The family and I have piled into our minivan and did the drive from Connecticut down to Atlanta a couple of times this year. Of the entire (and very long) drive the one state that continues to awe me in regards to its scenic beauty is Virginia - the drive is truly remarkable. However, I am not talking about I95…no, I hate that highway with a passion. I am talking about Interstate 81 and Interstate 77.
I81 is a great drive without the view, you can easily top 80 without a worry about State Troopers pulling you over. There are plenty exits with gas, food and lodging if you need it. But the true beauty lies in the hills, valleys and mountain ranges you drive through – my personal favorite is the Shanandoah Valley.
Once you drive through most of Virginia you connect with I77 which is very different drive then I81 but still amazing. I77 runs through what seems like endless farmland and rolling hills – cant imagine doing that drive in bad weather, but when the weather is nice it is a great drive. The highlight of I77, and the entire journey, is the run through the mountains near the North Carolina border and a Virginia town called “Fancy Gap“. This part of the drive is not for the faint of heart, as evident by the series of runaway truck ramps you see, but the view on a clear day is endless.
Not sure when we will be doing this drive again…but when we do I will be looking forward to it AND taking pictures this time.
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Been there and it is a great drive…if the weather is nice.