Planning a trip to VA
Apr 21, 2021 09:29:47 #
StanMac
Loc: Tennessee
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.
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.
Apr 21, 2021 09:31:00 #
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.
Apr 21, 2021 09:44:41 #
ERoutten
Loc: Raleigh, NC
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)...
Apr 21, 2021 10:00:23 #
cameraf4 wrote:
Without reading all the other replies, let me sing... (show quote)
Thank you for these. I'll look them up. I did not know about Sharpsburg, but then I have not looked into Maryland much.
Apr 21, 2021 10:04:51 #
Elliern wrote:
Sometimes you can get free maps at state welcome centers and rest areas.
‘Google Maps’ can also show you other options then you can compare to what Tom Tom is showing. If you have already done VA then stick with WV and enjoy something different
‘Google Maps’ can also show you other options then you can compare to what Tom Tom is showing. If you have already done VA then stick with WV and enjoy something different
Unfortunately, I have no way of using Google Maps while en route. The one thing I don't like about Tom Tom is that it only shows you the immediate path. Sometimes I don't even know what state I'm in! I have been able to snag free maps on occasion. However, traveling during Covid, they have not been available - at least where I've been. But I always check.
Apr 21, 2021 10:05:40 #
Apr 21, 2021 10:07:14 #
Blaster34 wrote:
We lived in the Shenandoah Valley for years (Lexin... (show quote)
Thanks, Blaster. I'll put that on my list. I'm definitely leaning towards 64.
Apr 21, 2021 10:08:00 #
JRiepe wrote:
Sounds like the same trip I took in 2019. West Virginia is a beautiful state.
I wish this were purely a photography trip with no destination, as I feel like I could literally get lost in West Virginia.
Apr 21, 2021 10:09:39 #
billmck wrote:
Even if your map is old, I-64 hasn’t changed. It’s curvy, but it’s still an Interstate highway. You’ll just have to get off the Interstate to get goos shots.
I know that is true. Which is why my GPS is set up to do just that! I frequently take the two-laners (and sometimes the one-laners) to arrive at my destinations.
Apr 21, 2021 10:09:40 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
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.
Apr 21, 2021 10:12:02 #
Don W-37 wrote:
Agree with twowindsbear and with prior comments about W. VA. I also think the Gettysburg attractions are great. We lived in Mt. Airy, MD for 8 years prior to relocating to BKK, so familiar with mid-Atlantic area.
My main suggestion regarding your "old map" is go to Wal-Mart and buy a GPS. They are so cheap we just buy a new one when we go back to the States.
Enjoy your trip,
Don
My main suggestion regarding your "old map" is go to Wal-Mart and buy a GPS. They are so cheap we just buy a new one when we go back to the States.
Enjoy your trip,
Don
My current GPS is up to date, so hopefully it will suffice. But I like looking at maps to get a bigger picture.
Apr 21, 2021 10:12:29 #
AzPicLady wrote:
Are any of these places close to 64?
I'm confused, Gettysburg is in PA west of I81 which runs North south on west side of Blue Ridge parkway. I64 or 60 is at least 2 hrs south of I68/70 in MD which is again an hour south of Gettysburg and these run east west. TN can be reached by I81 south in a good fraction of a day, it goes to the Great Smokies Nat. park. There are many caves, parks, museums ( DC ) in these areas, but no way to do even fraction in day. Even driving down WV to 64 across to Va and up 81 to Gettysburg without stopping for gas would be a very long day if possible, my quick guess would be at least 1200 miles.
😕😕😕😕
Apr 21, 2021 10:15:41 #
Thomas902 wrote:
Kathy after reviewing your visual statement on htt... (show quote)
Now that looks like a place where I could expend a LOT of time! Thank you for that link.
Apr 21, 2021 10:16:32 #
Tote1940 wrote:
If you enjoy boating Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke
Thank you. Not sure what my cousins may have planned once I arrive.
Apr 21, 2021 10:17:27 #
Jimmy T wrote:
While in Virginia a must-see is the historic towns of Williamsburg and Yorktown, and Jamestown. All have many, many photo opportunities.
I enjoyed them thoroughly when I was there before. You are right that they are absolutely must-sees!
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