jfaulk

We are driving to DC next week from Wilmington,NC . Need to be in DC Thurs. afternoon- would like to hit Williamsburg ( I think), just for a quick overnight visit. Had considered the Chesapeake bridge but I'm just not sure. Was planning on doing the I-95 thing but it sounds like that might not be the way to go. We are flexible. Travelers are mom and dad- son-17, daughters 12 and 8. The guys love the military and history - any suggestions on where to stop and also maybe a Hampton Inn type hotel?

Hellion

Well, if you did go up 95, there's plenty of Civil War history around Richmond and Fredericksburg for the military/history buffs. You shouldn't have any trouble driving into DC on 95 on Thursday if you just wait till late morning or early afternoon, when the traffic has eased. (95 north is crowded from about Manassas north in the morning, but would likely ease up some by 10 or 11 or so).

95 isn't scenic at all, if that was your concern, though, and traffic can be unpleasant.

obxgirl

Would agree with the above. Unless you plan on making it a meandering road trip, I95 is the most efficient way to go.

If you do want to overnight in Wmbg, it will take you an hour-ish off of I95. About 2.5 hours from Wmbg to DC the next day.

You pick up the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Norfolk and that is a bit out of your way. Not that the bridge or the trip up the eastern shore isn't nice but the sights overnighting in Wmbg or Richmond/Fredericsburg are better.

Hampton Inn and its ilk abound. Can't really help there, sorry. There are a few old type places with the exterior doors and I generally try to avoid those.

Enjoy your journey!

jfaulk

thank-you both- think we will try Fredericksburg and then on to Arlington Thurs.am before hitting D.C.

weimarer

If you want to make a relatively short (1 1/2 hour) visit to a fascinating Civil War site, you could go to the North Anna River Battlefield, which is about 10-15 minutes off 95 about haflway between Richmond and Fredericksburg. The trail takes maybe an hour and passes along possibly the best preserved network of trenches and earthworks of all the battlefields.
It's a Hanover County Park, not NPS, so doesn't get the publicity, but is well worth a look. Your daughters may not be too interested, but son and husband would. You would probably be the only people there.

If you are interested and can't get clear directions by web search, reply back, and I'll tell you exactly how to get to it. It's not far off 95, but is not prominently signed.

Vttraveler

The Petersburg National battlefield is also fascinating and very close to I 95
There are also several interesting plantations nearby on the James River but not as far out of your way as Williamsburg--these might appeal more to your daughters and you.

Ackislander

US 17 up the Northern Neck is nice. 2-4 lanes but not much traffic. Merge with 95 at Fredericksburg.

lbny_soxfan

weimarer: you were right about 95 South from the Belt to Fredricksburg - 2 words: MUR DER

I'll never do that again!!

GeorgeW

For speed, Route 40 from Wilmington to Route 95.

ronkala

I-95 does not go through Manassas, I-66 does.

I-95 goes through Woodbridge

lbny_soxfan

I-95 does not go through Manassas, I-66 does.

I-95 goes through Woodbridge
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I was reaching out to weimarer from a previous thread about three weeks ago regarding DC traffic

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-rush-hour.cfm