Included on most lists of the 10 greatest motorcycling highways in the US, the Blue Ridge Parkway has much to offer. It is a great road for riding just for an afternoon on a short section. For those wanting to travel the entire length from Waynesboro on the North end at I-64 (Waynesboro, VA) all the way to the Virginia/NC border in the south, the Blue Ridge Parkway represents a couple of days of leisurely travel down an uncrowded, two-lane, slow-paced highway. This National Park Service Parkway is maintained without toll from its north end at Waynesboro to its south end near Asheville, NC. Sweeping panoramas of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, to the west, and Piedmont region, to the east, await the tourer around every corner. With a maximum speed limit of 45 miles per hour, and the winding, twisting nature of the well maintained roadway, do not expect to make-up time on this parkway. Just relax and enjoy the beauty of our state.

Why not plan a trip to this region of the country in the Fall this year. Virginia's Fall colors are every bit as beautiful as those in the Northeast states, and our roads and motels are not nearly so crowded. While you're here, stop by our "Rally in the Valley" at Salem on October 10-13, 2002. It's the best kept "rally" secret. We'll show you a real good time.

For a very informative computer tour of the parkway, visit the National Park Service's Blue Ridge Parkway Virtual Visitors Center

Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive

To the north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, straddling the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lies the Shenandoah National Park, and the Skyline Drive. The beauty of the region continues from the Parkway into this jurisdiction which terminates on the north at Front Royal. VA. The quality of the road, and the speed and pace are maintained. The fall of the year is an especially beautiful time to travel this region. This park (and the Skyline Drive) are maintained by the National Park Service and require an admittance fee. For a very informative computer tour of the Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive, visit the National Park Service's Shenandoah National Park Visitors Center

The Civil War in Virginia

Many of the major battles of the Civil War occurred in Virignia. Much of this heritage has been preserved and is available to the tourist by way of National Military Parks, Museums, and Driving Tours. For an overview of the region's Civil War history, try the Guide to Virginia's Civil War Battlefields and Sites.

Northern Virginia - The Washington D.C. suburbs

Central Virginia and the 1864 Overland Campaign

Southside Virginia and Lee's Retreat Driving Tour

Tidewater Virginia and the Peninsula Campaign

The Shenandoah Valley and Mountains - The Valley Pike Tour

For the history buff, or just to get out in the beautiful Virginia countryside, these driving trails just can't be beat. For additional information, call Virginia Civil War Trails at 1-888-CIVIL WAR, or visit their WebSite.

Covered Bridge Tour

Did you know that Virginia has a significant number of Covered Bridges? Would you believe at least 8? And, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has a Virtual Covered Bridge Tour just waiting for you. Click on the link, and see pictures of the remaining covered bridges and learn a little about their history. Then, download a map so that you can go riding and see them for yourself. All complements of VDOT.

Poplar Forest  

Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's Bedford County plantation near Lynchburg, VA. Here, visitors see the private side of an American founder through the retreat that Jefferson designed and built for his retirement. The first octagonal house in America, the home allowed Jefferson to employ his mature skills as an architect. Once built, it gave him a quiet place to read, write, and think without the crowds of Monticello.

In 2001, visitors can:

• See the restoration of the wing of service rooms. The project began in late 2000 with the dismantling of post-Jefferson buildings on the original 1814 wing foundation. Over the next several years, craftsmen will use 35,000 bricks to re-construct the wing that once housed a cook's room, kitchen, smokehouse, and storage. Sometimes Jefferson's granddaughters Ellen and Cornelia accompanied Jefferson to his retreat. He wrote how the three of them would walk on the flat roof of the wing: "... (A)bout twilight of the evening, we sally out with the owls and bats and take our evening exercise on the terras."

• Please touch! From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Poplar Forest opens its hands-on history tent to the public daily from 11 - 2. Children and adults are encouraged to try their hand at many activities from Jefferson's era, including making mud bricks, building a barrel, writing with quill pens, and lying on a mattress that enslaved individuals would have used. Inside Jefferson's house, visitors are welcome to sit on the reproduction Windsor and siesta chairs.

• New brochure gives insight into the enslaved community at Poplar Forest as gleaned by archaeologists who have studied artifacts and written records.