BootsnAll Travel Community

Hola!

I'm trying to plan my route from Boston to Nashville. I may be stopping in Alexandria, VA, but it looks like either way I'll be on Route 81 from the Front Royal, VA area to Knoxville, TN. A straight shot from BOS to BNA is 18 hours, but I'll be alone so I have to take at least 2 days, and can take as many as I feel like, really. Same goes for the trip back - and no need to go the same route both times! I'll be going down late June/early July and back mid-August.

I plan to take in a bit of Shenandoah and a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but other than that...? Luray Caverns? I have no idea... Anyone have any recommendations of scenic parks or landmarks to check out, or places to stay (Winchester, VA is the half-way point if I don't go to DC) roughly along that route? Anyone live along that route?

Is there some radically different (but similar in length) route I should take to hit another must-see?

I'm pretty familiar with the Shenandoah valley since I'm from that area, things I can think off the top of my head:

--Shenandoah national park--a bit off 81, but has some good hikes, scenery, whatnot.
--You mentioned Luray caverns--haven't actually been there, but I've heard its pretty neat.
--Natural Bridge--a neat rock formation, last time I went there was about 10 years ago, so not sure what's still there--but at the time there was a pretty neat wax museum.
--Staunton--cute little town, home of Woodrow Wilson, has a recreation of one of Shakespeare's theaters, cute downtown, kinda touristy
--if you want to go to the other side of the mountains there is Montecello, UVA (also designed by Jefferson I think), Charlottesville (neat city), and other sights.
--Also Lexington Virginia is a neat place--there is a horse museum, Washington & Lee, VMI there-VMI has a museum, gravesite of R.E. Lee, and various other things.
--Blue Ridge Parkway--really beautiful drive

I don't know if I was any help, but those are the main ones that I can think of off my head--if you want to go slower more scenic take rt-42 or rt-11: both parallel 81 for some of the way and you get to go through the small towns and countryside better than the interestate.

Thanks for the suggestions Elleone! I'll definitely check some of those spots out!

Luray Caverns is cool...but very expensive!

The drive is beautiful, enjoy!

Yes, definitely take the Blue Ridge Parkway at least part of the way! It is very, very scenic.

Outside Galax, VA, btw, there used to be a hostel just off (literally 50 yards) the Blue Ridge Parkway.

If your schedule permits, it is a great place for an overnight stop and you may be able to pick up a traveller or two going your way to help with gas.

Have fun!