Planning a trip to VA
Apr 20, 2021 13:32:46 #
from central Illinois. Debating on taking either I-70 (will take me a bit too far north) or I-64 (a bit difficult to follow on my old map). Does anyone have any suggestions for "must-sees" along either route. I'm debating going to Gettysburg. Is West Virginia pretty enough that I'll want to stop and take lots of pictures?
Apr 20, 2021 13:47:35 #
Resident of (Northern) Virginia here. In my opinion, West Virginia is one of the most picturesque states east of the Mississippi. Route 64 is probably the longest time-wise, but it would take you through Tennessee (also very picturesque) into Virginia. If you wanted to see WV, there are plenty of side trips you could make. In my opinion, a direct west-to-east route would be rather boring, and only the best choice if time is an issue.
Apr 20, 2021 14:09:32 #
Just Fred wrote:
Resident of (Northern) Virginia here. In my opinion, West Virginia is one of the most picturesque states east of the Mississippi. Route 64 is probably the longest time-wise, but it would take you through Tennessee (also very picturesque) into Virginia. If you wanted to see WV, there are plenty of side trips you could make. In my opinion, a direct west-to-east route would be rather boring, and only the best choice if time is an issue.
I'm glad you said that, Fred. I lived in W.Va at one time and I remember a trip my parents took us on through Caanan Valley. We visited Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, Spruce Knob and a few other places including Black Water Falls. It was a great trip and I have fond memories and a bunch of old pictures.
Apr 20, 2021 14:14:33 #
AzPicLady wrote:
from central Illinois. Debating on taking either I-70 (will take me a bit too far north) or I-64 (a bit difficult to follow on my old map). Does anyone have any suggestions for "must-sees" along either route. I'm debating going to Gettysburg. Is West Virginia pretty enough that I'll want to stop and take lots of pictures?
How long are you planning to spend in Virginia? There is so much that is beautiful to see and do in Virginia, it would be a shame to miss it. There are also many beautiful historical sites in Virginia; from the mountains to the Arlington and Alexandria areas.
West Virginia mountains are pretty but so are the Virginia mountains. The road through West Virginia can sometimes be a little slow. I have never driven the route from Illinois, we have always gone up to WV and VA from N Carolina.
If you have lots of time, see both. If time is limited I would stick to Virginia (Williamsburg is beautiful with so much to see and do) and perhaps Gettysburg.
Apr 20, 2021 14:19:32 #
Kathy, before moving to Utah, we lived in Virginia for 47 years. Just Fred and Carol are correct. Go in through West Virginia.
Apr 20, 2021 14:19:39 #
Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah Valley, many other Civil War sites, Washington DC area, coal mining sites, railroad sites, Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, other scenic & historic drives, US 50 across Maryland is extremely hilly & curvy, US 60 in WV & VA is 'only' very hilly & curvy. Even your old map will show you that I64 does not traverse any of Tennessee. How much time are you allowing for your adventure? You'll probably see flowering trees & the hills & mountains coming to life - or, you may encounter a bit of left over winter weather in the mountains. You'll have a wonderful trip, what ever route you take.
Apr 20, 2021 14:27:24 #
Just Fred wrote:
Resident of (Northern) Virginia here. In my opinion, West Virginia is one of the most picturesque states east of the Mississippi. Route 64 is probably the longest time-wise, but it would take you through Tennessee (also very picturesque) into Virginia. If you wanted to see WV, there are plenty of side trips you could make. In my opinion, a direct west-to-east route would be rather boring, and only the best choice if time is an issue.
Time isn't of the essence, but I can't take forever, either. Need to get there and get back. I started out planning on doing it in one day. But I know me. If there's pretty country, I'll start looking for places to pull off and shoot!
Apr 20, 2021 14:27:53 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
I'm glad you said that, Fred. I lived in W.Va at one time and I remember a trip my parents took us on through Caanan Valley. We visited Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, Spruce Knob and a few other places including Black Water Falls. It was a great trip and I have fond memories and a bunch of old pictures.
