Traveling NJ to VA (Roanoke, Bristol: 2013, transfer, theater)

[dmchap]

We're planning to drive from NJ to VA next week to check out Abingdon for possible relocation. Concerned about whether rest stops and fast food are operational along our route (mainly 81). Has anyone had issues finding food/open restrooms running this route since Covid closures?

Thank you.

[luo2013]

My husband lived in Abingdon for a year! Nice area.

To answer your question, most of Virginia is in Phase 2. Northern Virginia is now in phase 1, starting phase 2 this Friday. Essentially phase 2 means restaurants can now open for indoor dining 50% capacity.

We drove down 81 right before Memorial Day (when still phase 1 - outdoor seating only) and we were able to go inside fast food to order and use the bathroom. Rest stops were open too. At least in VA, you should be fine! Safe travels!

[dmchap]

Originally Posted by luo2013

My husband lived in Abingdon for a year! Nice area.

To answer your question, most of Virginia is in Phase 2. Northern Virginia is now in phase 1, starting phase 2 this Friday. Essentially phase 2 means restaurants can now open for indoor dining 50% capacity.

We drove down 81 right before Memorial Day (when still phase 1 - outdoor seating only) and we were able to go inside fast food to order and use the bathroom. Rest stops were open too. At least in VA, you should be fine! Safe travels!

Thank you, I appreciate the info. If you don't mind, what did your hubs like (and not like) about Abingdon? We are almost retirement age but will be working for a few more years, son (32) will also be relocating with us from the South Jersey area. Hoping to leave the hustle and bustle (and the traffic!) behind and enjoy life more.

[luo2013]

Originally Posted by dmchap

Thank you, I appreciate the info. If you don't mind, what did your hubs like (and not like) about Abingdon? We are almost retirement age but will be working for a few more years, son (32) will also be relocating with us from the South Jersey area. Hoping to leave the hustle and bustle (and the traffic!) behind and enjoy life more.

He was there for a temporary job. I think he liked it as people were friendly, and he’s originally from Georgia so he liked being back in the south (he was in the DC area prior). I was living in Roanoke at the time and he moved there a few months after we started dating. It was a nice area, small and easy to get around. We saw a play at the Barter Theater once, which was fun! Walked part of the Creeper Trail one time. Shopping and more restaurants are only a few exits away toward Bristol.

For someone in his mid 30s, it wasn’t ideal when the job ended as there aren’t a ton of opportunities job-wise, at least for his skills and interests. So I’m not sure if your son is looking for a job there? But for retirement, it’s definitely a nice place for it. I wish I could give more insight but since my husband wasn’t there long, and his job required a lot of travel through SWVA (so he didn’t get to do much in town), not sure we are the best to provide a good review... plus this was 4-5 years ago.

I hope you have a good visit and get a sense if it’ll be the right fit for you and your family! Oh, I didn’t get to go, but my husband said the food at the Martha Washington Inn was great! We also liked the Peppermill! (Not sure if these places are open now, or takeout only, but certainly go by if you can). Anthony’s Desserts was also great for after a meal.

[dmchap]

Originally Posted by luo2013

He was there for a temporary job. I think he liked it as people were friendly, and he’s originally from Georgia so he liked being back in the south (he was in the DC area prior). I was living in Roanoke at the time and he moved there a few months after we started dating. It was a nice area, small and easy to get around. We saw a play at the Barter Theater once, which was fun! Walked part of the Creeper Trail one time. Shopping and more restaurants are only a few exits away toward Bristol.

For someone in his mid 30s, it wasn’t ideal when the job ended as there aren’t a ton of opportunities job-wise, at least for his skills and interests. So I’m not sure if your son is looking for a job there? But for retirement, it’s definitely a nice place for it. I wish I could give more insight but since my husband wasn’t there long, and his job required a lot of travel through SWVA (so he didn’t get to do much in town), not sure we are the best to provide a good review... plus this was 4-5 years ago.

I hope you have a good visit and get a sense if it’ll be the right fit for you and your family! Oh, I didn’t get to go, but my husband said the food at the Martha Washington Inn was great! We also liked the Peppermill! (Not sure if these places are open now, or takeout only, but certainly go by if you can). Anthony’s Desserts was also great for after a meal.

Thank you again, this is all great info. We're hoping my son is able to transfer with his job as the company he currently works for covers this area. The hubs and I plan to get quiet, stress-free jobs.