towns along interstate 81 in virginia

RELATED: There are more things to do in town than just visit the caverns! West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery offers a broad selection of wines from reds and whites to sweeter offerings. Benton Stebbins struck gold in August 1878 as he discovered what has since become the largest expanse of caverns in the eastern United States. As one of the United States top road trip routes, the Blue Ridge Parkway is not to be missed when visiting Virginia. Take a look at my article here! RELATED:Incredible views arent the only thing youll find in this unique little town! Open full screen to view more. A guided tour takes groups through seven galleries exploring Wilsons early years and his presidency including womens suffrage, prohibition and World War I. Plan to spend a few days and you'll become immersed in the history, culture, diverse landscape and hospitality of Southwest Virginia. Interstate 81 is known to many for commuting but this corridor has a number of stops you wont find anywhere else. I havent been to Virginia, but it looks amazing on photos and I would love to visit one day. Ill definitely have to check out McAfee Knob once Im back in Virginia . Youll be blown away by the mesmerizing shapes formed by limestone sluggishly flowing to create the intricate natural sculptures in front of you. Fuel Up At These Top Virginia Restaurants Along Interstate 81 See Why You Need to Visit the Quirkly Little Town of Wytheville Caverns, History & More Check Out All the Great Things to Do in Luray VA Check Out These 15 Unique Places to Visit in Virginia Near the I-81. From Fredericksburg to Virginia Beach, Virginia is Singing for the Holidays, Download the Full 2023 April Leisure Group Travel Magazine and Subscribe for FREE. They make for fantastic photo opportunities as you explore the state and may even teach you a little bit about each city and town you find them in! It was about a 45-minute drive in the van (again, windy roads), but then we were off and riding down the hill. However, theres a lesser-known feature that youll have to inquire about at the front desk. You Will Certainly Feel the Love in Virginia! (MM: 108.0), Follow Signs for Exit 2; US 11; US 460 Bus; Christianburg, Ironto Safety Rest Area Served in a clean and friendly environment. Virginia Road Trip: Exploring the State Along I-81 - Kidventurous In the US state of Virginia, I-81 runs for 324.92 miles (522.91 km), making the portion in Virginia longer than any other state's portion of the route. The Shenandoah Valley plays a significant role in the history of Virginia, and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley has over 11,000 artifacts from the region in their permanent collection. However, the payoff was huge. Of course, these are just a handful of things to see along Route 81 in VA. Your email address will not be published. Stop by Wolf Hills Brewing, Co and sample its craft beer. How about square dancing? The park also offers about 10 kilometres (6 miles) of trails. Unlike the Virginia views listed above, youll have to go underground for this one! Located directly across the street is the four-star Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Only in Virginia will you find these adorable public artworks as theyre scattered throughout the state! With carnival games, marching bands, parades and more, its bound to be a bloomin good time! Do you agree that its a scenic highway in Virginia? Delicious Mexican cuisine with a side of great customer service! As a near life-long Northern Virginian, I know theres a lot to love about Virginia (I mean hello, Virginia is for Lovers). Enjoy the contrast between the quilts of the 1860s to those made in todays day and age as you explore the exhibits located across its three floors. Its definitely a fantastic road trip destination! Check Out My Stellar Guide to Luray VA. Disclaimer: This post is brought to you in partnership with Virginia Tourism. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Visit www.vedp.org. The Virginia Museum of the Civil War displays relics, and preserves the story of the Civil War in Virginia, focusing specifically on the Battle of New Market and how local Virginia Military Institute Cadets played a role. Located in Harrisonburg in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, it was founded in 1995 with the mission of enhancing and preserving the art of quilting in the state. Since the Skyline Drive is the northernmost part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can surmise that there are a number of lookouts to explore throughout the park. Valley Pike Farm Market. Referred to as Gods Thumbprint, Burkes Garden is a unique geological formation that takes the title of Virginias highest valley as well as the states largest rural historic district. Make sure to plan your Virginia road trip itinerary around spending a Friday night in Floyd because the Friday Night Jamboree is a must experience when visiting the state! This Virginia Museum has over 300 quilts dating from the modern area all the way back to Civil War times. Woodstock Tower Seven Bends of the Shenandoah Exit 283 to Rt. It was chillier than we would have liked, but we made it through four innings and that was plenty. Served in a clean and friendly environment. The Staunton Music Festival offers brilliant chamber music performed by world-class musicians. Needless to say, The Blackburn Inn is certainly one of the most unique places to stay in Virginia! It was so good for the soul. This is how youll enjoy some of the best views of Staunton! The art of glass blowing is a skill that few have mastered, and watching these experts create beautiful glass sculptures is something everyone should experience at least once. