We have been thinking of doing a fall foliage trip for a few years but never actually got around to it. So this year on our way back from another international trip, we are planning to stop by DC from 11/10 - 11/12 before flying back home to South Florida. As part of the plan, we will arrive at DC around 10 am on 11/10, pick up a rental car from there, roam around for 3 days and fly back on the evening of 11/12. We have family in Newport News, VA and it seems pretty nice from the pics so we were thinking of driving from DC to Newport News, VA and stay at their place for the the two nights.
I did some basic search and saw a few 'scenic drives' mentioned on some of the sites but wasn't sure which will be the best fit for us. So wanted to see if the locals can give us some pointers... Of course, if you think the above doesn't make sense and our time will be better spent some where else, feel free to chime in as well.
Thanks in advance.
Fall foliage trip ideas from DC going south (Nov 10, 11 and 12)
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Three days is a very short time to visit DC. If you are just going to land there and then move on to Virginia, you may want to land in Norfolk. The whole area including Williamsburg is very pretty in the fall not to mention that it may be more cost effective to land there rather than Regan International.
unfortunately, we have already booked our tks and won't be be able to change our flight/ dates. Also we are not planning to ee DC on this trip since we have already been there. Just want to pick up the car, drive south in to VA and see Williamsburg area and meet out
our friends in Newport News. Any suggestions on a scenic drive or should we just follow the GPS?
Your short stay would eliminate any time on Skyline Drive, and early November rains usually bring down the leaves in the higher elevations. You could however drive to Charlottesville,(2 1/2-3 hours) visit Monticello and continue on toward Williamsburg (2-2 1/2 hours) the same day or next depending how tired you are and how far you would want to drive..
From Richmond, take the sceniic route five to Williamsburg.
I think the color height will be over, especially at higher elevations. Mid-October for the southern mountains is peak usually. And this year I hear from a friend in Hendersonville (not real high) that the leaves are already falling and brown from lack of rain. Just my thought.
Colors were late and gorgeous last year http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/fall-foliage-in-virginia-late-oct-to-early-nov.cfm
so they'll probably be early and dull this year.
I'd follow Ronkala's suggestion to take Rt. 5 to Williamsburg and then jump on the Colonial Parkway to the lower part of 17 to Newport News one way and Rt 17 up to Fredericksburg another. Rt 301 to Rt 2 is another pretty route.