oakland_mama

We will be driving from BWI down to Blacksburg, VA this Sunday (07/26/09) with our 2 and a half year old son. We will definitely need to stop at least 2-3 times to break up the drive, and I would love any tips on good places to stop. We need to be there by dinner so can't linger too long anywhere, but even suggestions about decent kid-friendly restaurants, playgrounds, rest stops (if any of them are still open by then!!) or whatnot near the interstate would be very much appreciated. Thanks!!

ronkala

I believe the I-81 rest stops will be open until September.
There is one when southbound just after entering Virginia ( mile 323) and the next one would be south of New Market (mile 264), south of exits 235, 205, and 162. I think Blacsburg is exit 116 or 114.

I can't help you with kid friendly places as we live near exit 283 and never get off 81 in this area.

JanetKMR

Blacksburg is Exit 118 (we have VT season tickets and Dh and daughter are alumni). In Staunton, Mrs. Rowe's is a good place to stop for a country, comfort food meal and is kid/family friendly.

Once you get to Blacksburg, I definitely suggest breakfast at Gillie's...great food and very family/child friendly.

emalloy

It's cheezy, I know , but many McDonalds have a play area for little ones and you wouldn't be tempted to stay too long.

Gretchen

Exactly on the Mickey D's. I think you'll know it when you see it. I have noticed that on some exits the services are pretty far from the interstate however, so take a look at the "arrows" when you get off to see if you want to go 2 miles to get to something. It isn't really that far is it? I just drove from PA to Charlotte along 81.

ronkala

The rest stop at New Market closed yesterday. I don't know about the ones further south.

Gretchen

Do what we did long ago before the internet. JUST TRAVEL.