Meeting up mid-way between Blackburg, VA and DC
December 18, 2021 11:40 AM Subscribe
Four of us, two coming from Bethesda, Maryland and two coming from Blacksburg, Virginia, would like to meet up somewhere mid-way between these two points between Christmas and New Year's Day. A gentle hike (perhaps in Shenandoah National Park somewhere?) and lunch is the preferred option, but we are open to other possibilities. Have any recommendations?
Additional considerations: We'd like to meet as close as possible to mid-way, so no one is over-burdened by a longer than necessary drive. The hike ought to be low intensity and not too long (no more than 2 hours I'd say). We'd prefer somewhere not too hard to reach if it's snowy, and near a good lunch spot, preferably. One of us is a vegetarian. Naturally, a scenic walk with some features of interest is best. COVID precautions are on on our mind, too. (We're all boosted, but long periods indoors with others who are not might not be great.) I realize it will be likely cold and would appreciate alternative suggestions in case the weather seems too harsh. We've thought of Monticello and Luray Caverns, too. Or is there anywhere in Charlottesville, Va. you'd recommend, perhaps? Would appreciate any suggestions!
Additional considerations: We'd like to meet as close as possible to mid-way, so no one is over-burdened by a longer than necessary drive. The hike ought to be low intensity and not too long (no more than 2 hours I'd say). We'd prefer somewhere not too hard to reach if it's snowy, and near a good lunch spot, preferably. One of us is a vegetarian. Naturally, a scenic walk with some features of interest is best. COVID precautions are on on our mind, too. (We're all boosted, but long periods indoors with others who are not might not be great.) I realize it will be likely cold and would appreciate alternative suggestions in case the weather seems too harsh. We've thought of Monticello and Luray Caverns, too. Or is there anywhere in Charlottesville, Va. you'd recommend, perhaps? Would appreciate any suggestions!
Yes, Charlottesville! Get yourself sandwiches at Bellair Market (yes, it's a gas station, and yes, you need to go there) then picnic/hike along the Ragged Mountain Reservoir a few miles away. (Note: this is not Old Rag Mountain which is in Shenandoah and is not gentle).
If you want something with a bit more effort, head west on 64 to the Blue Ridge Parkway and tackle Humpback Rocks. Be sure to stop at Blue Mountain Brewery on the way back for brews and views.
And definitely make a pit stop at any of the Bodo's locations for bagels before heading home!
posted by basalganglia at 12:14 PM on December 18, 2021 [4 favorites]
If you want something with a bit more effort, head west on 64 to the Blue Ridge Parkway and tackle Humpback Rocks. Be sure to stop at Blue Mountain Brewery on the way back for brews and views.
And definitely make a pit stop at any of the Bodo's locations for bagels before heading home!
posted by basalganglia at 12:14 PM on December 18, 2021 [4 favorites]
Luray Caverns is an excellent choice if you've not been before, especially if the weather ends up not being great for a hike outside. The tourable part of the caverns have been modified with walkways and electric lighting, but there's still a lot of stunning sights in there. Natural Bridge is also a good scenic spot outdoors to consider; I think there's some hiking nearby as well.
posted by biogeo at 12:35 PM on December 18, 2021
posted by biogeo at 12:35 PM on December 18, 2021
cville +1. there's a million hikes off blue ridge parkway, and good views on a clear day.
i highly recommend: on a beautiful summer's day, be 20, get in your bestie's beater dart. drive a big piece of the parkway. stop, look, listen, eat, drink.
posted by j_curiouser at 12:55 PM on December 18, 2021
i highly recommend: on a beautiful summer's day, be 20, get in your bestie's beater dart. drive a big piece of the parkway. stop, look, listen, eat, drink.
posted by j_curiouser at 12:55 PM on December 18, 2021
Charlottesville is great. But if you fancy a "charming small yet progressive town" experience rather than a city experience, there's always Staunton.
Staunton is a small blue dot in a sea of red; it has a small university and is home to the American Shakespeare Centre, who are currently doing A Christmas Carol in their pretty Jacobean-replica theatre. It's got a main street and a few side streets with delicious food and little shops, including some intriguing antique places.
It's 20 minutes' drive from Charlottesville if you'd like to do it as a day trip; also near Luray Caverns and the Skyline Drive.
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:33 PM on December 18, 2021 [6 favorites]
Staunton is a small blue dot in a sea of red; it has a small university and is home to the American Shakespeare Centre, who are currently doing A Christmas Carol in their pretty Jacobean-replica theatre. It's got a main street and a few side streets with delicious food and little shops, including some intriguing antique places.
