[email protected]

In a message dated 8/24/2004 10:29:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:

I've got a guidebook for National Civil War Parks, and we are looking at
sites in Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania -- all the
major battle sites, plus Appomatox Courthouse and Washington DC. We'll also
be travelling the Natchez Trace from southern Mississippi to southern
Tennessee and taking a look at some non-Civil War sites there, as well.<<<<<

I'm only a few weeks behind. Still catching up. Sorry!

>>>>Question first: Have you been to any CW sites that were particularly
riveting that we just shouldn't miss?<<<<<


Gettysburg is a DON'T MISS, of course. Very touristy, but informative. Be
sure to get one of the guides that will drive your car through the battlefields
and explain what happened when, why, and how. Really great. The Lincoln
Diner's a great place to eat. Downtown.

We were fascinated with the battle of Petersburg near Richmond. It's hard to
believe what actually happened there with the miners and all. Really great,
and you can look into the pit and see how big it was.


>>>>Third: Any great places to eat or stay? We're looking at a tight
budget, but can splurge once in awhile.<<<

Elissa's nearby! <g> But the KAO campgrounds are pretty good around there.
Cabin's are cheap. I mentioned the Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg. Boys loved
that.

>>>>>Fourth: Good scenic routes? In particular, can anyone tell me if
Interstate 81 through western Virginia is good? I'd love to be able to get off
the interstates altogether and take back roads, but we just won't have the
time. The map looks like 81 goes right through the long middle of the W.
Virginia mountains on the west and the Blue Ridge on the East. Is it nice there,
or have they managed to make that interstate as boring as so many others? We
will, however, be able to take back roads for select periods. Any
favorites?<<<<

I like I-81, but the Blue Ridge Parkway is runs righ along-side it a good
ways. There's a B&B we stay at a lot in Floyd County (Ambrosia Inn---Caroline
& Craig are the innkeepers); we're regulars! <g> Google them, you won't be
disappointed. They have a 9-10 year old son, Ian, who is darling. We've
discussed unschooling at length: they're *almost* ready to take the plunge. <G>

On I-81 there are also the caves to explore----a sign almost every mile or
so. The closer you get to PA (through West Virginia and Maryland), there's
something to see or do.

Good luck! And have a great time!

~Kelly





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