[rjn5656]

I will driving from Upstate NY to Asheville this summer. Any interesting stops I should make on the way.

[Laker14]

Here in Upstate NY. Eastern, Western, Central?

[oldtimes]

We thought My Airy, NC was fun
Visit Mount Airy




| Mayberry, NC

[dtennent]

Skyline drive through Shenandoah National Park is very pretty. If you wish to hike any of the trails, you may need to get tickets. Far cry from 50 years ago, when I hiked the A Trail.

Gettysburg is interesting if you have never been there. Would recommend that you do some research to get the most of your visit. Also, the Eisenhower farm is nearby which might be of interest.

Finally, consider the civil war sites in Virginia.

Have fun!

[laboutj]

If you don't get claustrophobic the Luray Caverns are pretty cool. Natural Bridge is really nice too. Both in Virginia. Also recommend Blue Ridge Parkway if you have the time.

[Stu from NYC]

Highly recommend Gettysburg and Shenandoah national park

[villagetinker]

In agree, head a little west and go through Gettysburg, you will be able to completely avoid DC, and that portion of 95, which you can pick up again in VA, or take another route south based on others suggestions.

[rustyp]

Assuming you are taking / paralleling Rt 81 to Rt 26 - Here are a few more stops I found interesting in my many trips back and forth from northern NY to FL:

Jim Thorpe PA - voted one of the best small towns in America

Lititz PA - another great preserved small town in Amish country

Abingdon VA - well preserved beautiful historic town. A great live theatre in the center of town

Harpers Valley W VA - civil war buffs

Frederick MD - another quaint restored downtown city. All cuisines of dining in a concentrated area.

Homestead Resort Warm Springs VA - one of the most magnificent grand hotels in America

Mabry Mill Blue Ridge Parkway - probably the most famous stop on the parkway. Tip parkway is long and a slow drive but beautiful. If you do just the section around Mabry you will get a good feel for what the entire parkway is like.

Bristol - main street divides Tennessee and Virginia smack down the middle of the street. If a race fan visit the speedway. More like a sports stadium then a racetrack. Imagine what the sound level must be during a race.

[Andyb]

The Ark

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by laboutj

if you don't get claustrophobic the luray caverns are pretty cool. Natural bridge is really nice too. Both in virginia. Also recommend blue ridge parkway if you have the time.

also recommend the blue ridge parkway. Try the 1 mile high swinging bridge at grandfather mountain along the way. They filmed forest gump running the mountain trail here.
Happy trails

[rjn5656]

Albany

[me4vt]

(Beaufort, SC) awesome place to visit……..
Hit up all of the Breweries in Asheville over 20 micro breweries. Construction on 26 from west of Columbia through east Asheville sucks

[Lesdavenator]

where in ny are you starting from?

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by rjn5656

Albany

If your route takes you down I-81, Staunton (pronounced "Stanton") VA is an interesting little stop for one afternoon and evening.
I'd recommend the Stonewall Jackson Hotel right in town, some good restaurants nearby, and practically next door to the American Shakespear Center.

Google em and see if it interests you.

[mrlee]

If your trip is ending in Asheville, NC make sure you visit the Biltmore Estate. It will knock your socks off!