Road Trip Virginia in the Fall

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year and I can’t help but eat up the bold golds, reds and oranges that dot the landscape around DC. But even for this city gal, I need a break from the traffic downtown and around the beltway. One of my favorite ways to escape is grabbing my girlfriends and taking a road trip!

If you want to keep thing on the cheap, pack a picnic lunch and have each girl bring a dish. Spice up the occasion by having themed dishes or keep it classy with a baguette and some cheese. Preparing a mix is a must for any road trip. Designate someone to make a playlist that will have you rockin’ out on the highway. Remember: Because thought and time goes into creating the perfect mix, the DJ gets to sit shotgun.

Now that you have the basics nailed, it’s time to choose a destination. If you want Georgetown flair outside DC, I recommend visiting Middleburg, VA off I-66. This cute town has been around since 1787 and lies in the heart of Virginia’s hunt country. Known for great dining, boutiques, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and a love for anything equestrian, Middleburg is a great place to spend a day walking around.

For the nature lover, I recommend traveling further West on 1-66 to Skyline Drive. People travel from all over to see Virginia’s famed fall foliage. Drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains and stop at scenic overlooks. The sight is breathtaking.

Travel south on I-81 to reach the history lover’s destination (about three hours from DC). Lexington, VA is a picture-perfect civil war town full of antique shops and local historic areas of interest. Stop at the coffee shop in the main part of town and shuffle through the fallen leaves to the Virginia Military Institute. Here, you can take free tours and even see Stonewall Jackson’s preserved horse in the campus museum.

I’ve done all three trips before and they’re perfect for this time of year. Plus they only take a few hours so your entire weekend isn’t tied up. Check out http://www.virginia.org/ for more ideas. Safe travels!