Chicago to Virginia Beach

[kathyhere]

I was wondering if any body had ideas for my way back. I figure we would drive 7-10 hours before we stop overnight on our trip home from VA beach to Chi town. If any one had a good idea i'll take it. Until then I will I guess just hotel it via the interstate neon sign?

[kathyhere]

well we are back Foy the info for the drive was excellent! We hit no traffic for our stop in Frederick. Headed out via the route you offered and it was beautiful-smooth sailing Until 64 some issue (never found out what) but I hear its not typical we sat for 2 1/2 hours. The place and drive was awesome we are going to have to go back. Never made it to the USMC museum and my son was very unhappy about that. Next time I will book a hotel very close to the museum to stop overnight, that way the portion of our family interested in going can and the others can "play" at the hotel, then we can continue the ride on to VB. The jets that practice every day by VB is entertainment for us in itself. This weekend in Chicago is the air & water show we feel we've seen it already! There is just too many historical options in the area to address on our first time out. Now we have a clearer idea of whats involved we will be better able to make choices in planning. VB while very much changed since the 35 yrs I had been still very nice specially the north end, parking is so easy and cheap $5 for the entire day. Food/people just great. Our drive back we took the south route back (had to divert to pick up another puppy in St. Louis) and it was very pretty but would not choose it again alot harder drive with the mountains etc. Since that region is so rich in culture, sites and recreation the road trip for me begins once I reach Va.

[Foy]

Kathy,
Glad your trip was safe and enjoyable.
No telling what the issue on I-64 could have been, but it was in any event aggravated by the very high volume of weekend traffic between Richmond and Hampton. The North Carolina Outer Banks are accessed by millions of people (it seems) from DC, Philly, NJ, and other northern latitudes, each weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, where rental beach houses go Sat-Sat and Sun-Sun, making each weekend day a "changeover day". The result is traffic congestion all the way from Richmond to the Outer Banks each day each weekend from June-August.
Remember to check the date for the annual SEAL Reunion for your next trip. You won't be disappointed, as the rubber rafts, high speed boats, choppers, parachutists, jets, and heavy automatic weapons (firing blanks, of course) are in abundance for a solid hour or more.
I was actually there near Lynnhaven with my family during your week. It was hot, but nice. We had two weeks, and the temps never got out of the mid-80s the second week. Wonderful.
Foy