[jct911s]

As I watch the snow fall outside my office this chill January day, I'm thinking about the coming Spring when my '76 Targa will have it's new 3.2L engine. Where to take that first long ride? If you have the occasion to visit Williamsburg/Jamestown, this is a old favorite route I've taken many times and it's well worth it.

Take Route 5 East from I295 heading towards Williamsburg. This a designated Scenic Highway, and if you catch it on a weekday or early on a weekend morning, you'll agree with the designation. After about 20 miles of sweeping curves and baby-hiney grade pavement, exit right on Rt. 106 toward Hopewell. Cross the Benjamin Harrison bridge, then left on Rt. 10. This road is a gem, not heavily travelled, but similar to Rt. 5 with smooth pavement, sweeping turns, little traffic, and a few picturesque small towns. One of which is Surrey, which has a great diner (Surrey House) if you need a break (the peanut soup rules). Out of Surrey, head for the ferry and cross the James River. The ride is free, and a great diversion. Once on the other side, take the first exit for the Colonial Parkway. The speed limit here is low and strictly enforced, but the scenery is high. You can visit Williamsburg, Jamestown, etc., or pull off at one of the many stops with access to the River.

For the return trip head back up on Route 5 to Richmond. About 15 miles out you'll pass the Indian Fields Tavern, which is an old farmhouse converted to be a very nice restaurant. Sit outside on the screened in porch for best effect. Continue on Rt. 5 all the way to I295 and mainstream boredom.

Ah, springtime. May it not be late.

[Charlie Stylianos]

Ahhh...just the image I needed on a cold winter morning STUCK in the house.

I've never been out to those parts, sounds like a nice day excursion.....

[targa911man]

An alternative route for Yankee (north of Richmond) NoVa guys is to take the 2nd 17 exit, past F'burg, off 95 towards and through Tappahannock, hooking up with the Parkway at Yorktown. I take that route before taking the left at Tappahannock to cross the bridge to the Northern Neck, and if 95 traffic is bad I take it and pick up 64 at Yorktown when going to Va Bch or Chesapeake. Virtually no traffic except going through Tappahannock. Very relaxing drive.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by jct911s

Take Route 5 East from I295 heading towards Williamsburg. This a designated Scenic Highway, and if you catch it on a weekday or early on a weekend morning, you'll agree with the designation. After about 20 miles of sweeping curves and baby-hiney grade pavement, exit right on Rt. 106 toward Hopewell. Cross the Benjamin Harrison bridge, then left on Rt. 10. This road is a gem, not heavily travelled, but similar to Rt. 5 with smooth pavement, sweeping turns, little traffic, and a few picturesque small towns. One of which is Surrey, which has a great diner (Surrey House) if you need a break (the peanut soup rules). Out of Surrey, head for the ferry and cross the James River. The ride is free, and a great diversion. Once on the other side, take the first exit for the Colonial Parkway. The speed limit here is low and strictly enforced, but the scenery is high. You can visit Williamsburg, Jamestown, etc., or pull off at one of the many stops with access to the River.


Ah, springtime. May it not be late.

This sounds like the drive I would have made if I bought the car I looked at in Williamsburg. I was so looking forward to that drive. The car had several problems, so I'm glad didn't get it. Spring can't come to soon!!!! Torture is buying a Targa in the winter.

[targa911man]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

Spring can't come to soon!!!! Torture is buying a Targa in the winter.

Doesn't have to be. Drove mine to work today in the snow. Worked on my powerslide technique around the corners.

[KeithLambert7]

Originally Posted by targa911man

Doesn't have to be. Drove mine to work today in the snow. Worked on my powerslide technique around the corners.

Drove from Leesburg to Reston today - only took three hours!!!

Keith