Best route from DC to Harrisonburg

[FARMDAWG]

Staying in DC and driving to game, anyone have tips for best route down to game. I'm assuming interstate but wondering if there is a better way or stops along the way that are not to miss?

 

[ChicagoDuke]

There's really only 1 way to JMU from the DC area: 66W to 81S.

Honestly, there's not a lot of must-see stops along that journey. If you're a Civil War buff its worth stopping at New Market, which is about 15 miles north of campus. The battlefield, memorial, cannons, etc. can all be seen from the highway. But I'd advise just getting to Harrisonburg early. If you have time I suggest taking a stroll around the Bluestone area of campus (where the Quad is), or going into downtown Harrisonburg for a bite to eat at Billy Jack's or Jack Brown's (universally regarded as the best food in town).

 

[FARMDAWG]

thanks for the info... How about the parking situation at the game? Is pay parking at stadium readily available?

 

[VAGriz]

I66 to I81 is the fastest. If you like a more rural route you can get off 66 at exit 11 and take 340 from Front Royal to Luray then 211 a bit east to the Blueridge Parkway south. That is a national park. You will get off the Blueridge Parkway at Elkton and take 33 to Harrisonburg. If you don't want to go across the Parkway you would take 211 west to New Market. At New Market take 11 or I81 into Harrisonburg. You could also get off I66 at Gainesville and head to Warrenton and catch 522 that will also take you to 211 across the mountain that the Blueridge Parkway is on. Hope that is not too confusing. If you pull up a map it should make sense though. Safe travels, we will see you at the game!

 

[MissoulaDuke]

Staying in DC and driving to game, anyone have tips for best route down to game. I'm assuming interstate but wondering if there is a better way or stops along the way that are not to miss?

If you have plenty of time and the weather is decent you could exit I-66 at Front Royal and take Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park to Elkton (a small town about 20 miles from Harrisonburg).

 

[MissoulaDuke]

If you take one the routes getting off I-66 at Front Royal you could stop in the town of Luray and visit Luray Caverns. Definitely worth a look. https://luraycaverns.com/

 

[VAGriz]

Staying in DC and driving to game, anyone have tips for best route down to game. I'm assuming interstate but wondering if there is a better way or stops along the way that are not to miss?

If you have plenty of time and the weather is decent you could exit I-66 at Front Royal and take Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park to Elkton (a small town about 20 miles from Harrisonburg).

Good suggestion! I forgot that you can get on the Parkway at Front Royal. From where we live near Broadway we usually just loop from Luray to Elkton. But it is a beautiful drive and depending on traffic and wrecks on 81, could possibly be faster. I despise driving 81, although it is almost a weekly occurrence for me.