I'm working on planning a trip (driving) this Thanksgiving to Tennessee 12hour drive from New York. I did a map route and it looks like once in VA I'll be on I-81 into Tennessee. I figure I would stay a night in VA and then do the rest of the trip to TN the next morning. Does anyone know of any reliable, moderate priced hotels near
I-81. What VA cities does I-81 cut through?

Thank you.

I think your best bet is Harrisonburg. It is a college town and they have several chain hotels in the area, plus plenty of places to eat and imbibe in the evening.

There are hotels all along I-81. From Winchester to Harrisnburg, there are probably more to chose from from than the more rural sections to the south. I would suggest going to freetrip.com which will not only give you time and mileage, but also hotel selections in the price range you want. Depending on your starting and finishing points, Winchester- Harrisonburg should be about half way for you.

My apologies for not having a recommendation, just wanted to say that I've been thinking about that same question but for July! Going to PA from NC for a visit home. We usually drive straight thru but are thinking about leaving after work Friday and getting a head start.

Just thought it was weird that we would have the same question at the same time!

There's a nice Holiday Inn Express just off the Staunton exit, good for on-off interstate and several good chain restaurants nearby. Also Roanoke has lots of accommodations, and there is the lovely historic Mary Washington Inn in Abingdon. Have a good trip!

Thanks for all your great responses. Very helpful. Thanks for the heads up on the "freetrip.com" site that'll definetely come in handy.

Our Grand daughter is in school at JMU in Harrisonburg and we stay at the Courtyard by Marriott when we visit - very nice hotel and there are a number of other hotels nearby and places to eat as well.