Itinerary For Motorcycle Riders
Experience why Virginia is for Motorcycle Lovers, on a Virginia Motorcycle Loop. Start in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. and cruise through breathtaking views of mountains, stunning countryside views, and make stops along the way to experience the history, local gems and famous cuisine.
Prince William County
Prince William County boasts nearly 40 miles of designated scenic byways, highlighting our region’s environmental and cultural significance. Travel VA Route 619 from Gainesville to Quantico for unforgettable attractions along a winding, wooded road. Stop in at Prince William Forest National Park – the largest green space in Northern Virginia and home to several rustic cabins once used during WWI as part of a spy training camp. Pay homage to those who served our county with a stop at the Quantico National Cemetery. Be sure to visit the National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of U.S. Marines. Get a glimpse into Virginia’s Civil War history at the Ben Lomond Historic Site, an antebellum farm that served as a hospital after the First Battle of Manassas.
Has all that cruising worked up an appetite? Well, you’re in luck because Prince William County offers a buffet of world cultures to explore in our local restaurants. Pull your bike up to enjoy familiar favorites like barbeque and local seafood, or take an adventure with cuisine from Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and more. Finish your day with a stop at one of the world-class breweries, award-winning wineries, or unique distilleries of Prince William’s Steins, Vines, and Moonshine trail for a delicious way to cap off a gorgeous ride.
Fredericksburg
Cruise south on one of many scenic routes; including Historic Route 1 or Route 17 to Fredericksburg, VA. Fredericksburg can be defined by one word: Authentic. From art galleries and historic sites to chef-owned restaurants and craft breweries and spirits, Fredericksburg is unforgettable. Begin your visit with a cruise or stroll down historic Caroline or Princess Anne Street and have lunch at one of Downtown Fredericksburg’s many independently owned restaurants and cafes. Following lunch explore the 40-block historic district with brick lined sidewalks, boutiques, specialty and antique shops and art galleries.
Get to know the boyhood home of George Washington by paying a visit to the Mary Washington House. George Washington purchased this home for his mother, Mary Ball Washington, and she spent her last seventeen years in this comfortable residence. Learn how the then President-to-be came to this home to receive his mother’s blessing before attending his inauguration in 1789. Also learn about the lives of the enslaved workers who lived on this property and how their work supported Mary Washington’s daily activities and lifestyle. Next, pay a visit to the Rising Sun Tavern. Built by George Washington’s youngest brother Charles around 1760 as his home, this frame building became a tavern in 1792 when it was purchased by the Wallace family. While it is no longer an operating Tavern, historical interpreters in period attire guide guests through the Tavern experience as if one were an 18th century traveler. Finally, discover the beauty of Historic Kenmore, home of George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis, and her husband, Fielding Lewis. This beautiful Georgian style brick mansion contains some of the finest decorative plasterwork in the country and reflects the pre-Revolutionary War wealth and gentry status of Fielding and Betty Lewis.
Next, walk the new Civil Rights Trail to learn the stories of Fredericksburg’s African American community in their own words. Begin with the story of John Washington’s escape to freedom by crossing the Rappahannock River to Union lines during the Civil War. Visit Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site) to see the stained glass window commemorating Dr. Urbane Bass, Fredericksburg’s first Black physician since Reconstruction. Dr. Bass was tragically killed in WWI, but was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his service. Visit the Freedom Riders Marker and learn how Fredericksburg was the first stop on this historic challenge to the segregation of interstate travel. Ride past the Dorothy Hart Community Center to learn about Walker-Grant High School Class of 1950. These students were denied access to the community center for their commencement ceremony due to the color of their skin. With help from Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) the graduates held their ceremony at the church, but not before protests in front of the community center with signs that read “This Entrance Closed to US.”
End your time Downtown, with a ride to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. This visitor center, located on Sunken Road, introduces the extensive action that took place in the area during the Civil War and tells the story of Richard Kirkland, the “Angel of Marye’s Heights.”
To conclude your day, hop back on your bike for a quick ride on Route 2 to A. Smith Bowman Distillery – Virginia’s oldest distillery. Located just 5 minutes from Downtown Fredericksburg, A. Smith Bowman is the winner of multiple awards for their spirits and visitors to the area can experience a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of hand crafted spirits. Tours explore distillation, barreling and bottling of high quality bourbon. Products are available for tasting and purchase.
