towns along interstate 81 in virginia

The kids got out of the car at the first one or two, then realized that yes, they all do look pretty much the same. Natural Bridge is also a sacred site for the Monacan People of the area. I-81 Map in Virginia - Roadnow Stunning Virginia Views: 10+ Sights To See Along the I-81 Corridor Virginia and Tennessee The longest section of I-81 is Virginia road, with 325 miles across the state. Just a Small Taste of the Tight Turns Youll Experience Along the Back of the Dragon. With over 20 lookouts lining this hour-long stretch, its a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon enjoying the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its been in the Kime Family for three generations and counting. Some artists have taken the craft to the next level with unique designs including 3D components! (MM: 108.0), Follow Signs for Exit 2; US 11; US 460 Bus; Christianburg, Ironto Safety Rest Area U.S. 11; Virginia 259; Mauzy; Broadway; Timberville, New Market Safety Rest Area This quirky stop has been around for over 50 years, and while some of the dinosaur statues definitely show their age, it doesnt stop Dinosaur Land from being any less entertaining. With carnival games, marching bands, parades and more, its bound to be a bloomin good time! Take a break and venture off Interstate 81 when making the drive between Winchester and Staunton to visit a few of these interesting and fun destinations. Ever tried flat-footing? However, The Tavern has worn a number of hats including being an antique shop, bank, bakery, barber shop, cabinet shop, general store, post office and more. Red Wing VIII Roots Music Festival will be July 10-12, 2020 with a dozen performers scheduled. As in, 180-degree scenic views. Plan to spend a few days and youll become immersed in the history, culture, diverse landscape and hospitality of Southwest Virginia. W&L campus and VMI campus are great places to take a stroll, or visit the museums and shops along the very walkable streets of town which are literally PAVED with history (LOOK down at the pavers and read about the Righteous and Rascals engraved under your feet) Only in Virginia will you find these adorable public artworks as theyre scattered throughout the state! Trust me, they only enhance the incredible views youll be treated to! Structures from 1700s England, Ireland, Germany and West Africa have been constructed. Are there other routes, like Route 11, that you prefer driving? Its a burger patty, an egg, a slice of cheese and pickles and/or relish (Im not sure which). The historic downtown of Staunton is a logical place to start your visit. At the top, theres also a small parking lot and restrooms, so you can drive to the top to take in the views of downtown Roanoke down below. Ill certainly have to check it out next time Im in the Roanoke area , Your photos remind us just how much we want to visit Virginia again, and explore more of the state! Known as the Father of Wytheville, Boyd was an attorney, town mayor, surveyor, hotel developer and Virginia legislator. FUN FACT: This is just one of six places you can be in multiple places at once in the United States! However, theres a lesser-known feature that youll have to inquire about at the front desk. From Bristol in the south to Winchester in the north, these unique places to visit in Virginia are not to be missed when road tripping the I-81! For Virginia Citizen And Business Services Visit www.virginia.gov. Delicious Mexican cuisine with a side of great customer service! Join a local historian and learn about Abingdon history at the Abingdon Muster Grounds. I had no idea that Virginia was so stunning! With iconic destinations like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Roanoke along with lesser-known gems like Wytheville and Luray, you wont want to miss these remarkable Virginia views youll find along the I-81. Dont forget your camera! Stop by SunspotStudios in downtown Staunton for glass blowing demonstrations, available free of charge and seven days a week! The vistas youll enjoy from the Saddle Overlook, Pine Spur, Devils Backbone and Cahas Mountain are breathtaking and worth stopping for. Decorative arts are a big part of that, with furniture, paintings, textiles, and ceramic pieces making up a large part of the collection. If youve never been to a lavender farm, youre in for a fragrant treat. Kilmarnock. The area has a rich musical heritage and its on full display at the center. While I was compensated for my time, all of the content and opinions here are honest and speak to my personal experience! Take A Thrilling Road Trip To The 6 Most Abandoned Places In Virginia, The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Virginia, 9 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Virginia Before You Die, The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Virginia Thats Nothing Short Of Magical, Take