Can you help me with Philly skyline?

Planning help~ Skyline Drive then to Shenandoah Caverns?

• My girlfriend is coming to visit me here in northern Virginia! I live in Fairfax county near Tysons Corner. She will only be here for about 3-4 days. I plan on taking her to visit the museums and memorial buildings in DC. Then, i plan on taking a taking a day and ride on the skyline drive in Shenandoah national park. From my research, i think the closest entrance from my location(zip:22182) is to enter the skyline drive from the Front Royal Entrance, please correct me if wrong. Then after the ride on skyline drive, I plan on going to the Shenandoah Caverns with her, which is in Quicksburg,VA. I guess my major concern is, at what point on the skyline dr, is the closest to the Shenandoah Caverns? I guess the better way to put it is, at what location on the skyline drive should i start heading towards the Shenandoah caverns? My plans are not final, so any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance ; )

• Answer:

  Sounds like a great getaway! You'll love "Driving the Sky", everything is in full bloom on the Shenandoah National Park. Enter the Parkway at the Front Royal exit. Head south and be sure to take time to stop along the shoulders, take pictures, look at the story boards. Rt 211 in Luray will take you directly westward toward Shenandoah Caverns (Luray Caverns is there along with nice little places to eat like the Artisan's Grill). But we are glad you want to visit Shenandoah Caverns! www.shenandoahcaverns.com When you reach the end of Rt 211, turn right on Rt. 11, and just about 2.5 miles or so, take a left over the Shenandoah River (or go a tiny bit further to go over the famous covered bridge at Meems Bottom, stop at Rt. 11 Potato Chip Factory and the Caverns, American Cerebration on Parade and The Yellow Barn are a minute nearby! If you had more time, I think the real highlight of Skyline drive is actually further than Thornton Gap at 211, heading further South, the Big Meadows and Skyland are a must see. You could double back or keep going to the Swift Run Exit near Elkton, take 340 north back to Rt. 211 and its only and extra hour. for a total of 3 scenic driving hours. Check it on Google maps, or http://www.visitshenandoah.com/vacation-attractions/skyline-drive.aspx