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains. With the communitys rich rail history, stops at the History Museum of Western Virginia & O. Winston Link Museum and the Virginia Transportation Museum are a must. Rural Retreat Winery & Vineyards features a wide selection of full-body reds and lovely whites. Heat to the heart of the city where youll find Old Town Winchester. Cest la vie. On Saturdays, you can buy a smores kit for roasting at the fire pit at 7 pm. Cedar Creek carved out the parks namesake, a ~66 metre (215 foot) tall limestone arch, thousands of years ago to create the geological beauty you see today. Let us know in the comments section wed love to hear your thoughts and feelings on the matter. Still heading south along Interstate 81? Island Wing Company grill and bar offers customers quality baked chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, mac & cheese, salads. 11 to Woodstock Tower Road. The Virginia Creeper Trail begins in Abingdon and is a gentle grade for bicyclists and walkers of all ages. (MM: 53.0), US-58 Alt; VA-75; Abingdon; S Holston D&M. Enjoy a fresh and tasty meal with our delicious sub sandwiches. Definitely a great place to stop. I-81 Map in Tennessee (statewide) I-81 Map near Knoxville, Tennessee I-81 Map near Morristown, Tennessee I-81 Map near Greeneville, Tennessee I-81 Map near Johnson City, Tennessee I-81 Map near Kingsport, Tennessee I-81 Map near Bristol, Tennessee I-81 Map Virginia I-81 Map West Virginia I-81 Map Maryland I-81 Map Pennsylvania I-81 Map New York The Heifetz International Music Festival attracts gifted violin, viola and cello students to the campus of Mary Baldwin University for six weeks in the summer. The scenery is beautiful, but I was ready to get out of the car. It was worth a stop for some cool topographic maps. If you decide to take a break from all the driving, stay overnight at this gorgeous Virginia resort and make it a complete family vacation only a few miles off of I-81. Here youll find loads of hands-on exhibits, like a Healthy Bodies Gallery that teaches kids about blood cells and human organs. The Back of the Dragon refers to an extraordinary 51.5 kilometre (32 mile) long drive along Route 16 that captivates motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts from all over the world. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Those that want to stay dry can check out the state-of-the-art arcade, filled with the latest games and entertainment. The Blackburn Inn is Certainly One of the Unique Places to Visit in Virginia. Of course, you can also check out a section of the famous Appalachian Trail as it makes its way through Shenandoah National Park. A highlight of any visit to the center is the Marketplace. Stop by SunspotStudios in downtown Staunton for glass blowing demonstrations, available free of charge and seven days a week! Like any route, I-81 does have its share of traffic. If those sound foreign to you, dont worry as a seasoned pro will happily show you the ropes! It is located adjacent to President Wilsons birthplace museum, a pre-Civil War manse that was converted to a museum, and both are open for tours. Love Virginia? Enjoy the twists and turns of Interstate 81 and be sure to take the occasional detour to check out these Virginia sights. Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm has taken care of that issue. (MM: 199.0), Troutville Safety Rest Area 11 Chips. From Bristol in the south to Winchester in the north, these unique places to visit in Virginia are not to be missed when road tripping the I-81! Hike along the Appalachian Trail to Mount Rogers, the highest mountain in Virginia. 5. Once youre done taking in these Virginia views, spend some time perusing the BW Country Store. All Exits along I-81 in Virginia - iExit Interstate Exit Guide We are A Sub Above. The estate of President James Madisons sister Nelly and her husband, Isaac Hite, Belle Grove Plantation may not be as famous as Monticello, Mount Vernon, or Montpelier, but the plantation is no less stunning. Though if youre going to visit for any event, it has to be the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. The perfect first stop for an understanding of exactly where you are is Southwest Virginias Cultural Center & Marketplace. Stunning Virginia Views: 10+ Sights To See Along the I-81 Corridor Please let me know in the comments section below. Rural Retreat Rest Area I felt a bit duped, but it was still quite interesting. I can only imagine how scenic it must be when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Ill certainly have to check it out next time Im in the Roanoke area , Your photos remind us just how much we want to visit Virginia again, and explore more of the state! Theres also an ice cream shop, so yes, its a must stop. Definitely adding it to my list! This re-creation of Shakespeares indoor London theater presents a year-round offering of up to 14 performances of Shakespeares plays