This Road Trip Through Virginias Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience, The Ultimate Virginia Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State, The Kettle-Boiled Bagels From Donnie Ds Bagels & Deli In Virginia Are Positively Crave-Worthy, Drive Virginias Wilderness Road For A Perfect Day Exploring Natural Wonders, Small Towns, And Breweries, Sclafani's New York Bagels & Bread Official / Facebook. (MM: 129.0), US-220 ALT S; Cloverdale Rd; Cloverdale; US-11 S, Mount Sydney Safety Rest Area Then it was time to go since there was a tornado watch. As if this alone doesnt make it worth paying a visit, The Tavern is the oldest bar in Virginia and 8th oldest in the entire United States! Plus, you can stock up on all your favorite potato chip varieties! You Cant Help but Smile With These Views at Great Valley Farm Brewery! If you want to take your time exploring this part of the Shenandoah Valley, I recommend staying by the park. There are three trails, but really, the one most visitors traverse is the out-and-back Cedar Creek Trail thats just 1.6 miles round-trip. Men and women in period costume share the challenges and mountain spirit that drove these Virginians. One of the Many Magnificent Views Youll Find in the Luray Caverns. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Be sure to buy some feed when you buy your tickets. I-81 passes through 12 counties in Virginia, with a total of about 20% of the state's population. We ate dinner at the Pink Cadillac Diner in Glasgow, about halfway between Lexington and Natural Bridge. I originally wanted to go paddling in nearby Buchanan, but poor weather made it not to be. Ill definitely have to check it out next time Im in the area I love fire towers and Im sure the views must be stunning! Over the years, Barter Theatre has been the launching pad for the careers of many entertainment giants and continues that tradition today. They make for fantastic photo opportunities as you explore the state and may even teach you a little bit about each city and town you find them in! Once you finish up in the shop, begin your tour with a picture in the mouth of the large shark statue and a pose in front of the Dinosaur Land sign. Your email address will not be published. Get ready for incredible views as you follow the twists and turns that create one of Virginias top road trip routes. Explore Virginia's Cities and Towns. Youll understand why once you go. The Interstate goes through the Shenandoah Valley between the Allegheny Mountains to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, crossing towns like Roanoke, Lexington, Staunton, and Harrisonburg. FUN FACT: The Virginia Quilt Museum is housed inside the Warren-Sipe House. Please let me know in the comments section below. Comers RockAka Comers Overlook in Wythe County (Rt 21 below Speedwell) is an old fire tower and has the most spectacular views you will ever see in your entire hiking experience be prepared for a bit of a climbbut sooo worth every step. Required fields are marked *. Since then, its been referred to as the Great Path and a spiritual site for the Monacans. With a wide range of experiences from historical icons to cultural gems and of course, outdoor adventure, this stretch of highway has something for everyone. Capon Springs Resort (WV) is amazing too. If you decide to take a break from all the driving, stay overnight at this gorgeous Virginia resort and make it a complete family vacation only a few miles off of I-81. This spot offers milkshakes, banana splits, sundaes, double cones, frozen coffee drinksyou name it! Feast your eyes on the patchwork beauty and brilliant views of Jefferson National Forest as you enjoy the sights of West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. This scenic highway may start in North Carolina but the northern half runs through Virginia. Search All Exits along I-81 traveling Southbound in Virginia. Abingdon is fairly well-known for the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile rail trail that travels through Damascus (aka Trail Town USA) and on to White Top Station. Day One We started our adventure in Natural Bridge, home to one of Virginia's newest state parks, Natural Bridge State Park. The Ultimate Guide to One Epic Virginia Road Trip Along Interstate 81 Dont Miss These Top 10+ Virginia Views Along the I-81 Corridor! This pleasant community is a rare combination of delightful shopping options, a vibrant culinary culture, world-class performance and visual arts and rich history. There are over 20 between the southern entrance at Rockfish Gap and the Swift Run Gap exit and thats barely a quarter of the park! Heading north to south along the interstate, youll find these caverns off of the respective exits:Shenandoah Caverns: Exit 269Endless Caverns: Exit 264Luray Caverns: Exit 264Grand Caverns: Exit 235. Maybe the best thing about this particular hotel at least