Quick mini-vaca in VA?

So I'm heading to VIR in a couple days for a single day and a two day event (Thursday with Trackdaze and Sat-Sun with MazdaDrivers) and I was wondering what I should do in the interim (Friday)? My original plan was hit Tail of the Dragon again and swing by Addco so they could see the Jag and I could thank them for what they did but I didn't realize how far away VIR was from TOTD.

Some things I like to do are scenery cruises, hiking (low level impact stuff, knee injury is still acting up) and BREWERIES! I'm currently working on a side project where I hit one micro-brewery in every state. I try to hit some of the less well-known ones when I am able to stop by. My only requirements are they allow tours (guided only) and they are a fun brewery (which ones aren't, right?).

So given these requirements, what are your recommendations?

Oh, my site: http://web.me.com/chknhwk/Site/50_Beers....html Let me know if that works...

damn, you're going to miss the Grand Course ?

Isn't Minivaca a lake between Bolivia and Peru?

I can't stand the grand course so no, I'm not going to miss it.

Most any drive you do in that part of the world will be at least moderately scenic on secondary highways. You might check out the Winston-Salem/ Mt. Airy area for more scenery. Not aware of any breweries around there (but there may well be some) but they're lots of wineries around Mt. Airy. There's a very large tank museum just up the road from VIR at Danville.

chknhwk wrote: I can't stand the grand course so no, I'm not going to miss it.

I've never run it before... looks like it could be fun if you don't have some one in front that holds you up.. looks sorta like a twisty mt rd

There are a couple of breweries up near Charlottesville. You could also hit Natural Bridge (just off 81, mid-state). A pretty cool natural feature, an ok car museum (and hedge maze), and it's not too far from Skyline Drive.

You could also hit up the Blue Ridge Parkway. It runs pretty much up the whole state, so it will be closer. There's a ton of scenic views, and hikes...

WB, its ok as far as tracks go. I think running the patriot course disrupts the rhythm of the rest of the circuit. Plus at over for miles a lap you don't get a whole lot if passes unless you're running hour long sessions. LOL

ddavidjs, thanks for the recommendations, I'll check them out.

Knurled wrote: Isn't Minivaca a lake between Bolivia and Peru?

No, it is a little cow, to which he'd like to GO (va).

I just spent a week camping on Assateague Island - it is technically MD but you can thow a rock into VA from the southern tip.

Skyline Drive. Appalachian Trail. Lots of good day hikes up and down the trail that aren't too strenuous, i.e. Blackrock, not too far from Charlottesville. Natural Bridge is pretty cool. Luray Caverns if you're into holes in the ground. While you're in Charlottesville, you can check out Jefferson's digs at Monticello.

Oh, and for something a bit closer, Kerr/Buggs Island Lake has some pretty cool state parks/hikes/boating opportunities, but not much in the way of civilization

http://www.kerrlake.info/

chknhwk wrote: So I'm heading to VIR in a couple days for a single day and a two day event (Thursday with Trackdaze and Sat-Sun with MazdaDrivers) and I was wondering what I should do in the interim (Friday)? My original plan was hit Tail of the Dragon again and swing by Addco so they could see the Jag and I could thank them for what they did but I didn't realize how far away VIR was from TOTD. Some things I like to do are scenery cruises, hiking (low level impact stuff, knee injury is still acting up) and BREWERIES! I'm currently working on a side project where I hit one micro-brewery in every state. I try to hit some of the less well-known ones when I am able to stop by. My only requirements are they allow tours (guided only) and they are a fun brewery (which ones aren't, right?). So given these requirements, what are your recommendations? Oh, my site: http://web.me.com/chknhwk/Site/50_Beers....html Let me know if that works...

If you're going to visit the Addco facility, take some time to visit Linvillle Falls (the falling water variety) and Linville Gorge. They fit your description of scenic, low-impact destinations. Also, Grandfather Mountain isn't too far away, nor is Mt. Mitchell; both are very scenic options and there ways to enjoy them without putting much stress on your knee.

Awesome! Thank you for all the suggestions.

When I lived in Baltimore I used to go out to Summit Point a lot. Can't remember the route numbers, but it is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever enjoyed. Made the run a few times on a CB900. Wonderful.

While you're in the vicinity of VIR - Short Sugar's BBQ in Danville is a must. All you can eat ribs on Saturday night for about ten bucks. Los Tres Magueyes in the same block across the street is better than serviceable Mexican.

(Note: If having a couple cold ones w/ the BBQ is an imperative - get takeaway. Short Sugar's has no beer)

Then again - any restaurant in a major urban area that would be average - taken in the context of being in the relative boonies and with that kind of hungry that one only develops after a long day spent at a racetrack - can be the best place you ever ate.

I had a big plate of tacos al carbon and a couple big Dos Equis drafts at Los Treys after a day w/ NASA last year and it was scary good.

Another strong suggestion is Chimney Rock State Park, overlooking Lake Lure and the town that bears its' name.

Drive to the top and take the elevator to the spire. The view is awesome and the drop is precipitous - not recommended for those suffer with acrophobia. There are nice trails at the bottom of the spire; they lead to some impressive rock displays, although the best ones might put some strain on a recovering knee.

http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

chknhwk wrote: WB, its ok as far as tracks go. I think running the patriot course disrupts the rhythm of the rest of the circuit. Plus at over for miles a lap you don't get a whole lot if passes unless you're running hour long sessions. LOL

I've heard that from several others... but with my low powered car I'm hoping I don't get stuck behind to many... like I said .. from the utubes vids I've been watching it looks a lot like a drive on a great twisty mt rd (with out having to worry about any cars coming towards you)... figure this will be the only time I drive it so I'm going to take advantage of the op.

Well I'm here, haven't figured out what I'm going to do yet. LOL The only thing that pops into my brain is looking for a truck/trailer combo to buy while I'm down here. LOL

It's fun, don't get me wrong, it's just that I feel it breaks up the rhythm of the rest of the track and unless you're running a REALLY long session you only get a few laps.
One good thing is the fact it IS very difficult to stuck in a train due to the track length...