Once winter ends, spring brings a breath of fresh air and rebirth. While there are numerous ways to spend this time, the best way is to take some spring drives around the Chesapeake, Virginia area. With beautiful scenery and several great stops along the way, a fun weekend jaunt is only a short drive away. Here are just some of the best ways to view the scenic portions of Chesapeake and the surrounding area while enjoying some excellent company behind the wheel.
1. Colonial Parkway
Stretching from the York River to the James River, the 23-mile long Colonial Parkway, also known as Virginia State Route 90003, is one of the most picturesque and historic drives in the state. It winds its way through the Colonial National Historic Park, offering glimpses of the pristine wildlife and foliage of the area. During spring, it’s easy to see the wildlife and fresh greenery of the local ecosystem. The speed limit is only 45 mph, allowing for a less hectic trip and more time to take in the scenery. The road ends in either Yorktown or Jamestown, which are perfect places to see some historical sites from America’s past.
2. Virginia State Route 5
Running between Williamsburg and Richmond, Virginia State Route 5 is another spring driving gem. Most of the road runs adjacent to the James River, offering breathtaking views. This road is also just one of four Virginia Scenic Byways, and it’s often regarded as the most amazing of the bunch. Along the way, you can stop off at one of the historic plantations that offer some insight into the history of the area, as well as examples of interesting Virginia architecture from 150 years ago. At the end of the drive, you’ll arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Richmond, where you can dine, visit a museum, or attend a Richmond Flying Squirrels baseball game.
3. U.S. Route 13
Running from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to the southern suburbs of Philadelphia, U.S. Route 13 is one of the most interesting roads on the East Coast, going from rural areas to one of the biggest cities in the country. However, its stretch from Virginia Beach to Virginia’s Eastern Shore is perhaps the best portion of the highway. The most amazing section of the drive is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, which stretches 23 miles across the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. During spring, you can see for miles in every direction, providing panoramic views of the ocean. Once you arrive on the eastern shore, you can enjoy several of Virginia’s quaint, small, yet fun towns.
4. Virginia State Route 10
Like Virginia State Route 5, State Route 10 runs along the James River, but on the south side rather than the north. The two routes are markedly similar, offering views of the countryside and river, as well as running past several historic plantations. If you take Route 5 up to Virginia, take Route 10 back to get the full experience.
No matter where you decide to drive this spring, you’re guaranteed to have a great time on these amazing Chesapeake area roadways.
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Image via Flickr by Mobilus In Mobili
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