and contemporary works. However, the Virginia stretch is the longest . Its often referred to as Gods Thumbprint due to the surrounding mountain ranges making a circular shape. It helps keep IBB alive so thank you! RELATED: Looking for more great things to do in Abingdon? Spanning over 800 kilometres, there is no shortage of adventures to be had here. Also known as the Western State Lunatic Asylum in its early days, it was a hospital for the mentally ill where the facilitys superintendent Dr Stribling was said to focus on the emotional well-being of patients, a practice he called moral treatment. Take a look at the photos below to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous drive in Virginia. Enjoy the twists and turns of Interstate 81 and be sure to take the occasional detour to check out these Virginia sights. There were lots of old school pinball games with signage noting the year of the game and the designer, but this was definitely more pinball than museum. However, The Tavern has worn a number of hats including being an antique shop, bank, bakery, barber shop, cabinet shop, general store, post office and more. This is the original mustering grounds of the Virginia Militia for the Revolutionary War. Eventually we made it to the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Roanoke. Once you finish up in the shop, begin your tour with a picture in the mouth of the large shark statue and a pose in front of the Dinosaur Land sign. Im pretty sure I stopped at at least a half-dozen viewpoints. Set atop Big Walker Mountain at ~1038 metres (3405 feet), visitors can climb the ~30 metre (100 foot) tall lookout tower where youll be treated to incredible vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This office building turned boutique hotel features 65 elegant rooms with amenities such as a workspace, mini-fridge, plush robes and most important, complimentary WiFi. Okay this is a slight detour off of the I-81 but the Back of the Dragon is one of the fun things to do in Virginia thats worth detouring for! Long before it was a hotel, the Blackburn Inn was originally the administration building for the Old Western State Hospital and then a medium-security prison. The plan was for all of us to go hiking at Hungry Mother State Park the next day, but major rain showers were in the forecast, so I dropped my husband and kids back at the Comfort Suites in Abingdon and drove an hour to the state park. How about a trip to one of Virginia's most famous chip companies, Route 11? Just 10 minutes north of Natural Bridge along the I-81, youll find Great Valley Farm Brewery. An incorporated town in Virginia is the equivalent of a city in most other states, i.e. RELATED:Wythevilles slogan is theres only one. See what makes this town unique with my complete guide to exploring Wytheville! Unveiling Dubai: An In-depth Exploration of the Citys Remarkable Landmarks, Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel Magazine for. The Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, began on Robert Porters basic idea that patrons could pay with produce to support local actors. Destinations Are in Order From North to South, You Never Have to Worry About Cars in Old Town Winchester. When he returned one year later, potatoes were growing right where he left them hence the name, Burkes Garden. One of those routes is one that travels north and south practically all the way through the state! It was just under four miles and rated as difficult. My trip was in early November and while the views were still incredible, autumn was on its way out. This beloved local business has been serving up delicious food and ice cream since 1943. Learn how to create your own. Aptly named State Street, you will see plaques lining the middle of the road outlining the border and it makes for a fun photo opportunity. Visitors to Roanoke are fortunate that the city has Center in the Square, which houses several different museums in one building, including the Science Museum of Western Virginia and the Roanoke Pinball Museum. Love that part of VA. Interstate 81 - Google My Maps As in, 180-degree scenic views. Im certain these animals worked in teams too. Thanks for sharing, Lindsay! Weyers Cave, Virginia. It is also the longest Interstate Highway within the borders of Virginia. Staunton is a charming city in Virginia with a wide range of worldly architectural styles, incredible restaurants, beautiful parks with gorgeous lookouts and much more. Comers RockAka Comers Overlook in Wythe County (Rt 21 below Speedwell) is an old fire tower and has the most spectacular views you will ever see in your entire hiking experience be prepared for a bit of a climbbut sooo worth every step. Follow the twists and turns of the Blue Ridge Parkway and youll see just how many overlooks there are Im talking upwards of 20 here! Approaching this crossroads of Interstates 77 and 81, youre impressed with the spectacular landscape of this small town. 235. