Skyline Drive to Monticello - help needed!

Hi from England

We are planning a road trip from Washington down to Florida later this year and would like to drive both the Skyline Drive and then the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, we would love to visit Monticello and need help to know exactly where and how to get off the Skyline Drive and onto I-64 east, also how long would it take us to get from the Drive to Monticello?

We are two seniors who have absolutely no knowledge of this part of the States whatsoever, so any help, tips or suggestions would be much appreciated. Presumably we would need to stay in the area overnight too before resuming our drive if we want to spend, say, 3 hours at Monticello? In fact, how long would it take us to drive from Front Royal down to where we want to join I-64? As you can tell, we really do need your help!

Thanks.

Skyline Drive to Monticello - help needed!

When you begin at Front Royal, milepost 0 of Skyline Drive, you will travel 105 miles to the end at Waynesboro and I64. The speed limit is 35 mph on SD and you will surely stop at the Visitors Center(s) and at some of the scenic overlooks. The trip will likely take about 4 hours or so. From there you can take I64E to Charlottesville. Another option you may consider (if you have had a good enough look at Shenandoah National Park) is to exit SD at milepost 65, at Route 33E then take Route 29S into Charlottesville, which takes only about 30-40 minutes. Many lodging choices in the Route 29 area in Charlottesville, check TA hotel reviews for some that meet your needs. When you are ready to resume your travels, take I64W to Waynesboro and catch the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway (mostly 45 mph). This is a beautiful area, enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Check out www.nps.gov/shen and www.nps.gov/blri for maps and other information. If you are interested in hiking, post again and you will get some good suggestions from people that have hiked in the area.

Happy trails

Skyline Drive to Monticello - help needed!

You seem to be interested in some history as well as the beautiful scenery so let me throw out info on a little city called Bedford Va. That%26#39;s where the National D-Day Memorial is. (It%26#39;s there because the city of Bedford lost the most young men in D-Day per capita than any other city in the US)

I have a link below to the city of Bedford with other things to do so let me just tell you that in order to get off the Parkway for the D-Day Memorial you%26#39;d get off at Milepost 86.

Just there is a wonderful lodge if you want to spend another night. Glorious views, a ranger%26#39;s station and visitor info nearby. You can take a bus up to Sharp Top Mountain. The area is called Peaks of Otter. Love the rustic lodge style over looking a lake. Here%26#39;s there site: http://www.peaksofotter.com/

Let me also link you to a map of that area...and you can then utilize the map north and south for your travels: http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/map2.htm

You might like to continue the Jefferson theme. When we go to his Poplar Forest we feel like a fly on the wall in the midst of all the work going on, which is exciting. Coming off the Parkway and continuing on east past Bedford is an area called Forest, Va, named for Thomas Jefferson%26#39;s getaway from all his guests at Monticello, Poplar Forest. I haven%26#39;t seen it very recently but they have been doing so much wonderful stuff in the line of archeology and determining which plantings were on the estate and fixing up the structure. I%26#39;m not sure if they have furniture in yet but there have been tours going on for years and even unfurnished it%26#39;s fascinating, all the care Jefferson took in design and all the care modern day people are taking in recapturing that.

Also, here is a list of things going on along the Parkway that might provide pleasant stops for you, a chance to stretch your legs, see the local flora and fauna, etc., such as guided nature walks, the Carter Family Fold wonderful regular performances (have you heard of the Carter Family, great American country music family and June Carter who married Johnny Cash?), wine festivals...even a few wine trails along your way..., fruit festivals, music festivals, etc.

www.blueridgeparkway.org/Calendar_VA.htm

Here is the link to Bedford, Va. with its own links to the D-Day Memorial, Jefferson%26#39;s Poplar Forest, Wine Trails, etc.:http://www.visitbedford.com/

Let me see if I can get that last link to turn colors for you...much easier:)

http://www.visitbedford.com/

Thank you so much, some very helpful and interesting ideas there to digest. We%26#39;ll be busy doing the homework this evening!