Are any of these places close to 64?
Apr 20, 2021 14:32:10 #
Elliern wrote:
How long are you planning to spend in Virginia? T... (show quote)
I sort of "did" Virginia a couple of years ago - visiting battle sites, historic places, etc. This time it's go to visit family, mostly. I do have friends in Williamsburg, so might try to see them somehow. My cousins live in Manassas. About all I've seen of WV is Harper's Ferry!
As I look at my map, 64 through WV looks like a lot of turns. But my map is old.
Apr 20, 2021 14:32:36 #
UTMike wrote:
Kathy, before moving to Utah, we lived in Virginia for 47 years. Just Fred and Carol are correct. Go in through West Virginia.
Thanks, Mike. Noted.
Apr 20, 2021 14:34:25 #
twowindsbear wrote:
Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah Va... (show quote)
When I first came up with this, it was because Google said that I could drive it in 13 hours - that's only one day! Then, I started looking at where I'd be going and so now it's up to 2. I don't know how long I'll actually be in VA. My cousin isn't in good health, and I don't want to wear him out - just see him!
Except for Gettysburg, I've actually seen the other places you mention. Hilly and curvy are fun - but slow!
Apr 20, 2021 14:45:07 #
AzPicLady wrote:
When I first came up with this, it was because Google said that I could drive it in 13 hours - that's only one day! Then, I started looking at where I'd be going and so now it's up to 2. I don't know how long I'll actually be in VA. My cousin isn't in good health, and I don't want to wear him out - just see him!
Except for Gettysburg, I've actually seen the other places you mention. Hilly and curvy are fun - but slow!
Except for Gettysburg, I've actually seen the other places you mention. Hilly and curvy are fun - but slow!
If you follow I64 on the map, you'll be routed onto the WV turnpike for a bit of detour. It's a fairly busy highway. On the other hand, if you pick up US 60, a bit east of Charleston WV, and follow it through the mountains, you'll eventually return to I64 and can travel that route on to Williamsburg. Get a new map & consider your highway options. If you're 'in a rush' take the interstates, or take the 2 lane highways for a slower pace & a more scenic route. I've driven the routes I've mentioned, and another that did involve Tennessee - don't go that far out of your way!
Apr 20, 2021 14:48:52 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Are any of these places close to 64?
I have no idea but I will look at Google maps and see.
Apr 20, 2021 15:03:59 #
twowindsbear wrote:
If you follow I64 on the map, you'll be routed ont... (show quote)
I'll make a note of that. I do use a Tom-Tom when traveling, and it is set to guide me onto "interesting" routes. So I sometimes get fun surprises! Every time I look at the price of new maps, I'm reminded how much groceries that $$ would buy! Wish they still gave free maps at gas stations!
Apr 20, 2021 15:04:11 #
Just Fred wrote:
Resident of (Northern) Virginia here. In my opinion, West Virginia is one of the most picturesque states east of the Mississippi. Route 64 is probably the longest time-wise, but it would take you through Tennessee (also very picturesque) into Virginia. If you wanted to see WV, there are plenty of side trips you could make. In my opinion, a direct west-to-east route would be rather boring, and only the best choice if time is an issue.
I64 does not go through Tennessee, it goes further north through Kentucky and is straight through if there are no detours. There appear to be several construction areas and tolls (per Google maps). The best way to compare times is to use Google Maps, and have it plot a trip via each and note the mileage and time. You might want to go one way there and the other back, just for variety. I tried a trip from Salem to Richmond (you need the whole URL):
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Salem,+Illinois/Richmond,+VA/@38.7858553,-87.5500954,6z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x8876a7964ca7cf05:0xd79d6ebeaedccd44!2m2!1d-88.9456158!2d38.6269929!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b111095799c9ed:0xbfd83e6de2423cc5!2m2!1d-77.4360481!2d37.5407246
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