according to my kids is the game room. Sink into their mountain of pillows as you sleep soundly after a day of adventuring but not until you head to the Lumac Rooftop Bar for a handcrafted cocktail. Horse motels along I-81. Our next stop was the Roanoke Pinball Museum on the second floor of Center in the Square. It was so good for the soul. Heat to the heart of the city where youll find Old Town Winchester. For all the great things to do, see and eat, check out my guide to Wytheville. ShenanArts produces plays and musicals for participants of all ages. That's just the beginning. The Hidden Gems Road Trip Will Showcase Some Of Virginias Most Stunning Places, The Stunning Virginia Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America, The Scenic Road Trip That Will Make You Fall In Love With The Beauty Of Virginia All Over Again, This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Virginias Shenandoah National Park, And Its A Breathtaking Journey, Take This Road Trip Through Virginias Most Picturesque Small Towns For An Unforgettable Experience, This Rural Road Trip Will Lead You To Some Of The Best Countryside Hidden Gems In Virginia, The Ultimate Virginia Hidden Gem Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Incredible Little-Known Spots In The State, Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Virginia Like Never Before. Located directly across the street is the four-star Martha Washington Inn & Spa. The Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, began on Robert Porters basic idea that patrons could pay with produce to support local actors. Staunton was the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson and you can learn about our 28th president at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. Patsy Cline's House Exit: 315 Photo credit: Judy Watkins Take a tour of famed country singer Patsy Cline's home located in Winchester. Take a tour of famed country singer Patsy Clines home located in Winchester. Just a block or two from Center in the Square, the location could not have been more perfect. Hop on a tour and make your way 16 stories below the surface to see a stunning series of caverns with crystallized limestone formations called calcite. However, the Virginia stretch is the longest . There arent a lot of restaurants in the area, but this one is a favorite. U.S. 52 S; Virginia 121 N; Fort Chiswell; Max Meadows, Smyth Safety Rest Area While there havent been formal investigations done, there are rumours that the property could be haunted. Interstate 81 is known to many for commuting but this corridor has a number of stops you wont find anywhere else. Eventually we made it to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Roanoke. Theres also a Monacan Village along the trail, a replica of sacred land once owned by the Monacan Indians in the late-1700s. Walk around the park and read about dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years before us. 5. Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum. However, there are also stories of evil eugenics experiments that were said to have taken place inside these walls. Map of Virginia Cities - Virginia Road Map - Geology.com ABINGDON, Virginia Arriving in Abingdon, it takes visitors about 10 seconds to realize this is a really cool small town. There are also race car track pieces so you can build your own track. The Fort Chiswell Animal Park is a must stop on any itinerary. North on I-81, Harrisonburg, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, has numerous attractions and a fantastic farm-to-fork culinary scene. I hope youre able to visit Virginia again soon! Then there was the Cheesy Western. There are however additional spots like the Smart View Overlook which have a recreation area where you can stretch your legs, enjoy a short hike and check out the old settlers cabin. This isolated hidden valley is situated at an average elevation of ~945 metres (3100 feet) and is surrounded entirely by Garden Mountain. However, this can easily be broken up into a few different trips like Bristol to Roanoke, Roanoke to Staunton and Staunton to Winchester. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Visit our award-winning hotel for a restful stay while you travel! Views from the Roanoke Valley Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We think not! In the US state of Virginia, I-81 runs for 324.92 miles (522.91 km), making the portion in Virginia longer than any other state's portion of the route. Of course, these are just a handful of things to see along Route 81 in VA. Love that part of VA. Or call ahead and make reservations to try your hand at the craft with a Blow Your Own Ornament experience taught by the glass blowers. Measuring 204 feet, it's the, Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Wissler Rd, Mt Jackson, VA 22842, USA, In need of a pick-me-up? However, the surrounding scenery really is