I am going to be in Gettysburg PA the end of September for the National Golden Retriever Specialty. On Sunday October 2nd I will be leaving Gettysburg. I decided to spend a few extra days seeing the sights and had thought of going to Williamsburg for a couple of days.
So my thought was to leave early Sunday morning from Gettysburg and drive to Williamsburg, spend Sunday and Monday in Williamsburg and then head to Alexandria on Tuesday mid-afternoon to fly out of National airport on Wedsnday morning.
So my question, is this doable? My sister, who lives in Alexandria says I could see heavy traffic even on Sunday 5-6 hours to Williamsburg. How long would it take me to get to Alexandria from Williamsburg if I left at say noon on Tuesday?

I am pretty open to other suggestions for a nice place to spend a couple of days. I have been to DC several times so I don't really want to do that again.
I love visiting neat old homes, like in Newport. Not much of a history buff, but I do enjoy some historical stuff. I don't like touristy places, I like to eat in great restaurants, not family places.
I have always wanted to go to Williamsburg. I love the idea of an authentic period town. I really liked Sturbridge, Mass and Plymouth.

I would be grateful for driving information and alternate ideas.

Thanks,

Roianne

I would consider heading east from Gettysburg to the Philadelphia area, not the city. Maybe Winterthur (the Dupont family mansion), Longwood Gardens, little town of New Hope for great shopping, atmosphere...this is all about a 2.5 or 3 hour drive from Gettysburg. Or if you are not in a hurry, you can stop in the Amish country of southern Lancaster county. Lot's to do around there. Williamsburg will be quite a hike!

Had to correct my lot's (lots)!! Drives me bananas when other people do that.

Thanks for the Philly idea but I was there recently.
How long do you think it would take to get from Gettysburg to Williamsburg?

If you leave early Sunday morning, I would think about 4-5 hours. You can take the roads to avoid DC area.

I am not from the D.C. area but have driven quite a bit in the area you are talking about. 4-5 hours sounds about right to me too. You can definitely avoid the D.C. area. One possibility is heading straight south on 15, aiming to hit Hwy 95 around Fredericksburg. I have used that route on three trips to and from Gettysburg.