All about the Autotrain

Does anyone know if the Outback in the Backlick Shopping Center is a good choice for lunch? We tried IHOP the last few times (still miss Polo Grill) but are thinking about Glory Days or Outback for this trip.
 
Does anyone know if the Outback in the Backlick Shopping Center is a good choice for lunch? We tried IHOP the last few times (still miss Polo Grill) but are thinking about Glory Days or Outback for this trip.

I don't know your family dynamics, but both the Outback and Glory Days are good for lunch for families. They're both chains and the food is what you would expect from a chain. Both offer burgers, salads, etc., and have kids menus. I suggest you check the online menus for both and see which one appeals more to your family.

That said, the biggest difference is in proximity to the AT station. Glory Days is much more convenient since it's practically across the street from the AT and you could relax more during your meal knowing you wouldn't have to be concerned with traffic to get back to the station. Outback is further away and getting there from the AT station is a little more complicated, but not bad if you use local roads instead of I-95.

Locals miss the Polo Grill, too; it was there a long time.
 


I don't know your family dynamics, but both the Outback and Glory Days are good for lunch for families. They're both chains and the food is what you would expect from a chain. Both offer burgers, salads, etc., and have kids menus. I suggest you check the online menus for both and see which one appeals more to your family.

That said, the biggest difference is in proximity to the AT station. Glory Days is much more convenient since it's practically across the street from the AT and you could relax more during your meal knowing you wouldn't have to be concerned with traffic to get back to the station. Outback is further away and getting there from the AT station is a little more complicated, but not bad if you use local roads instead of I-95.

Locals miss the Polo Grill, too; it was there a long time.
Thanks so much for the info! We will go for Glory Days since we don't want to worry about the traffic.
 
Silly question. Can I check in, reserve my dinner time, and then drive our car to get lunch. Come back and check in the car. Or do you have to do everything at once?
 


Silly question. Can I check in, reserve my dinner time, and then drive our car to get lunch. Come back and check in the car. Or do you have to do everything at once?
Tink's Pixieduster - I live and work near the AutoTrain location in Lorton and I would definitely advise you NOT to go to the Cracker Barrel. It is farther than you realize and that stretch of highway has terribly long traffic in both directions. That short stretch could take you an hour or more to get to the Cracker Barrel and the same returning to the Lorton station. Right now there is construction on I95 South in that area and they close down several lanes in the early morning and they do not open them back up until 3:00. From my exit on I95 (Occoquan/Woodbridge) to the Dumfries/Montclair exit where cracker barrel is located, it has been taking travelers an hour to go that 4 mile stretch. Construction will continue for at least a year, probably several.
We always go to the Potomac Mills Mall before we board the train. You mentioned "back roads". Could you please share them? That stretch of 95N is always so backed up when we are seeking to return to the Lorton station to board the train.
 
Silly question. Can I check in, reserve my dinner time, and then drive our car to get lunch. Come back and check in the car. Or do you have to do everything at once?
I don't think you have to do everything at once. Most people do, though.
 
We always go to the Potomac Mills Mall before we board the train. You mentioned "back roads". Could you please share them? That stretch of 95N is always so backed up when we are seeking to return to the Lorton station to board the train.


For a point of reference, if you leave Potomac Mills from the central entrance (where the Cheesecake Factory and other restaurants are located), turn right onto the service road that surrounds the mall, and then left to go to the exit that takes you to Smoketown Road.

Turn left at the light onto Smoketown Road.

Cross over I-95 (where Smoketown is renamed Opitz Blvd). You will pass a Sentara Hospital on your left, and a little further down you will pass a Wawa gas station on the right. The second traffic light after the Wawa is the one for Rt. 1. Turn left at the traffic light for Rt. 1.

Stay on Rt. 1 approximately 6-7 miles, going through Woodbridge and crossing the bridge over the Occoquan River.

Watch for Gunston Cove Road and turn left at the light onto Gunston Cove Road.

Travel about 1 ½ to 2 miles on Gunston Cove Road and it will take you to Lorton Road (you will pass a shopping center with a Shoppers Food Store, Glory Days restaurant and several other shops on your right). Turn left at the light onto Lorton Road and the AT Station will be immediately on your right.
 
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Last evening Paranoia set in and I booked a room at Embassy Suites instead of leaving the same day as the train reservation! We'll be ready to hit the road when DH gets home from work and avoid morning rush hour traffic. I feel my decision was justified when I heard that an accident closed the NJ Turnpike in both directions this morning! Yikes! I feel better knowing we will be in the area first thing in the morning. Our friends who live nearby are going to meet us for lunch & show us how to get to the station. One less thing to stress about!
 
For a point of reference, if you leave Potomac Mills from the central entrance (where the Cheesecake Factory and other restaurants are located), turn right onto the service road that surrounds the mall, and then left to go to the exit that takes you to Smokehouse Road.

Turn left at the light onto Smokehouse Road.

Cross over I-95 (where Smokehouse is renamed Opitz Blvd). You will pass a Sentara Hospital on your left, and a little further down you will pass a Wawa gas station on the right. The second traffic light after the Wawa is the one for Rt. 1. Turn left at the traffic light for Rt. 1.

Stay on Rt. 1 approximately 6-7 miles, going through Woodbridge and crossing the bridge over the Occoquan River.

Watch for Gunston Cove Road and turn left at the light onto Gunston Cove Road.

Travel about 1 ½ to 2 miles on Gunston Cove Road and it will take you to Lorton Road (you will pass a shopping center with a Shoppers Food Store, Glory Days restaurant and several other shops on your right). Turn left at the light onto Lorton Road and the AT Station will be immediately on your right.
Thanks so much!!
 
Silly question. Can I check in, reserve my dinner time, and then drive our car to get lunch. Come back and check in the car. Or do you have to do everything at once?
Not a silly question!! Yes, you can check in and select your dining time and then get back in your car to go grab lunch. When you first arrive stay to the left of the check in booth and park in the parking log. Walk into the station and there will be someone to check you in. Once done just get back in your car and go grab lunch. We do it when we use the Autotrain. When you come back just get in line at the check in booth and there your car will be given a number and they will then check your car in. It cuts down on the time sitting around the station! Have a great trip.
 
Last evening Paranoia set in and I booked a room at Embassy Suites instead of leaving the same day as the train reservation! We'll be ready to hit the road when DH gets home from work and avoid morning rush hour traffic. I feel my decision was justified when I heard that an accident closed the NJ Turnpike in both directions this morning! Yikes! I feel better knowing we will be in the area first thing in the morning. Our friends who live nearby are going to meet us for lunch & show us how to get to the station. One less thing to stress about!


Smart move! That's what we did and it was so nice not to worry about hitting traffic on the way to Lorton. It was a stress free drive and it was so nice to wake up the next day in a hotel just five minutes from the station.
 

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