Spring Semester in VA!

[Boondocker]

I have accepted a position for the spring semester at James Madison University in Va. The nature of my schedule is such that long weekends are possible. Since I have the opportunity, exploring this area seems to be the thing to do. So hook me up with the cool camping and historical places to visit. Extra points to anyone who can identify cool boondocking spots!

[golfgal]

Hi, Rodney! I am a JMU grad and we still love to go down to the Shenandoah Valley. Our favorite campground in that neck of the woods is Endless Caverns RV Resort in New Market, VA, which is about 20 minutes north of Harrisonburg on I-81. If you travel about 20 minutes south of Harrisonburg on I-81 to Staunton, you can visit the Woodrow Wilson birthplace in downtown Staunton. Don't miss lunch at the Depot Grille, also in the downtown area. BTW, when the weather gets a little warmer, be sure to go to Kline's Dairy Bar in Harrisonburg! Another fun place to go is the Route 11 Potato Chip factory just north of Harrisonburg along I-81 at the exit for Shenandoah Caverns. There are also several caverns you can visit in the area - Endless Caverns (which is right at the RV resort), Shenandoah Caverns, and Luray Caverns. Make sure you take a drive along Skyline Drive NP and also the Blue Ridge Parkway, which begins atop Afton Mountain at the end of Skyline Drive. Check out Charlottesville, VA, as well! Happy exploring!

Ann Sue

[eubank]

All I can say is ... WOW!

Lynn

[pmclemore]

Glad to hear the news about you and James Madison. It's a good school and you'll enjoy Harrisonburg.

As for boondocking, the best I can do is say that there are several campgrounds in the Thos Jefferson and George Washington National Forests that, while they are not exactly boondocking, are close to it.

I'll check my "cheap or free" book. Congrats and welcome to the neighborhood (broadly construed, of course).

Pat

[Boondocker]

Starting the list of places to see:

1) Washington, I guess this will be several trips (suggest locations?). I think it is a couple hours from JMU, so I guess I might be better off driving in to see it.

2) Tom and Georges houses: camping nearby?

3) Shenandoah NP

4) Appomattox

5) the national forests west of the valley

Other ideas anyone?

[jm2]

Rodney,

it's not likely you'll find a place for the 'stream inside Washington, DC, but you will find all manner of things to do and photograph, there!

if you're looking for AS company in & around the District in early April, check out the the WDCU "Cherry Blossom Rally". iirc, there were logistic problems in 2010, but might materialize anew in 2011.

then there's all the places mentioned by Ann Sue, and much more, all over the place, including the Atlantic Ocean.

also, if you get down to Roanoke, you might also check this fellow out - Silver Tears Campers we met him in NYC last year, and has some interesting Airstream experience.

best,

[Foiled Again]

Richmond - Avenue of the Confederacy

Appomattox Courthouse - where the Civil War ended

Virginia Highland Haven - Airstream Park

Wineries around the Blue Ridge - many

Williamsburg - the whole historic district - a 2 day project at a minimum

Virginia Beach - I'll take you out for a great seafood dinner!

Winchester Virginia - Patsy Kline memorial

Route 17 east of Winchester - The Plains... a Nice state park, very elegant rich horse country, lots of byways and back roads.

Lots of beautiful country in the Piedmont and in the mountains of Virginia
I'll add to the list

Paula

Say, this sounds like a great excuse for a RALLY

[golfgal]

Yes, Paula, a rally sounds like a great idea!!

[jm2]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Say, this sounds like a great excuse for a RALLY

one of the many views in James River State Park, Gladstone, VA. we were camped there for a family wedding this past August.

i do think that Paula will provide your best trove of info.

do be sure to have your brakes and controller in good tune when you start hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway!

best,

.

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

Say, this sounds like a great excuse for a RALLY

You need an excuse to hold a rally? About all I need is a date and location.....