Planning a trip to VA
Apr 21, 2021 10:19:33 #
StanMac wrote:
Correction - I64 traverses Kentucky, not Tennessee. The Bluegrass state offers as much beautiful scenery as my home state. So, if time is not an issue, taking that route would give plenty of opportunities to run your camera batteries down.
Stan
Edit: should’ve read all the posts first - sorry.
Stan
Edit: should’ve read all the posts first - sorry.
I grew up in Illinois, and some of my earliest travels was through Kentucky. And I actually lived there for a very short time. I love the state.
Apr 21, 2021 10:20:21 #
SuperflyTNT wrote:
You just say you’re going to Virginia, but do you have a particular destination in Virginia? In general I agree that 64 has more scenic opportunities than 70 to 81.
Yes - Manassas. That's where my cousins live.
Apr 21, 2021 10:26:11 #
ERoutten wrote:
If you go to Gettysburg, I would highly recommend a private battlefield guide: https://www.getyourguide.com/gettysburg-l32570/gettysburg-private-tour-with-licensed-battlefield-guide-t316442/
They are licensed and are so knowledgeable. Well worth the money ($79)...
They are licensed and are so knowledgeable. Well worth the money ($79)...
Interesting to know. Thank you for the info.
Apr 21, 2021 10:27:29 #
mizzee wrote:
Gettysburg is a must see in my book! I found it to be incredibly moving. Do take advantage of the recorded tour, well worth it. West Virginia is lovely.
Thank you, Mizzee. I was excited when I saw that my possible route would take me near there! Good to know they have a recorded tour.
Apr 21, 2021 10:29:22 #
JBRIII wrote:
I'm confused, Gettysburg is in PA west of I81 whic... (show quote)
Obviously, Gettysburg and WVA would be two separate things. My question about "them" being near 64 was in reference to some specific locations in WVA.
Apr 21, 2021 10:55:41 #
If old steam locomotive trips interest you. We are planning a trip to Cass, WV to ride this very special design logging train. We love old steam locomotives that are fast disappearing from activity.
https://mountainrailwv.com/tour/cass-scenic-railroad-bald-knob-trip/
https://mountainrailwv.com/tour/cass-scenic-railroad-bald-knob-trip/
Apr 21, 2021 10:58:50 #
Also, note I81 is a major truck route where traffic, at least in my past experience, really moves, 80 mph or better. Maybe enforcement better now, but pulling off on the shoulder could be very dangereous, even if legal. The Blue ridge parkway goes from northern VA to TN but complete drive takes a good day, it is a drive thru parks, Nat. forests, etc. not an interstate. Plenty of natural beauty, but not a quick drive, also can not jump off and on from interstates every 30 miles. I drove the length once, took more than 12 hrs straight through. Growds start around memorial day in my experience. This year with the virus maybe worse, MD state parks for example, had a banner year.
Apr 21, 2021 11:15:26 #
Apr 21, 2021 11:47:11 #
Hereford wrote:
If old steam locomotive trips interest you. We are planning a trip to Cass, WV to ride this very special design logging train. We love old steam locomotives that are fast disappearing from activity.
https://mountainrailwv.com/tour/cass-scenic-railroad-bald-knob-trip/
https://mountainrailwv.com/tour/cass-scenic-railroad-bald-knob-trip/
Looks intriguing. Thanks.
Apr 21, 2021 11:48:47 #
JBRIII wrote:
Also, note I81 is a major truck route where traffi... (show quote)
Good to know. Our traffic - even through town - moves at 75 or so. My truck loves to run! So I should fit right in. I drove the parkway when I was there before. It's a beautiful drive, but requires LOTS of stops!
Apr 21, 2021 11:49:04 #
avemal wrote:
Luray Caverns Check out YouTube
Will look it up. Thanks.
Apr 21, 2021 13:34:13 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Yes - Manassas. That's where my cousins live.
That’s also where I live. I recommend taking 64 and then you have a few options. The most scenic drive would be Skyline drive through Shenandoah National Park. I think it’ll cost you $25 for an entrance fee if you don’t have. National Parks pass. If you’re 62 or over you can get a year pass for $20 or lifetime for $80. Other options would be 340 north or the look east scenic 81 north. From any of these you can take 66 east to Manassas. The disadvantage of Skyline drive is less access to local attractions but there are many overlooks with great views. Manassas Battlefield is one of my favorite spots for sunset photos. I don’t know how long you’ll be in town but you’ll also be close to Washington DC with lots of good photo opps.
Apr 21, 2021 14:02:05 #
JBRIII wrote:
I'm confused, Gettysburg is in PA west of I81 whic... (show quote)
Actually Gettysburg is 25 miles EAST of I-81 and north of where you would pick up 81 south if you came by way of 70. Driving time alone would add 2 hours out of the way to your trip.
Apr 21, 2021 14:12:54 #
BigOldArt
Loc: Seminole, FL
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?
AAA's website has "TripTiks" that has options to take scenic routes. In AZ by zooming in was able to know where there were dinosaur tracks 100 feet off the road.
If you do not belong to AAA you may have a friend or relative who will Zoom with you and share the screen so you can zoom in and out on the map.
Apr 21, 2021 14:40:27 #
mmills79
Loc: NJ
I spend a lot of of time hiking in VA along the Appalachian trail. McAfee knob comes to mind. Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive on Google. There are tons of Vistas off the Parkway. There are also tons of caves to explore like Skyline Caverns in Front Royal. If you have time I would venture into North Carolina, there are tons of waterfalls and the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi in Mount Mitchell (also off the Blue Ridge).
Almost forgot to mention Natural Bridge (especially at night) close to Lexington. Virginia Military Academy And George Washington and Lee university are there. Lexington is where Stone Wall Jackson is buried. A lot of civil war history there.
Almost forgot to mention Natural Bridge (especially at night) close to Lexington. Virginia Military Academy And George Washington and Lee university are there. Lexington is where Stone Wall Jackson is buried. A lot of civil war history there.
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