Our 3 Favorite Scenic Drive Destinations Near Sterling, VA

October 27, 2023 · 3 min read

It's no secret that Virginia boasts some incredible vistas from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the shores of the Atlantic. Before planning your next scenic drive near Sterling, VA, get inspired with our list of the state's three most beautiful byways.

Great Falls Drive

You can begin close to home on this picturesque route, just 20 minutes from Sterling in Great Falls. Great Falls is Virginia's very first National Scenic Byway, providing access to local landmarks like Great Falls Park and Riverbend Park. This route also offers breathtaking Potomac River views.

Eventually, you'll arrive at Colvin Run Mill at 10017 Colvin Run Rd. We like to pick up flour and cornmeal for baking at this operational gristmill that dates to the 19th century. Great Falls Drive takes an hour to complete, but you can easily make it a weekend getaway if you stop and explore the state's natural beauty along the way. Start the tour at Great Falls Library, located at 9830 Georgetown Pike.

Route of the Presidents

History buffs will appreciate this storied drive, which spans 25 miles of VA-20 from Charlottesville to Montpelier. James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson used the same route, then a dirt wagon trail, to visit James and Dolley Madison by horse and buggy. As you drive through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll see the rolling green hills of the local farms and vineyards.

The road has been paved since 1921, making it the first paved pathway in Albemarle County. You can get on the Route of the Presidents about 2 hours from Sterling in Charlottesville where VA-20 becomes Monticello Ave at the Moore's Creek Crossing.

Colonial Parkway

We have a drive along this coastal route planned for the fall so we can catch the gorgeous autumn foliage. Registered as a National Scenic Byway, the Colonial Parkway covers 23 miles from the York River in Yorktown to the James River in Jamestown, connecting with historic Williamsburg along the way. You can spend more time exploring any of these three locales if you're interested in the region's early settlers and the Revolutionary War era.

The trip only takes about an hour, and a stop along the shore for local seafood is a must. You might even be able to sneak in some beach time. This route is notable for its distinctive tunnels and bridges, constructed from red brick. To access the Colonial Parkway, take I-64 toward Yorktown and exit at 242B. It's about a three-hour trip from Sterling.

You'll never want to stop cruising the state's 3,600 miles of scenic byways in a fun-to-drive Chevrolet Trax. Stop by Ted Britt Chevrolet to test drive this versatile, feature-packed crossover.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

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Sep 09, 2023 in Outdoor activities near Sterling

3 Weekend Getaways Near Sterling, VA

Pack your bags and head down the road from Sterling, VA, in a Chevy Malibu, Trailblazer, or Traverse on unforgettable weekend getaways. Discover Virginia's natural beauty, discover rare wonders underground and relax and unwind at a secluded inn on a beautiful peninsula. 1. Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Caverns Follow the road to Front Royal, roughly an hour from Sterling, book in at one of the town's many hotels, and enjoy a few days exploring the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park and the magnificent Skyline Caverns. more Shenandoah National Park Head to the North Entrance of the vast 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park at 21073 Skyline Drive in Front Royal to discover the natural beauty of the Appalachians and the Shenandoah Valley. Explore the deep canyons and woodlands on foot or in the saddle, discover cascading waterfalls, and enjoy far-flung views over the valley from the overlooks. Hook native brook trout in the mountain streams, catch glimpses of wildlife, and take the Chevy down Skyline Drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Caverns Skyline Caverns at 10344 Stonewall Jackson Highway is one of only a few places worldwide with rare anthodite formations. These spectacular needle-like crystals spread throughout the caverns, and among them, the Chandelier stands out as the largest and oldest on record, measuring an impressive 18 inches. Follow the guide through the awe-inspiring Cathedral Hall, Capital Dome, and Painted Desert to view the unique crystals and admire the beauty of the underground waterfall, Fairyland Lake, and the Rainbow Trail. 2. The Tides Inn Pamper yourself to a peaceful escape at the lovely Tides Inn at 480 King Carter Drive in Irvington, just over three hours away. The secluded and elegant inn is perched on a tiny peninsula in Carters Creek that slowly winds its way toward the Chesapeake Bay. The inn offers delightful culinary choices, from delectable gourmet dishes at the Chesapeake Restaurant and Terrace to delicious blue crab, rockfish, and oysters at the casual Fish Hawk Oyster Bar and contemporary cuisine at the Chef's Kitchen. Enjoy a weekend of playing tennis, going on boat cruises, taking dips in the pool, and relaxing on the terrace overlooking the beautiful lush green gardens and the creek. 3. Smith Mountain Lake State Park Spend a relaxing weekend on the wooded shores of the scenic 1,248-acre Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia's second-largest lake in Smith Mountain Lake State Park at 1235 State Park Road in Huddleston, roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Sterling. Pitch your tent in the shade of the trees in the beautiful campground, or get comfy in one of the lodges or cabins on the water's edge. Bask in the sun on the beach, swim in the crystal clear water, and fish for bass and catfish from the pier. Rent watercraft from the marina to spend time on the water and explore the hardwood forests and secluded coves on thirteen miles of multipurpose trails. Get in a Chevy and discover a world of wonders down the road. Before you go, contact Ted Britt Chevrolet today for a vehicle checkup and ensure your Chevy is in tip-top shape for a weekend adventure. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com

