Years ago, on the way to my family’s Mount Washington Valley winter weekend destination, I spotted something that captivated me. The Pizza Barn.

It was about three and a half hours into our weekly route back then; there was no Spaulding Turnpike. To me, it was everything. I was hungry. It looked cute. The lot was always packed. But I was kid, a kid in a car driven by a father who wanted to get to our weekend home in decent time.

The way back, I’d see it again. But since it was late Sunday and we’d begged dad to let us ski all day, I didn’t even suggest a stop.

It stood there every weekend through the years; a real life monument to a craving I couldn’t satisfy.

Decades later I was passing it on my way to the Valley with my now husband. I told him of my nearly lifetime yearning, and that I’d yet to step inside. He banged a u-ey, pulled in and said “All that is about to change.”

And it did. One thing I’ve learned over the years: a journey with delightful and delicious pit stops may take a little longer, but it’s a whole lot more fun.

I’ve found some savory and sweet stops along routes to my favorite destinations. Diners, dinner spots and other delicious diversions are now part of every road trip I take. Here are just a few:

The Pizza Barn, Ossipee, NH: When I finally stepped inside, The Pizza Barn (https://www.pizzabarnnh.com/) was everything I wanted and more. It’s really a barn with long community bench tables, a kicked-back vibe and friendly servers.

Operated by the same family since I first saw it 51 years ago, they make their own family-recipe sauce and dough and even hand-slice their pepperoni. They grate their own cheese that’s 80% cheddar.

The result is magnificent, with a crust that’s thick enough to hold things but still crispy. Be warned (in a good way): they go big on toppings. Should you want less, ask when ordering.

There are salads, appetizers, spaghetti and meatballs and of course, beer. Totally worth the reset on your Google Map arrival time.

Country Girl Diner, Chester, VT: Tucked in the middle of this southwest Vermont hamlet is a true historic representation of a classic diner; one that’s still fully functioning. The Country GIrl Diner is an authentic Silk City Silver dining car (they even have the serial number; it’s 178) built in Paterson N.J., in 1944 and moved to this location where it’s been operating since 1961.

It’s cozy; booths line the street-facing outer wall and a counter — where we love to sit for the social aspect of it all — runs the length of the interior.

They serve classic fare for breakfast and lunch: Giant pancakes, house-made hash, burgers, foot-long hotdogs.

It only takes a moment for you to feel like a local. It’s fun, affordable and a fantastic stop for an old-school break in your journey.

Common Man Roadside, Hooksett Rest Stop, NH: A rest stop worth stopping at? Any time I’m heading up Route 93 toward western New Hampshire, I perk up knowing I’ll be stopping, not for the excellent meals in the main building (and they are good!) but for the fresh made cider doughnuts in the little cider doughnut shack on site.

You smell them instantly and are drawn in. Fresh and warm (they make them before your eyes), they’re the perfect match of crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. I’d argue they represent the best highway roadside treat out there.

But do go inside too — and not just to use the restroom. There’s a little candy shop (also operated by the Common Man) that sells those oddly delightful European candies you can never find over here. Stock up — and pretend like you’re not going to eat them while on your trip. If you do, no worries: It can all be had again on your way home.