Time to spend in Lorton, what to do.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by lqda4

Autotrain starts in Lorton and only go south to Orlando (outside Orlando to be exact). Was told the reason it cannot go further north of DC (hence a lot of folks from PA/NY/NJ come down here and ride the train) is because all overpass/bridges north of here are too low for the double-deck car carriages.

It's a very pleasant ride with great service (much better than what you get from the airliners). Cabins and bathrooms are clean. The only drawback is the time it might take to retrieve your car at destination (randomly I believe, no particular order what car will be unloaded first).

I only used the Autotrain the one time. It goes to Sanford, FL and then, I believe, it's another 1-2 hours to Orlando.

While you don't have to drive and you can sit and relax, it just took longer. I drove to Orlando from here in 13 hours, versus the 15-16 hours on the Autotrain (more if they have problems).

Additionally, for my family of 4, it used to be cheaper to get a good airline rate (not so easy these days) and car rental. The Autotrain wasn't cheap. But it definitely has its upside, especially if you hate driving.

[Canadian GP]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

When I took the Autotrain, you boarded your car a few hours before the train departs. I'm thinking the OP has to board his car at NLT 2PM. Prior to that, they have possession of the car.

Exactly.

[Canadian GP]

Thanks for all the great ideas.

[CapnTrips]

If you're up for a walk in the woods, there's a series of parks on the north shore of the Occoquan River, visible on any area map, stretching for about 19 miles between I66 and I95, with various points of entry and well-marked trails. A scenic walk along the Occoquan River. There's also a place where you can rent a boat.

[JeannieL]

Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope Leighey House is just a few miles from there. It's small, nice tour. Dinner in Occoquan.

Occoquan Regional Park is pretty. Used to be Lorton Prison Property (as was seemingly all the land in Lorton), and has the old brick kiln, as well as the Suffragist's Memorial.

Have a great visit!

[Stagemomma]

LOL...I lived in the area when Lorton was just a penitentiary, so when I read "Time to spend in Lorton, what to do" I was thinking more like---carve a shiv from a toothbrush kinda stuff.

[PK12]

Lolll

Rent another car and drive out to Old Town Alexandria or DC.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by PK12

Lolll

Rent another car and drive out to Old Town Alexandria or DC.

Yeah, the OP would definitely have the time to see Old Town and, if they plan carefully, may be able to cross the Washington Monument etc. off their DC bucket list.

[slowlane3]

Some links:

Home | Workhouse Arts Center

National Museum of the Marine Corps

http://www.mountvernon.org

http://www.simon.com/mall/potomac-mills

http://www.woodlawn/pope-leighey.org

http://www.historic-occoquan.org

[Canadian GP]

Originally Posted by slowlane3

Some links:

National Museum of the Marine Corps

Doing this one for sure, thanks.