It's 20 minutes' drive from Charlottesville if you'd like to do it as a day trip; also near Luray Caverns and the Skyline Drive.
posted by Pallas Athena at 1:33 PM on December 18, 2021 [6 favorites]
How about going to the Frontier Culture Museum and lunching in Staunton? Bethesda people will have to drive a little longer, and there is an admission charge for the museum, but it's an easy walk around outdoors and Staunton is a cute and cozy town with plenty of restaurants.
posted by hiker U. at 11:22 AM on December 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by hiker U. at 11:22 AM on December 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
Yes to Cville; even more yes to Staunton. I also like Lynchburg & Waynesboro, although they’d probably be more for a future trip. The Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge are full of delightful small towns!
posted by smorgasbord at 6:51 PM on December 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by smorgasbord at 6:51 PM on December 19, 2021 [1 favorite]
Staunton is a great mid-point between the two and right off of the interstate. To get to Charlottesville from the DC area involves some highway driving, if that's a factor. Either would be fine for what you're describing. I like Staunton a little better; it has more of a college town feel compared to the small city vibe of Charlottesville. I've not been to either for over a decade so I can't give any specific recommendations as far as restaurants.
There's also Harrisburg, which I liked less than the other two. Lynchburg has its charms but is definitely not equal distant.
As far as Covid precautions, I am personally going with the theory that omnicron will be exploding during that time period and will be avoiding things like indoor dining (including highly sealed outdoor dining).
If money and time allows, what I'd do is see if one of the parties (or even the whole group) is interested in doing an overnight stay in an AirBnB (I did a search for near Charlottesville and there's a lovely looking one for a total of $163 at the moment for a single night that's near the national park, has a hot tub, tiki bar, pool table, etc.) which would give you a safe home base to eat takeout in and do stuff like talk and play board games if the weather turns out to be nasty. Or if money isn't a big limiting factor, no one needs to stay overnight.
If that's not an option, I would look for a restaurant near Mary Baldwin University in Staunton that's going to be light on customers with winter break and go in a slightly off time to minimize exposure. Or if the weather's nice, do a picnic/grilling meal in a park.
[Staunton's] 20 minutes' drive from Charlottesville if you'd like to do it as a day trip
Much more like 45 minutes and involves driving over a mountain.
on a beautiful summer's day, be 20, get in your bestie's beater dart. drive a big piece of the parkway. stop, look, listen, eat, drink.
We used to drive this blue ridge laughing...
posted by Candleman at 3:37 AM on December 20, 2021
There's also Harrisburg, which I liked less than the other two. Lynchburg has its charms but is definitely not equal distant.
As far as Covid precautions, I am personally going with the theory that omnicron will be exploding during that time period and will be avoiding things like indoor dining (including highly sealed outdoor dining).
If money and time allows, what I'd do is see if one of the parties (or even the whole group) is interested in doing an overnight stay in an AirBnB (I did a search for near Charlottesville and there's a lovely looking one for a total of $163 at the moment for a single night that's near the national park, has a hot tub, tiki bar, pool table, etc.) which would give you a safe home base to eat takeout in and do stuff like talk and play board games if the weather turns out to be nasty. Or if money isn't a big limiting factor, no one needs to stay overnight.
If that's not an option, I would look for a restaurant near Mary Baldwin University in Staunton that's going to be light on customers with winter break and go in a slightly off time to minimize exposure. Or if the weather's nice, do a picnic/grilling meal in a park.
[Staunton's] 20 minutes' drive from Charlottesville if you'd like to do it as a day trip
Much more like 45 minutes and involves driving over a mountain.
on a beautiful summer's day, be 20, get in your bestie's beater dart. drive a big piece of the parkway. stop, look, listen, eat, drink.
We used to drive this blue ridge laughing...
posted by Candleman at 3:37 AM on December 20, 2021
When I was in Staunton two years ago, the best restaurant in town was Zynadoa on the main street. There was a really good ice cream parlor a little further on towards the church, on the same side of the road. Also noteworthy was Reunion Bakery on one of the side streets. I hope they've all survived.
posted by Pallas Athena at 11:13 AM on December 26, 2021
posted by Pallas Athena at 11:13 AM on December 26, 2021
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posted by jameaterblues at 12:12 PM on December 18, 2021 [2 favorites]