Highway 40 traverses Virginia from the original colonies in the east, through the fertile fields of the Tidewater region, into the rolling hills and countryside of the Piedmont Region and finally reaching the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. You will pass through numerous small towns in rural Virginia. Scenic and historic points of interest such as Smith Mountain Lake and the Booker T. Washington Memorial make for interesting stops. Leave Richmond on Route 5E to Route 156S across the James River. Take Route 10 E to Route 40W.

You will pass through Surrey and Sussex Counties which were established in the 1650's. This area is also known as "The Peanut Capital of the World" and "The Ham Capital of the World" (Smithfield Hams). Highway 40 ends near "Meadows of Dan", a popular camping recreation area. This is approximately 6 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lodging can be found in nearby areas.

Day 2 - 275 miles Mountaintop Experience

The Blue Ridge Parkway North (45mph is strictly enforced) and The Skyline Drive (35 mph is strictly enforced), America's second most visited motorcycle byway. The Parkways stretch a total 575 miles and connect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Enter onto the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 170 at Rocky Knob Visitor's Center. At the parkway entrance, stop by the Visitor's Center and pick up a Blue Ridge Parkway and National Park Visitor's Guide.

Go North for 170 miles to the entrance of the Shenandoah National Park. Continue on Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles to Front Royal. Attractions are too numerous to mention. You may want to stop and see either the Luray or Endless Caverns.

Alternative Routes for faster travel North: In Floyd take 221N to Roanoke. US 11N and/or I81 through the Shenandoah Valley. 340N from Waynesboro.

Day 3 - 160 miles Winery Stops

Virginia is one of the top five new wine travel destinations in the world, according to the July issue of Travel & Leisure magazine. Virginia was the only American region to be featured in the Wine-Lover's Guide. From Front Royal follow Route 522S to Culpepper for a rewarding lunch experience. There are winery stops at Flint Hill and Sperryville. These include Rappahannock, Farfalu, and Oasis Wineries. From Culpepper, take Route 15S to Orange. At Orange, pick up 20S to Charlottesville. Point of interest would be the James Madison Montpelier Mansion.