Traveling to Pennsylvania

 “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” – Robert Frost  

If you know me, you know that I do not like interstates. I only travel by interstate under duress. I prefer the longer routes, those that go through towns, wind alongside rivers, or just meander across countrysides. In my route from Greensboro to Chambersburg, PA, I was able to follow such a route. This trip was composed of several non-interstate roads. For part of the time, I even drove along Highway 11. I always get a kick out of being on a road that I know is also in Mississippi. As ridiculous as that sounds, it makes me feel connected to my roots somehow. It took me two hours longer to make the trip, but I enjoyed getting a glimpse of several interesting small towns in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Some of these you may end up reading about in the future because I might go back for an actual visit.

This time my road choice paid off with a little surprise roadside adventure. Outside Front Royal, Virginia (which was a quaint little town) I happened upon a spot on Highway 340. It was called Skyline Caverns. I pulled in to investigate. They offer cavern tours, a mirror maze, and a small train ride. There is also a store onsite and a nature trail. I love a good cavern tour but didn't really want to take the time. I did however choose to take the train ride.

The ride costs $6 and makes three loops around an area about the size of a football field. The loop goes through the woods and even through a short tunnel. For your average adult, it wouldn't be such a big deal. For your average child aged 1-7, it would be a fun break from riding in the car on a long road trip. For your average roadside attraction-loving nerd, it was the high spot of my day! 

Overall, I recommend this roadside attraction. Click here to find out more: Skyline Caverns  

I arrived in Chamersburg and checked into my hotel just as a big rainstorm was moving in. That being the case, I can't share much about the town. I rushed to unpack my car and then searched online for a place to eat. I chose Bistro 71 which was about a 5 minute drive from my hotel. I made it inside just as the rain began to pour. 

The restaurant was small and "casual fine-dining" meaning that attire is casual but the food is upscale and kind of expensive. What I got was totally worth it. I ordered the Grilled Bistro Parm Salad with a grilled shrimp addition. The cost was $20. It was delicious, and I was totally full after I finished. You can't ask for much more, especially with current price increases. The restaurant was quiet, with some background music playing. The server was attentive but not overly so. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I've never seen Romaine lettuce served just this way, but it really worked. I'm going to try doing this at home. 

After this lovely dinner, I ran for my car and drove through sheets of rain back to my hotel. The hotel itself was just a place to lay my head for the night, nothing to even write about. It was safe, clean, and affordable which are the top three criteria on my list. Now I'm looking forward to Sunday's exciting adventure...