Even in a gas-sipping hybrid, the road trip is as fun as it ever was.
And now that the leaves are changing, it’s time to look at some of the best day trips in Central Virginia.
1) For the ultimate in relaxation, take your day trip mid-week, rather than on a weekend, when so many other leaf-peepers are on the road. Brainstorm destination ideas, going to www.virginia.org to get started. If you’re planning to go as far as the Shenandoah Valley, call the Leaf Hotline at 800-434-LEAF (5323).
2) Remember that peak foliage doesn’t hit all over the commonwealth on Oct. 15 and then in a whoosh, it’s gone. The higher elevations in the far southwestern part of the state began their peak at the end of September, but the unfurling of color slowly rolls eastward, where the crimson and gold often hold nicely until nearly Thanksgiving. Rain and wind, of course, make a big difference in terms of how long the leaves remain.
3) With so many foot-friendly Virginia towns and cities, you can drive, park and walk to destinations within an hour’s drive, such as the old-town areas of Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Williamsburg and Yorktown – and, for longer day trips, Alexandria and Staunton. Historic areas take on a whole new look as they radiate in autumn sunshine and leaves. Don’t overlook parking the car at one of many nearby state parks or at a national park site and taking a day’s hike. Check out these other ideas for fall-foliage day trips:
• Fall foliage and Colonial Virginia heritage are packaged together fewer than 20 miles south of Richmond at Henricus.
• Just across the James River from Henricus, in Hopewell (City Point), walk the beach or the bluffs on a quiet morning at the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers.
• If bluffs appeal, drive 1.5 hours northeast of Richmond to Westmoreland County and hike the paths at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument or at nearby Stratford Hall, both located on the southern Potomac shore.
• Combine leaf-peeping with wildlife observation: for driving-route loops to more than 250 statewide locations on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail.
• Some of the most scenic fall foliage is en route to vineyards.
• Drive to the Great Dismal Swamp, park your car and enjoy hiking the park’s Canal Trail.
• The plantations south of the James River along scenic Route 5 are as interesting as those north of the river, just more off-the-beaten-path in Surry/Isle of Wight County. Check out Chippokes Plantation State Park for starters, and enjoy lunch at Surrey House Restaurant or at one of several good spots in the town of Smithfield.
• Stressed out and want more than a day trip during foliage season? Consider Healing Waters Lodge in Bath County, owned and operated by Richmond doctor (and author) Vernon Sylvest and his wife, Anne; with nine rooms, the staff tailors programs for couples or groups.
Martha Steger is a Richmond-based travel writer.
We’d like to thank Martha Steger for including our The Surrey House Restaurant in her article. We look forward to serving you all while you’re enjoying the beautiful country side.