beautiful. This is the northern trail-head of the 330-mile-long Over-mountain Victory National Historic Trail. Make your way below the earths surface with a guided tour of the Luray Caverns. Learn about the history of agriculture while enjoying the scenic landscape of the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. Fun. Its often referred to as Gods Thumbprint due to the surrounding mountain ranges making a circular shape. You won't regret stopping by this hidden gem of a, Virginia Quilt Museum, 301 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, 50 N Wind Ln #3303, Lexington, VA 24450, USA, Natural Bridge State Park, 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, USA. RELATED: Looking for more great things to do in Abingdon? It was so beautiful in April, even when so little was in bloom. Unfortunately, we were about a month too early for a visit to see dinosaurs and other wacky sculptures. Less travel time means more time hiking in Virginia! Staunton. 1. Also located on Beverley Street in downtown Staunton, the CoArt Gallery exhibits local artists originals in various media. We've got an adventurous day ahead, so why not fuel up on some authentic New York-style bagels and coffee? In the warmer months, the Friday Night Jamboree spills into the streets creating an atmosphere unlike any other. Enjoy the twists and turns of Interstate 81 and be sure to take the occasional detour to check out these Virginia sights. The annual Art in the Park event during Memorial Day weekend showcases quality fine arts and crafts. Open full screen to view more. I-81 Is A Scenic Highway In Virginia - Only In Your State Step into the souvenir shop before entering the park and roam aisles of peculiar knick-knacks, from fireworks to stuffed dinosaurs to collectable minerals and gemstones. Love Virginia? With the communitys rich rail history, stops at the History Museum of Western Virginia & O. Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Transportation Museum are a must. To add to the quirk of Burkes Garden, there are no stoplights to be found, no newspaper delivery in town, no working post office, no cable television not even cell phone service. Welcome to Virginias Queen City and its scenic setting in the Shenandoah Valley. Sounds like the perfect combination to me! Unveiling Dubai: An In-depth Exploration of the Citys Remarkable Landmarks, Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel Magazine for. I so wanted to do this, but it was about four miles longer (round-trip) than my kids were willing to hike. Production began in 2019 and they grow a number of their own varietals including Cabernet Franc, Vidal Blanc, Gruner Veltliner and Lemberger. Served in a clean and friendly environment. Virginia. Incorporated cities in Virginia are independent jurisdictions and separate from any county. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. (MM: 262.0), Virginia 730; US 11; Shenandoah; Caverns; Mt Jackson, Virginia 292; Virginia 703; Mount Jackson; Basye, Don't settle for greasy fast food. Ready to check out these brilliant sights for yourself? Oh well. Lets be honest, this is definitely one of THE places to visit in Northern Virginia! One of those routes is one that travels north and south practically all the way through the state! The next day we were off to Abingdon, but not without first making a stop at Grayson Highlands State Park to see the wild ponies along the Appalachian Trail. However if youre short on time, you can enjoy some of the parks sights with the Skyline Drive. Each and every view is worth the stop! Is there anything better than a scenic drive in Virginia? Visitors will see the wide range of designs in their collection. More than 60 merchants offer everything from jewelry and home dcor to antiques, books and everything in between. If you get a chance, a couple of other cool stops in Natural Bridge are the Natural Bridge Zoo and Dinosaur Kingdom II. Im definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list, especially for fall colours! I was only able to catch 11 of these beauties on my trip and I cant wait for my next visit to Virginia so I can cross some off my list! It helps keep IBB alive so thank you! Definitely a great place to stop. Constructed in 1956, rubber-tipped plungers connect with 37 different stalactites to produce a sound when the keyboard is pressed. