I thought I'd post this for anyone who doesn't like to drive
interstates. With the exception of I-81 from the Poconos (avoidable)
and an unavoidable twenty-minute segue onto I-95 in Virginia, this
route completely avoids ALL 90 mph maniacs, much diesel smog, and the
possibility of being trapped until the Second Coming after one of the
maniacs smashes an innocent and stops traffic.
1) If you are in Northeastern or Central Pennsylvania, use *either*
I-81 or Route 15 south to the Maryland border. If you choose to go
the I-81 route, I suggest bypassing the Harrisburg/81/83 mess by
remaining on 81 until you see signs for Route 34 in Carlisle. Route
34 becomes Route 94 halfway to Route 15. Don't worry, it's easy.
Extremely scenic, stunning countryside. Depending on whether you get
behind a hay truck :) or travel in inclement weather, this 34/94 jump
to Route 15 will take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. NOTE! Do
not use this two-laner in winter or even heavy rain. Many hills and
tricky curves.
2) In Maryland, remain on Route 15. There is an EXCELLENT rest area
in Emmitsburg, just over the border from Gettysburg. The place is
possibly one of the most beautiful scenic areas along 15. You'll pass
through Frederick, Maryland, and then cross the border into Virginia.
3) The major town along 15 that you'll pass through is Leesburg.
Route 15 is also called the James Monroe Highway. You'll stay on 15,
which finally (as far as this sample trip is concerned) becomes Route
29, until you are in the environs of Warrenton. In a little town
called Opal, Route 15/29 merges with Route 17. You will see a Sheetz
plaza at this junction and turn left onto South 17. This will lead,
in about a half hour-to-forty-five minutes, to the junction of 17 and
I-95. You have to merge onto 95 because it is technically 17, but
you'll only be on the interstate for about twenty minutes and exit
around Spotsylvania.
4) Route 17 South is also called the Historyland Highway. It is
remote and in the autumn will offer some of the most devastating
foliage you'll want to see.
5) VERY IMPORTANT (WHICH IS WHY I'M USING CAPS)!!! After you leave
the very attractive business district upon your exit from I-95, you
will be in remote remote territory. If you are traveling with
children or the elderly, or if you have health problems, you should be
aware that Route 17 will not offer many amenities for at least an
hour, until you pass through at least three counties. IT IS
APPROXIMATELY THREE HOURS FROM the "Spotsylvania"/Route 17 exit to
Newport News/Yorktown.
6) Tappahannock is the first developed area you'll reach. Gas is
cheaper here than at the privately owned stations north or south in
the boonies. Route 17 eventually is called the Tidewater Trail and/or
the George Washington Memorial Highway.
7) Once you pass through Yorktown, depending on where in the Virginia
Southland area you want to go, you'll look for one of two tunnels. If
you're heading for Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or Portsmouth, you'll want
to follow Route 64 (which will become 60 across the river). If you're
heading further inland, you'll want 664.
I hope this helps. I posted because I searched for months before I
"perfected" this very long, extremely tortuous, but Interstate-Free
route. Any suggestions or corrections welcome.
3) Stay on 15 south into Virginia. Towns
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