My itinerary as recommended by Autotours USA.

Front Royal is fine, nothing special or spectacular, but the bigger question is whether you want to take some time to take some of the short hikes available off Skyline Drive. The Whiteoak Canyon trail is a popular hike and it's not that lengthy or overly strenuous. Skyline Drive is nice but to appreciate the park, you'll want to get out of the car when you can.

Maybe i should press on to Gettysburg and spend 2 nights there and skip Front Royal. Thanks edjim, i will do short walks and will look into your recommendation. I had thought of Front Royal as the Caverns are nearby

>>Skyline Drive is nice but to appreciate the park, you'll want to get out of the car when you can.<<

I agree. Otherwise it's a pretty drive but not much more.

I don't get the draw to Lexington with VMI & W&L on such a short stay. Charlottesville & Richmond are better targets for history (including the University of Virginia), art, shopping, good food & wine.

If you do find yourselves in the vicinity of downtown Staunton, VA, I highly recommend the restaurant Zynodoa. Locally sourced veg, meat, seafood, beer & wine. It would hold its own and then some among the best DC & NYC have to offer.

Yes, I was thinking of skipping Lexington and instead spending a night along the Skyline instead and have 2 nights in Gettysburg or Charlottesville instead. Fortunately I can make changes to the plan! Thanks obxgirl - you have help me decide!

> I don't get the draw to Lexington with VMI & W&L on such a short stay.

Little Sorrel.

Gleaning from all the comments and advise I have gotten so far, I thought perhaps 2 nights in Charlottesville to enjoy Richmond and Monticello more fully. I will give Lexington a miss. We then spend the last night in Gettysburg before coming back to Dulles. I plan to do the Skyline drive and where would be the best place to spend a night before the drive up to PA? Luray? New Market? Front Royal? Or a night in the mountain? Or perhaps go drive via the Skyline to Gettysburg for 2 nights. Fortunately all this is going to happen in late September so I have some breathing space with the bookings!

With a little more research, and the option of doing a day trip on a tour to Gettysburg from DC. I have finalized the itinerary:

3 days in DC then to Williamsburg and the drive to Newport News, then the next day in Richmond and the following in Monticello settling in Charlottesville for the night. Then the drive on the Skyline from Afton to Front Royal where we spend the last night before heading to Dulles via Leesburg Premium Outlets for some shopping enroute home.

Thanks for all the suggestions and advice offered. In response I have started to give my 2 tuppence worth for those visiting Asia - especially Singapore.

We did Yorktown, thr Colonial Parkway stopping in Williamsburg, Jamestown and Charlottesville but missed the Skyline Drive due to the Federal shutdown. Very historical, especially Jamestown and Monticello. We sailed on a schooner at sundown. Great time on the York River. Visited the Caverns near Front Royal - that was interesting. Whilst in DC we went out to Mt Vernon and Arlington. Most inspiring. Did some of the monuments (pre shut down!) at night. The Hirshorn had a level closed and wasn't well curated. Enjoyed the sculpture garden though. There is so much more to see. With flights getting cheaper, another visit may be in the works! Thanks,for all the input. Did find it useful to piece together the trip. Cheers!

If you have the time, add Woodlawn Plantation and Gunston Hall to your list--both interesting historically, and on the route from Mount Vernon.