I-81 From PA to NC.... anything worth making a stop for?

[Papa Deuce]

I asked this a year ago... can't find the post now....

Anyway is there anything worth stopping for a day along this route? Ultimate destination is Charlotte.... we hate I-95, and when last we took this drive it was MUCH BETTER!

We'll have our 2 daughters who will almost be 6 when we go in April.

 

[jenr812]

No answer for you but was just curious (nosy LOL) why you're coming to Charlotte? LOL Hoping to see Kellie Pickler?

 

[motherhen17404]

First off, how are you going to get to I-85 from where you are?? Are you going to go the Baltimore beltway, then hit the Washington beltway to 95 south then pickup 85 south of Richmond? If that is how you go, then I might have a better way to get around Washington, if you would rather skip all the Washington traffic. It is not a great time saver, but a pretty drive. Or are you going to go out to I-81 then go south? If you go the first way, then yes, I know of a few places to stop.

There is a great BBQ place in a little town on the VA/NC border. The town is called South Hill, at exit 12. The BBQ place is called S & S BBQ. Their BBQ is the vinegar/pepper type. The hushpuppies are good also. The restaurant is a few miles "in town". Sorry I can't give you directions, I just know how to drive there. They are located on Rt. 1, here is their phone number (434) 447-4994. They will be able to give you directions from the highway.

There is a very tacky place to shop along the way called JR's. Good for a stop to just stretch the legs. Of course there is all the shopping in Burlington, NC.

Sorry, but I really have no idea of a good place to stop for kids. I-85 is not that interesting of a drive. I used to make this drive 4-5 times a year. I have family in both Charlotte and in SC.

 

[BuckNaked]

I was just going to say that I didn't think I-85 even goes to PA.

And if you do get on I-85, be aware that it is excruciatingly boring, even more so than I-95.

 

[Papa Deuce]

No answer for you but was just curious (nosy LOL) why you're coming to Charlotte? LOL Hoping to see Kellie Pickler?

I come every year to see family.... but until last year we used I-95.

 

[Papa Deuce]

First off, how are you going to get to I-85 from where you are??

PA turnpike. But my mistake... I -81!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I was just going to say that I didn't think I-85 even goes to PA.

And if you do get on I-85, be aware that it is excruciatingly boring, even more so than I-95.

Prettier and less congested the one time I went.

 

[BuckNaked]

PA turnpike.

Are you sure you mean I-85? It starts in Montgomery, AL, and I'm pretty sure it ends in Richmond, VA.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Are you sure you mean I-85? It starts in Montgomery, AL, and I'm pretty sure it ends in Richmond, VA.

Dumb me... I - 81! from Harrisburg!

 

[BuckNaked]

OK, I was wondering if they had added a whole section of interstate!

I've only been on I-81 once, but I remember that there was beautiful scenery.

 

[motherhen17404]

Ok then, never mind on my post. Although, we live in York, PA and I will go through Richmond to pick up 85 just to go to South Hill. The BBQ is that good!

We did the I-81 route 1 time. There really was nothing on that road. Just nothing. Very pretty, but that is about it. Have a great trip!

 

[NC Belle]

How about Luray Caverns or Natural Bridge? Winchester is a bit congested.

 

[Papa Deuce]

How about Luray Caverns or Natural Bridge? Winchester is a bit congested.

I saw those last time.... Kids would enjoy?

Thanks!

 

[NC Belle]

I saw those last time.... Kids would enjoy?

Thanks!

The last time I was at Luray was when I was a kid. We almost stopped last fall, but we had our dog with us on our trip to PA.

http://www.luraycaverns.com/
(this site also has nearby sites like Monticello mentioned)

Discover Eastern America's largest and most popular caverns. A U.S. Natural Landmark noted for the profuse variety of formations and natural color. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high filled with towering stone columns and crystal-clear pools. Also, hear the haunting sounds of the world's only Stalacpipe Organ. In addition at Luray Caverns, experience the history of America in an exhibit featuring over 140 items relating to transportation including cars, carriages, coaches and costumes from 1725; along with a one acre ornamental garden creating one of the largest mazes in the Mid-Atlantic states.

Natural Bridge info (not sure its for young kids): http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/bridge.html

Shenandoah area site: http://www.shenandoahconnection.com/I81.htm

More Luray area info: http://www.visitshenandoah.org/directories/central-Luray.html

 

[RadioFanatic]

How far off 81 do you want to go? I would also recommend the Natural Bridge - and there is a zoo and a wax museum in the vicinity as well. Roanoke also is a nice stop off - great restaurants, hotels, neat transportation museum where you can climb all over trains, cute downtown, Mill Mountain which is the "Star City of the South" b/c there is a HUGE star on top of the mountain that lights up at night - and there is a zoo there too. VMI is also off another exit. Then in Pa you have Hershey and Gettysburg.

 

[Papa Deuce]

How far off 81 do you want to go? I would also recommend the Natural Bridge - and there is a zoo and a wax museum in the vicinity as well. Roanoke also is a nice stop off - great restaurants, hotels, neat transportation museum where you can climb all over trains, cute downtown, Mill Mountain which is the "Star City of the South" b/c there is a HUGE star on top of the mountain that lights up at night - and there is a zoo there too. VMI is also off another exit. Then in Pa you have Hershey and Gettysburg.

Maybe 25 miles if it is worth it....

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Watch your speed, 81 is full of cops.

 

[lsyorke]

I was just going to say that I didn't think I-85 even goes to PA.

And if you do get on I-85, be aware that it is excruciatingly boring, even more so than I-95.

OMG..Route 85 through Virginia is SOOOOO boring!!!!! I've made the trip to Atlanta twice in the last year...BORING!!!

 

[DISUNC]

Not that many exciting things off of 81, but a much nicer run than 95!

One thing I noticed is that 81 has wayyyyyyyy less reststops than 95!!!!

 

[Poohnatic]

There are quite a few natural sites. If you want to detour at Front Royal, head onto I66 for a few exits, then take a trip down Skyline Drive. You can travel abou thirty miles down it (hour's drive) to Thornton Gap and head back over to I81 through Luray. Otherwise, you can continue for another 45 miles to I64 near Harrisonburg. My family loves it. We'd eat at Skyland's lodge, and we've stayed there a couple of times.

In New Market, there's a nice restaurant-Johnny Appleseeds. Best darn apple fritters you can get, with good home cooking.

Natural Bridge is quite pretty.

Guess my mindset is to expose the kids to all the nature. My dad did a lot of this with my sister and I when we were small and we loved it. I'm a cave junkie because of all the visits to various famous caves/caverns.

Suzanne