I am flying from UK to USA late April for two week trip with my elderly American friend. We plan on staying around Lexington KY for first few days and then driving to Washington DC to visit his son and daughter in law.

We have three full days to do this part of the trip and I was wondering what experiences folk have had when visiting Shenandoah NP? Any recommendations of reasonably priced places to stay?

Suggestions of other places to visit on the route from Lexington KY to Washington DC would be much appreciated.

Thank you Paul23

You have 3 full days which would include the drive to/from Lexington & DC *and* the visit with your friend's relatives? I think you might find that timeframe a bit short for a distance that large...Lexington is about 540 miles from DC (about 8.5 hours drive), so the drive alone will take up approximately 2 of your 3 days. Not saying it can't be done -- just saying that you might not have very much time for additional sight seeing.

Thank you - just the sort of advice i need. I have two weeks in total so I can spend more time on this part. Originally I had thought three days from Lexington KY and three days back.) What about Shenandoah? Any specific advice about what to see - where to go? Where to stay?

I had thought of going through Charleston, White Sulpher Springs and Harrisonburg on the way: anything special to see there?
Thanks again Paul

I live in Northern Virginia but have never checked out Shenandoah...it's a shame, as I hear it is beautiful.

Here's an article you might enjoy on it, though:
http://www.washingtonian.com/travel/play2.html

Washingtonian is a great source for Washington DC area info, including day trips.

Harrisburg would be a little out of your way...if I had the personal choice I'd stay an extra day in the DC area proper instead of visiting Harrisburg. It is a cute town (with a few good microbreweries, too...but that's another story).

Have you checked on your route using mapquest.com? If not, you might find it helpful for planning your trip.

Wish I had info on the places you referenced - hopefully someone else more informed might stop by.

That site you gave me is so informative - many thanks. I am starting to see what you mean..... I need more time to explore.

Thank you again for sharing. Paul

Beanweb,
Paul was asking abiut Harrisonburg, VA, not Harrisburg, PA. Evidently he is traveling I-64, I-81 through the valley and I-66 into D.C.

A stop in Staunton would be nice, climbing the Woodstock Tower to view the Seven Bends of the Shenandoah River is interesting, as is the New Market Battlefield in New Market. He could also take route 33 east from Harrisonburg to Sky Line Drive and take the drive into Front Royal and pick up I-66 to D.C. there. There are also caverns along I-81 and in Luray.

Beanweb, if you haven't been over to the Shenandoah Valley and live that close to it, you are missing out on a lot.

Whoops - good catch...I misread the city name! See - I knew someone more informed than me would stop by. ;-)

I totally deserve the scolding for not checking out Shenandoah NP. It's on my to do list - I promise!

Charleston, West Virgina? SKIP IT! It's not worth a detour at all.

Truthfully, the nicest areas on your route are national parks. You could tent camp along the way in some very gorgeous areas (assuming you are an experienced tent camper). Otherwise, look for places that will rent log cabins.

I would look into a good guide book for the areas you are travelling through or fodors.com and frommers.com. This could be a very nice trip or a VERY dull one depending on how much you research what is worth stopping for.

not scolding, just a suggestion. we lived in Annandale for five years and Fairfax Station for thirty years before moving to the valley six years ago. It's a completely different world over here.

The route from Lexington that takes you through Charleston and White Sulphur (I-64) will put you close to several fine West Virginia state parks. Lovely scenery and some have overnight accommodations in lodges. See if there's anything here that appeals:
http://www.wvstateparks.com/

Charlottseville, VA, is worth a stop to see the University of Virginia and Monticello (the home of Thomas Jefferson). The drive through the Shenandoah NP is one of the prettiest in the east. The road is called Skyline Drive and goes roughly from a point west of Charlottesville to Front Royal, which is west of D.C. I grew up in the area and have fond memories of trips to Shenandoah and would love to go back.

You might consider stopping at KY Natural Bridge State Park near Slade, KY or the Red River Gorge. Both are close to Lexington. A little further, near Morehead, is Carter Caves.

I live a few miles outside of Lexington, if you need any suggestions for the area.

For maps and driving times in the states try www.mapquest.com.

I have checked this out and it looks well worth a visit. The trouble is I think I need longer in USA! Trouble is I have booked my flight and my wife and work are inhibiting. Thank you. Paul