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is the birthplace and childhood home of a descendant of Pocahontas and the only Appalachian-born First Lady. Be warned though, itll have you planning a return trip as this is just a small taste of what Shenandoah National Park has to offer! The good news is the proprietor is ready to share. Yum. This historic plantation was built in 1797 sits just north of Shenandoah National Park on 283 acres of the original 7500 acres of land that was used for growing crops, raising cattle, and operating a distillery along with several on-site mills. Looking for More Interesting Places in Virginia to Visit? Itll make the views just a little bit sweeter! Considering this is a sacred site for the Monacan People of the area and even Thomas Jefferson called it the most sublime of Natures works, Id say that speaks to why you need to visit one of the most unique tourist attractions in Virginia! If youve never been to a lavender farm, youre in for a fragrant treat. Whether youre an avid hiker or looking for easily accessible vistas, the park has it all. To dig deeper into Wythevilles history, a visit to the towns first resident physician is in order. The story is told of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and explores how todays musical heritage has been influenced by technology. Golden Hour From the Bristol Hotel's Lumac Rooftop Bar Rooftop of the Bristol Hotel Now thats definitely a sight worth seeing. If youre looking to hear about other Virginia destinations like Manassas National Battlefield Park, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Arlington National Cemetery, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and more youll have to wait for a future post once I return to this incredible state! West Virginia. Interstate 81 reopened in Montgomery County - WSLS 10 News Our next stop was the drive-through Virginia Safari Park. Oh, and dont forget to bring some change with you. We started our adventure in Natural Bridge, home to one of Virginias newest state parks, Natural Bridge State Park. Its no secret that Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginias most beautiful parks. And if youre wondering about the name, it was first surveyed back in 1748 when a man by James Burke left his potato peels after cooking a meal. An affiliate of the Smithsonian, this is easily one of the most interactive museums youll ever visit! Be sure to factor in any additional stops you may need to take. 10 Absolutely Gorgeous Small Towns in Virginia Loaded with Southern Charm Sears Hill Bridge, Downtown Staunton by Warren Faught. Meanwhile, Toy Joy has a super-sized Lite-Brite and LEGO bricks. VA-256; Weyers Cave; Grottoes. Youll be blown away by the sheer power of nature as you admire it from below. Id been looking forward to a stop here since I started planning this trip and it did not disappoint. Dubai is a city full of surprises, where each landmark, more impressive than the next, offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The vistas youll enjoy from the Saddle Overlook, Pine Spur, Devils Backbone and Cahas Mountain are breathtaking and worth stopping for. A member of Historic Hotels of America, it was built in 1832. Or call ahead and make reservations to try your hand at the craft with a Blow Your Own Ornament experience taught by the glass blowers. There's quite the cultural scene here, and it's also one of the most beautiful towns in Virginia. We knew we wanted to bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, but we werent up for a 68-mile round-trip ride and werent totally sure where to pick up the trail and where to turn around. One entry fee lets you play all day (you can even leave and return). We couldnt drive more than a few dozen yards before approaching another group whose leader would center himself in front of our car while his cohorts immediately positioned themselves on either side of our vehicle. One of just eight historic sites dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the museum has an interesting life timeline and highlights her contribution during a critical time of World War I. BONUS VIEW: If youre unable to stay overnight in Staunton or youre looking for additional views of the city, make the trek to Sears Hill and enjoy the sights fromWoodrow Park. While I was compensated for my time, all of the content and opinions here are honest and speak to my personal experience! Mansion at Fort Chiswell has been restored and is now a private residence listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia State Historic Landmark. Spend some time learning about how these recordings sparked the mainstream commercialization of country music and how they continue to influence the genre to this very day. Hi Sheila thank you SO much for this information! Doug Kerr/flickr. Channels State Forest is one of Virginias best-kept secrets, and Grayson State Parks wild ponies are a calling card. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Be the first to find out about updates, contests, promotions & more by becoming a member of the, Stunning Virginia Views: 10+ Sights To See Along the I-81 Corridor, Unmissable Virginia Views On An I-81 Road Trip, Great Valley Farm Brewery in Lexington, Virginia, See what other guests have said about their experiences, book a night or two which you can do here, there are a number of options close to the park, Fuel Up At These Top Virginia Restaurants Along Interstate 81, Check Out These 15 Unique Places to Visit in Virginia Near the I-81. Key Ingredients Restaurant takes pride in its locally sourced menu. Another interesting stop off of I-81 is the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Do you think you would ever try out this road trip? There