Richmond
All roads lead to Richmond so why not take the scenic route? Travel south over rolling hills via route 1 to route 715. Enjoy a sunset dinner at The Boathouse in Rocketts Landing overlooking the James River in Richmond as you plan your fun for the next day.
Begin with a city tour from a selection of e-bikes, Segways, Trolley, RVA Tuk Tuk, or an engaging walking tour. Want more speed? Then check out the Slingshot Car rentals with RVA Hot Wheels and explore our historic neighborhoods. Lunch today in the eclectic shopping district of Carytown. With more than 30 restaurants and shops galore, you will want to save room for dessert because there are more than five desserteries.
Spend the afternoon hours with a visit to one of Richmond’s many museums such as the American Civil War Museum, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and even the Poe Museum. Relax with before dinner with a craft brew Triple Crossings in Fulton overlooking downtown Richmond. Tonight you choose from one of the local favorite dinner hot spots and end with a nightcap at the Quirk Hotel rooftop bar.
Norfolk
Norfolk, Virginia is an easy 1.5 ride from Richmond, Virginia. On the way to Norfolk, cruise through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and take in the breathtaking water views of the Chesapeake Bay and the World’s Largest Naval Base, Naval Station Norfolk. Forget a few things or need a gift for someone back home that can fit on a bike? The perfect spot before you ride into downtown is the Norfolk Premium Outlets, with over 50 retailers, you are sure to find the perfect gift!
Arrive in Downtown Norfolk, park the bike and walk to shopping, cuisine and attractions all along the waterfront. First stop is lunch at The Waterside District; from seafood to BBQ there is something for everyone in the group with dining right on the water. A few blocks away from The Waterside District is the World’s largest and last Battleship, the Battleship Wisconsin. The Battleship is open for tours year around and connected is Nauticus, a maritime center and museum. On the second level of Nauticus you will find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, inside you will find the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.
End the evening with a sunset cruise aboard the American Rover Sailing Cruise. Sail on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and the Port of Virginia, featuring live entertainment. Afterwards, stroll down Granby Street known as “Restaurant Row”, with over 50 restaurants to choose from within less than 5 city blocks. At the end of Granby Street you will find the NEON Art District where you can take in a comedy show at Push Comedy Club.
Lynchburg
Welcome to LYH, a quintessential Virginia city with a leafy veneer, a powerful industrial heart and a history that dates from John Lynch’s first ferry crossing of the James River in 1757. In our culturally-rich neighborhoods and picturesque, strollable city, you’ll discover a destination with a vital sense of its past and a growing contemporary energy. Take the time to explore our 40 miles of urban trails and riverfront downtown, as well as galleries and places of historical importance. In the Hill City, you’ll also want to take in views of the James River, wander through historic neighborhoods, taste our local flavor, and much more.
After your ride down the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway from Staunton, stop at the National D-Day Memorial on Route 460 in Bedford, VA. The Memorial honors the Allied forces who participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 during World War II. This Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day participants. Afterwards, head to Downtown Lynchburg to the Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House and explore the rich history of Central Virginia. Visit the Lynchburg Community Market, the third oldest continuously running farmers market in the country. Close out the evening with dinner along the Bluffwalk and a show at the Historic Academy Theatre.
Staunton
Staunton is the perfect base from which to explore Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city’s charming downtown is home to a vibrant arts and music scene, a sizzling reputation for local food and dining, and a cool array of independent shops and galleries clustered along the historic Main Street.
Motorcycle enthusiasts, this is your time! There are endless roads, overlooks, cities, and towns waiting to be explored in the Shenandoah Valley. Situated at the intersection of interstates 81 and 64, Staunton always offers easy access. Travelers visiting from Northern Virginia and all points north can travel through the Valley looking up at the Blue Ridge Mountains or along the ridge itself. Enjoy a leisurely ride along the Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park for some of the most stunning views on the East Coast. Exit at Rockfish Gap to descend into Staunton. Pick up Route 250 to wind your way through Waynesboro and Fishersville before reaching the Queen City. If you want a route that allows you to admire the mountains from below and explore the unique history and culture of the Shenandoah Valley, try Route 11, originally part of a colonial trail that parallels 1-81. This road stretches from New York to Louisiana! Once in Staunton, enjoy a fun-filled night of theater at the American Shakespeare Center, step back in time at the Frontier Culture Museum, or explore the legacy of Woodrow Wilson at his presidential library and museum.