Mid-Atlantic Road Trips

American history buffs will appreciate this route that begins and ends in the nation’s capital and includes two nearby Virginia locations—Leesburg and Mount Vernon—that played prominent roles in the early days of a new nation. A scenic bonus is the rolling northern Virginia countryside, at its best in spring and again during fall foliage season in October.

While you may have seen Civil War documentaries and read the history books, nothing can quite compare to standing on a grassy battlefield where Union and Confederate soldiers once clashed. Visit the sites of some of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War—including Gettysburg and Antietam—on this loop through the mid-Atlantic states.

After passing Allamuchy Mountain State Park, I-80 continues toward the taller peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. The Delaware River borders the western portion of the route, providing attractive views of the water. A hike up Mount Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap affords breathtaking vistas; bald eagles and raptors may be seen in summer and fall, respectively.

Along the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, SR 52/SR 100, you’ll go from busy downtown Wilmington to quiet small towns, and past the Brandywine Creek State Park on SR 100. Get a glimpse of extravagant country mansions and gardens built by wealthy Americans in the early 20th century. Scenic in every season, some of the roadway is tree-lined and has stone fences running along the side.

Take in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside on this quiet drive through the Delaware farmlands. You will see a number of chicken coops among the fields of soybean, wheat and tall cornstalks. Delaware Farmlands Scenic Drive (SR 16/SR 36) takes you past crops, farmhouses, red barns and silver grain silos as well as a few small creeks, churches and stands of trees.

Mountains rise in the background as you drive down US 58, and inside Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, the namesake Mount Rogers ascends to the highest point in Virginia at 5,729 feet. At the right time of year, wildflowers line this lovely drive under a canopy of trees.

Staunton, early home to Woodrow Wilson, has outstanding examples of 19th-century architecture. As you travel east along I-64 with spectacular mountain vistas, you’ll encounter entrances to the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. The byway ends in Charlottesville, home to the stately University of Virginia founded by Thomas Jefferson.

Get a feel for the wonderful culture that fills Baltimore, stop to take photos with statues that commemorate its history, and admire the beautiful architecture that lines historic Charles Street.

Dubbed “The Road that Built the Nation,” the Historic National Road took decades to build. Begun in 1811, the road saw horse-powered Conestoga wagons, stagecoaches and carriages, replaced later by trains, hauling migrating pioneer families westward. Inns, general stores and taverns provided necessities for the intrepid travelers; many remain for you to discover.