are a lot of charming shops and restaurants in the area, as well as beautiful architecture that will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Love Rt. Here are a few of our favorite stops and towns along interstate 81 in Virginia. The last two, Austrian varietals, have adapted well to the climate of the Shenandoah Valley. Camino de Compostela is one of the most celebrated pilgrimages in Europe that welcome tons of Catholics, adventurers, hikers, and travelers from around the world to walk its many routes. While its been a state park for less than a decade, Natural Bridge State Park is a must-visit whenever youre in Roanoke, Lexington or any of the towns in the surrounding area. That's just the beginning. Views from the Roanoke Valley Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A spectacular I-81 road trip awaits! I hope youre able to visit Virginia again soon! Thank you! While to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in its entirety would be epic, were focusing on Virginia here! It was renovated by Thomas R Blackburn (hence the name), one of Thomas Jeffersons protgs back in 1830. Shenandoah National Park certainly offers some of the best hikes in Virginia but you dont need to hike in order to enjoy some brilliant views. (MM: 320.0), VA-37; US-11; US-522 N; US-50 W; Winchester; Stephenson. Major Cities along I-81 Interstate 81 - Roadnow No matter the time of year you visit, Kline's Dairy Bar, 58 E Wolfe St, Harrisonburg, VA 22802, USA, Next up on our list is the Virginia Quilt Museum, a fascinating three-floor historic home that contains some of the most beautiful quilts you've ever seen. Whether or not you choose to stay overnight is up to you, but youll certainly have a memorable stay at the Bristol Hotel. Patsy Cline's House Exit: 315 Photo credit: Judy Watkins Take a tour of famed country singer Patsy Cline's home located in Winchester. Im definitely adding this road trip to my bucket list, especially for fall colours! (MM: 262.0). With a population of around 25,000, you'll find plenty to explore and lots of local charm. On 45 acres, there are animals from six continents at Southwest Virginias largest zoo. Did you know that Winchester is home to one of just two pedestrian malls within the entire state of Virginia? Grayson Highlands State Park is about 2.5 hours by car from Roanoke. Also located on Beverley Street in downtown Staunton, the CoArt Gallery exhibits local artists originals in various media. I was only able to catch 11 of these beauties on my trip and I cant wait for my next visit to Virginia so I can cross some off my list! If you dont make it in for some of their flavourful German fare, at least pop by for a cocktail or a beer at this historic establishment. Ever been on a trip where you felt like you were constantly pulling over to enjoy the incredible sights surrounding you? Nice. It was so beautiful in April, even when so little was in bloom. Very clever. . Listen to various clips of iconic songs, make your own remix of the Bristol recordings using touch-screen controls and even try singing a country song in the recording booth! As you can see, there are so many cool places in Virginia and this is just along one stretch of highway! I kind of enjoyed being on my own for this one. Built in 1779 just one year after the town was founded, its Abingdons oldest building. The Salem Red Sox play not 20 minutes from Roanoke. Whether or not youre a country fan, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a unique Virginia destination you dont want to miss. (MM: 158.0), Radford Safety Rest Area A few of my favourite stops were the Calf Mountain, Sawmill Ridge, Crimora Lake and Rockytop Overlooks but there are honestly so many incredible views to see. Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most of your I-81 road trip as you catch these stunning Virginia views. With over 20 lookouts lining this hour-long stretch, its a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon enjoying the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The annual Art in the Park event during Memorial Day weekend showcases quality fine arts and crafts. For all the great things to do, see and eat, check out my guide to Wytheville. On my list for sure ! One of Abingdons oldest attractions began in 1933 during the midst of the Great Depression. The historic Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. At the top, theres also a small parking lot and restrooms, so you can drive to the top to take in the views of downtown Roanoke down below. If you get a chance, a couple of other cool stops in Natural Bridge are the Natural Bridge Zoo and Dinosaur Kingdom II. Interestingly, this tour is not about Thomas Stonewall Jackson, but rather Jacksons pre-war life as a professor at Virginia Military Institute before he became known for his role in the Civil War. A few more of my favourite overlooks are Pine Spur, Devils Backbone, Cahas Mountain and the Roanoke Valley. More than 60 merchants offer everything from jewelry and home dcor to antiques, books and everything in between. Built in 1856, it has served many purposes from family home to Civil War Hospital, a temporary courthouse and more! Take some time to explore while learning more about the areas history and culture with one of these guided walking tours.
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