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below wed love to hear from you! Now thats definitely a sight worth seeing. Now that we've arrived in Harrisonburg, it's time to grab something sweet at Kline's Dairy Bar. We basically couldnt move forward until they let us move forward (after we fed them, that is). Whether you are driving down I-81 for a quick day trip or simply passing through the northern part of the interstate to a much further destination, this 95-mile stretch of road has a surprising amount of attractions that make for great pit stops. Check out my guide to all the great things to do in Luray VA! Id been looking forward to a stop here since I started planning this trip and it did not disappoint. Its not surprising though once you experience the brilliant 360 degree views youll be treated to from their ~30 metres tall (100 feet) lookout tower. What are some essential things to see along Route 81 in VA? Do you think you would ever try out this road trip? I also know that most visitors, and in-state residents, give a lot of love to the east side of the state, like Williamsburg, Richmond and Virginia Beach. With no means to cross it, the Monacan People prayed to the Great Spirit for assistance and they were shown the way across the Natural Bridge. This is the original mustering grounds of the Virginia Militia for the Revolutionary War. Might want to check before stopping. Hi Sheila thank you SO much for this information! It was just under four miles and rated as difficult. Have they changed due to Covid? Horse motels along I-81 . History is abundant at the Stonewall Jackson House, George C. Marshall Museum & Library, Caverns at Natural Bridge and the Lee Chapel & Museum on the campus of Washington and Lee University. Camino de Compostela is one of the most celebrated pilgrimages in Europe that welcome tons of Catholics, adventurers, hikers, and travelers from around the world to walk its many routes. 15 Unique Places to Visit in Virginia On an I-81 Road Trip If you only have a few hours but still want to enjoy some of the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hop on the Skyline Drive. (MM: 158.0), Radford Safety Rest Area Cities Near Me - Richmond, Virginia | Travelmath 11 Chips. Route openings. However, one stands out amongst the rest but for a unique reason. Disclaimer: This post is brought to you in partnership with Virginia Tourism. I had always planned to rent bikes, but had no idea there was a shuttle service, which was completely perfect, making for a 17-mile all downhill bike ride that day. (MM: 53.0), US-58 Alt; VA-75; Abingdon; S Holston D&M. Enjoy a fresh and tasty meal with our delicious sub sandwiches. Of course, you can also check out a section of the famous Appalachian Trail as it makes its way through Shenandoah National Park. However, it is one of the major roads so be sure to look both ways before stopping to snap a photo! The town of Wytheville is full of amazing attractions, fantastic restaurants and lovely people. The story is told of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and explores how todays musical heritage has been influenced by technology. Still, animals would approach and peer in, breathing heavily on the windows, waiting for us to roll them down and place our feed buckets out the windows. A few of my favourite stops were the Calf Mountain, Sawmill Ridge, Crimora Lake and Rockytop Overlooks but there are honestly so many incredible views to see. I mean really, why not. I havent been to Virginia, but it looks amazing on photos and I would love to visit one day. I wont list them all because half the fun is discovering them on your own but I will share a few of my favourites like The Saddle Overlook near Floyd, Virginia. It starts in Asheville, North Carolina and ends in Roanoke, Virginia, running ~755 kilometres (469 miles) in length while connecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Shenandoah National Park. RELATED: There are more things to do in town than just visit the caverns! In fact, even our interstates have some beautiful views. Hungry Mother State Park is a beautiful state park and I was set on hiking the Mollys Knob Trail. Take a break and venture off Interstate 81 when making the drive between Winchester and Staunton to visit a few of these interesting and fun destinations. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links where if you make a purchase, I may receive a kickback at no extra cost to you. Ready to get started? Its kind of a must-do when in Roanoke. Speaking of being away from the hotel, I knew my kids werent up for another hike just yet, so I took off to hike the nearby Buzzard Rock Trail at Read Mountain. The town of Luray may be small with less than 5000 people living in the area, but it draws over 400,000 visitors each year thanks to the natural beauty of the Luray Caverns. Things to See on I-81 | All Getaways Step back in time to the 1500s and experience Native American life at the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum. Whether youre an avid hiker or looking for easily accessible vistas, the park has it all. The art of glass blowing is a skill that few have mastered, and watching these experts create beautiful glass sculptures is something everyone should experience at least once.

Platform Bed Three Posts Baby & Kids, How Many Unicorns Are There In The Us, Dinuba Unified Salary Schedule, Ascending And Descending Order Program In C++, Articles T