your phone's GPS application and you’re all set. They offer a variety of coffees and pastries; plus, don't forget to check out their lemon bar.

Another delicacy not to miss out is the famous chocolate cake in Laguna. The cake is made by Mer-Nel's Cake House which was founded in Los Banos. But you don't have to go farther because they have a branch at the 2nd floor of SM Calamba.

Up for the cold ambiance of Tagaytay? 

Tagaytay is only a few kilometers away when you reach Sta. Rosa, Laguna. However, during weekends and holidays, the upward sloping road is clogged by vehicles. During this kind of days, travel time extends up to about an hour and a half. So it would be best if you check out some places along the way.   

Aside from Nuvali, Paseo de Sta. Rosa is another dwelling place for shoppers. This place offers a number of shops, restaurants, and bars where you can get snacks, refreshments, and extra stuff you might need on your trip. Also, before reaching Tagaytay, you'll see a restaurant named Rekado's, which is a place that’s perfect for Instagram.

Ala eh, off to Batangas? 

Now, if you want to push farther to Nasugbu, there are also tons of places you can stop by. One is the selfie-worthy Bag of Beans Tagaytay Main Branch. Of note, there are 4 Bag of Beans along the way. The main branch has an interior of a typical beachfront-house you see in movies. It's a mix of both fancy and bold feel, where you can peacefully have a sip of your Barako coffee while inhaling some good vibes. 

Meanwhile, if you're already in Batangas and missed Bag of Beans, there's this place called Twin Lakes which offers good choices of restaurants and coffee shops. The comfort rooms there are good too. It also offers a garden-like overlooking view at the back where you can enjoy your hot cup, or a fine meal from one of the restaurants there.

It's a long road going to Subic 

Yes, it's a lengthy drive to reach Subic, composed of 2 expressways you need to traverse. The North Luzon Expressway, being one of them, is a long road composed of multiple gasoline stations. One of these is Petron in Marilao, a huge gasoline station featuring a long stretch of fast food chains. 

Meanwhile, apart from the usual Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), you can opt to choose the alternative route going to Subic. Instead of driving directly to SCTEx, why not stop by at the city of San Fernando in Pampanga? There are lots of great restaurants there that offer superb dishes – or if you want us to be more specific, Sisig. One eatery you should try is Mely's Sisig which is only 2.2 km away from the toll gate.

Planning to surf in La Union? 

Gas stations are like blessings for drivers because aside from offering various restaurants and convenience stores (apart from fuel, of course), they also offer hygienic restrooms. And speaking of clean restrooms, one station that has got to be in the list is the Shell Oasis between Tabang exit and Balagtas interchange. Aside from its neat modern architecture, the restrooms are also taken good care of by the management. 

However, after stopping over at the expressways, La Union is still a long way to go. No worries though because after leaving TPLEx, along McArthur Highway, there's this place called Soul Café, located at Rosario in La Union. It is a place where you can have a good cup of joe, while having a nicely plated meal, from appetizers, to pasta, all the way to desserts.

Drive safe and enjoy!