jsa2000

As far as the VA vs. NC route, I'm partial to the VA route up I-81 through the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley especially if you haven't seen this part of the state before. It's much different than the eastern/coastal part of VA. You could stop in either Roanoke -located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains- (or any of the smaller towns along 81) or even cut over to Charlottesville. Both of these cities are smaller and very easy to drive/park in, but still have things to see, good restaurants, and many hotel choices. If you're into history Charlottesville would be a great area to stop. If you really want to experience the beauty of this area, make sure to spend some time on the Blue Ridge Parkway either in NC or VA.

One of the benefits of this route is taking I-66 into the DC area vs I-95 up from the South (from Richmond). I-66 gets a bad rap because of traffic, but it's not bad as long you aren't trying to come east towards the city in the morning (or west in the evening). I commute along this route (against traffic, thankfully) and prefer it to I-95 N which always seems to be backed up (and currently under construction). If you do decide to go the NC route (you will end up taking 95 N into MD), I would check on the road closures to make sure all lanes are open and delays are short.

No doubt that the NC route is beautiful and Richmond is also a great city to stop in, but since you've already been to Raleigh and seen some of NC, I would choose the VA route. Plus I always choose the more mountainous route for the beautiful scenery!

dwdvagamundo

I was thinking Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville, so second jsa2000. It should be beautiful that time of year. You say you like scenic roads and have a lot of time, so that would be perfect.

I would also second dropping ATL--Nashville leg of this.

An alternative suggestion:

Consider driving up the Atlantic Coast from Charleston--Wilmington, N.C., Outer Banks, Williamsburg/Jamestown area of eastern VA, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Annapolis, Takoma Park.

jpie

Thanks-yes we may decide to drop the "interior part" of the trip and see the eastern coast a bit. I will look at some routing and come back here for advice.

Dukey1

I-66 into the DC Metro area... you will not need to venture inside the Beltway (I-495) if you are going to Takoma Park. The Beltway can be challenging during rush hours regardless of which part you are on. Those "hours" run roughly from early in the AM until at least 9 AM and in the afternoon between 2-2:30 PM and as last as 7 PM or longer.

jpie

Thanks-I still remember the traffic for an earlier trip and I am grateful for tips for avoiding it!

suewoo

Just FYI:
http://www.ncbbqsociety.com/bbqmap/trail_map.html

odie1

You may want to consider Essex CT as a stopping off point instead of Mystic/Stonington/Newportt. It is a beautiful New England village with some interesting sights, including the famous Griswold Inn, built in 1776, still an inn with a great bar. Two towns up river is the very artsy village of Chester with some great restaurants.

jpie

Thanks both suewoo and odie1! I will check out both of those. We love Mystic but it would be nice to see a little different part of that country