Fra_Diavolo

We'll be driving from the Johnson City area in northeast TN back home to NYC about two weeks from today. Where should we break the journey? We can spare a day if the area is interesting enough. We've been to Monticello a couple of times but never to Charlottesville or the U of VA. Worth a stop? We're also pretty familiar with Lancaster PA, Gettysburg, etc., so would give it a pass this time.

Appreciate any advice.

FD

IMDonehere

I suggest you stop when you need to.

The campus at UVA is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Gretchen

There would be no real need to stop at all--the trip isn't that long. I think the Amish country is pretty and interesting. There is the Harley Davidson factory--I imagine they have tours.

JanetKMR

Be aware that UVA has a home football game on 9/27 if that affects your decision.

Ackislander

Staunton and Lexington, Virginia, both have charm.

New Market, Virginia, is lacking in charm but is the site of a notable and unique civil war battle.

jamie99

Charlottesville is lovely, one of my favorite towns, my late husband went to UVA and the grounds (do not call it the campus) are lovely. Monticello is also well worth a visit.

rjasnumberonefan

Have you driven the Skyline Drive in Virginia? The drive from Johnson City to NYC looks to be 9 1/2 hours without stops. I would break it into 2 days and drive the Parkway. In two weeks when you leave for back home, some color might be starting in the leaves. It's beautiful either way.

JanetKMR

Skyline Drive is a great idea. We drove it last week and it is beautiful.

Fra_Diavolo

Thanks all for the ideas. We'll definitely take Skyline Drive, and I'll look into some of your suggestions.

FD

starrs

Have you been to the Frank Lloyd Wright homes?
Fallingwater -
http://fallingwater.org/

Kentuck Knob -
http://kentuckknob.com/

Adds a couple of extra hours to the drive. Only do it if you can devote a day to see the two houses.

tomfuller

The north end of the Skyline Drive takes you to Front Royal VA.
For a real change of scenery you could take US 15 all the way from I-66 all the way through Gettysburg to get back on your regular route out of Harrisburg.

emalloy

Skyline Drive, then north to Harpers Ferry for a bit of nature and history.

Fra_Diavolo

starrs -- I have visited Fallingwater, and will get to the Robie House in Chicago on the first leg of this trip -- not to mention that other architectural gem, Graceland, on the second ;^)

Love the Harper's Ferry area, which I've visited a couple to times.

Front Royal looks interesting.

Thanks again, all.

BigRuss

What's the concern about stopping - a break or an overnight? Charlottesville (it's UVa, not the U of Va) is great, especially in autumn, but it's also 6.5 hours from NYC if you drive swiftly.

Fra_Diavolo

"What's the concern about stopping"

We have an extra day and don't need to hurry. Thought we'd stop off somewhere. I'll have driven to Chicago the week before, then, since we're "in the neighborhood", Memphis. Then a long day to Johnson City to visit a friend, then home. I think we'll have done enough marathon driving.

starrs

Skyline drive is very nice. Front Royal is not much. There are several towns east of there that are nice. Traffic may be heavy with leaf-peepers.

starrs

If you like a bourbon you could do some of the bourbon trail in Kentucky. We're planning one using Johnson City as a starting point.