We're going to drive Philly-North Carolina round trip, which will be 2 drives through. There are 3 more or less parallel route. The I-81, which I remember vaguely from years ago, Skyline Drive, and the A-11. This will be first half of August, so I imagine the Skyline Drive will be rather busy, but I'd like to see some of it.

What's the A-11 like? I think I need a combination of routes but don't want to miss anything!

Thanks.

Doug

REsource: www.vdot.state.va.us is the Va Dept of trasnportation website with notice of scheduled road construction, may help you plan your route. I-81 is incredibly busy interstate especially Staunton to Roanoke section, the trucks will fly right by you! Midday seems to be a bit less busy than evening / early aM. AVOID the Roanoke / Blacksburg segment during AM 8-9 and PM 4-6, stop & eat then. Route 11 parallels I-81, do not take this thru Roanoke because of lots of stop lights, but OK most other areas, the speed limit is just a bit slower but country is pretty & you may find some antique stores, etc. There is small charge for going on Blue Ridge Parkway since it is part of US Natl Park Service, it also parallels 11 & 81 in numerous places & you can hop on & off. Potential lodging (I can recommend all these places from personal visits): Peaks of Otter lodge (www.peaksofotter.com) near Roanoke, Mountain Lake Hotel near Blacksburg (www.mtnlakehotel.com) (it is NOT Smith Mountain Lake, just MOUNTAIN lake), the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, VA (http://www.marthawashingtoninn.com) Have a great trip!

Thanks for that great detailed information.

One thing -- I know there's a charge for Skyline Drive, but surely not for the Blue Ridge Parkway? Certainly wasn't last year when we were on it in North Carolina.

Doug

I think thay you are correct, and that Joy is confusing Skyline Drive with the Blue Ridge Parkway. While in the area, I suggest stopping for a tour of Luray Caverns; they are beautiful and fascinating (and much better than Skyline Caverns, if you're choosing between the two). The Natural Bridge, near Lexington, VA, is also interesting to stop and take a look at.

11 is fairly scenic. We drove from near Harper's Ferry, WV to the vacinity of Lurray Caverns on that highway last October. There are many historic sites relating to the Civil War along the road, as well as the scenery.

Thanks everyone. Looks like we need to devise a combination of A11, Skyline, Blue Ridge and maybe the Interstate to see it all! But it's a round trip, so that will help. Any recommendations for Amish restaurants?

Doug

Amish food? Yes, suggest you forget it.

I know Amish food can be pretty boring, but I also remember going to a 7 sweets 7 sours place that was good. Isn't there any decent Amish food?

Doug

Isn't there a multi-star gourmet restaurant in the Valley that trains up and coming chefs and servers? Heard they had a huge wine cellar and the largest dessert cheese cart in North America.

Anybody know what/where I'm talking about?

Doug, While you're in Philadelphia, drive out(not far) to Lancaster County, which is Pennsylvania Dutch country (AKA Amish). Almost anywhere will be good but the one I remember clearly is the Stoltzfus Farm in Intercourse, Pa. (yes, truly this is the name of the town) The woman who is well known for cookbooks and restaurants in the area is Betty Groff, who has a restaurant at Mt. Joy, Pa. I'm sure you can get help at your hotel. I grew up in Pennsylvania and still crave the Amish cooking. Have even taught my Italian husband to like it! There is also a great market in Philadelphia where the Amish bring their crops and sausages and cheese. Anyone in Philadelphia could help you locate it. Yum! Don't think you're going to find the Amish down on the Skyline Drive, but having gone to college in the area, I would highly recommend the Skyline Drive--beautiful and restful. I wouldn't even think about 81!

I think the restaurant you are referring to is at a B/B called the Inn at Little Washington (not to be confused with Washington D.C.). It is fancy and has received high ratings on it's food. I have never been there, but heard the atmospher is great and the food is great too.

Thanks all.

My parents and Helen's when they wsre visiting my parents stopped at the Natural Bridge Hotel -- they've persuaded us we shall stop there also, so we'll be visiting Lexington as well.