Feb 18, 2022 in Day trips near Sterling

Take a Day Trip to Pohick Bay Regional Park and Enjoy these Activities

Pohick Bay Regional Park offers you 1,000-acres of the most epic outdoor adventures. Paddle on the bay, saddle up and ride on miles of equestrian trails, splash around at the waterpark, and swing your iron on one of Virginia's most picturesque 18-hole golf courses. And that's not all! The park has miles of hiking trails, disc, and mini-golf courses and is an excellent spot to hook an array of fish species. Take a day trip from Sterling to enjoy some of these Pohik Bay activities! 1. Boating Explore Pohick Bay boating and paddling. The park rents out a fleet of pedal boats, single and double kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. You can launch your boat from the shore or dock. The park has a boat launch for any kind of boat, including powered boats. more 2. Fishing The bay and Potomac River provide excellent fishing throughout the year. Anglers regularly reel in largemouth and striped bass, bluegill, perch, carp, crappie, and catfish. If you bring your fishing tackle along in the spring, perch is plentiful. You will catch striped bass in the spring, but it's in the fall when they really bite. You can cast your line from the shore, docks, or enjoy a day of fishing from a boat in the bay. 3. Hiking Trails A network of 8.5-miles of scenic trails meander through the woods and provide panoramic vistas of the bay. You will also find 15 bluebird boxes on the trails throughout the park. 4. Equestrian Trails Get in the saddle and ride down the 3.3-mile equestrian trails. The trails provide beautiful scenery along the paths that cut through the woods and wind down to the shoreline. 5. Occoquan Water Trail Glide along a 40-mile water trail on two tributary waterways of the Chesapeake Bay and discover the ever-changing shoreline. The park offers unforgettable paddle tours on Pohick Bay, where you will spot bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys along the way. 6. Pirate's Cove Waterpark Splash and slide at the largest pirate-themed waterpark in the region. The park has a massive Pirate-themed play structure complete with a 300-gallon dumping bucket, thrilling waterslides, and water-spraying palm trees. There is a spacious pool to cool down in and a tot pool with a clamshell slide for the little ones. Soak up the sun at Buccaneer Beach and watch the kids dig for buried treasure or relax on the spacious deck. When your tummy starts to rumble, Captain's Galley has all the best treats. 7. Pohick Bay Golf Course Swing your club on the scenic 18-hole golf course. The 18 holes run 6400 yards from the back tees, with bent grass from tee to green, a 132 slope rating, and several water hazards. Practice putting and driving at the practice facility with a driving range and sand traps, and practice putting and chipping greens. The golf course has a well-stocked pro shop and a snack bar that offers mouthwatering grills, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages. 8. Disc and Miniature Golf Play a challenging game of disc golf on the 18-hole course that winds through the woods. You can also put your way through the fun-filled pirate-themed Treasure Island Mini Golf miniature golf course. With such an array of thrilling outdoor adventures, the fun is endless. Contact Ted Britt Chevrolet today for exceptional customer care and outstanding automobile services.

A plate of ribs and coleslaw at a BBQ restaurant. - Ted Britt Chevrolet Sterling, VA

Sep 21, 2024 in Best food in Sterling

4 Best BBQ Places Near Sterling, VA

When you're in the mood for BBQ, you'll find some amazing local spots in the Sterling area. Start your search with this list of our four go-to picks for everything from juicy ribs to sweet cornbread. more 4 Best BBQ Places Near Sterling, VA 1. The Pit Stop The Pit Stop in Sterling served smoked meats by the pound including ribs, rib tips, pork, chicken, and brisket. You can also get any of those options on a sandwich. Fried fish, fried wings, side dishes, and desserts are also sold at this local mainstay. The Pit Stop is located at 46230 Cranston St. It's open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or until everything sells out. If you're interested in takeout, you can call ahead to preorder your favorites. 2. Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue Hop in your Chevy and take the 5-minute drive to Ashburn to dine at Carolina Brothers. This casual restaurant offers Eastern Carolina-style barbecue with covered patio seating. Carolina Brothers is a family business that's been in the area for more than a decade. Choose between ribs, pork, beef, chicken, or brisket, then decide if you want a sandwich or the classic platter with two sides. Party packs and catering are also available. Carolina Brothers is located at 20702 Ashburn Rd. It's open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 8 p.m on Friday and Saturday. 3. Mookie's This barbecue spot is a popular choice less than 10 miles from Sterling in Great Falls. Mookie's serves both sandwiches and platters with a variety of signature sauces. You'll find smoked sausage, smoked turkey, burnt ends, pulled chicken, and much more. Don't miss the sampler, which lets you try several menu items at an affordable price. Mookie's is located at 1141 Walker Rd. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m .to 8 p.m. 4. Odd Barbecue Also about 10 miles from Sterling, Odd Barbecue is located in nearby Chantilly. The menu features barbecue sandwiches with smoked pork belly, beef chuck, chopped pork, and other meats. You can order chili bowls, rice bowls, platters, sides, and snacks. This is also one of the few barbecue restaurants with plant-based sausage on the menu. Odd Barbecue is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m, Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m., and Sunday until 7 p.m. It's located at 4520 Daly Dr. Plan a party or invite friends to watch the game and order their meats by weight for an easy, delicious meal. After you feast on the best Virginia barbecue, look for your next new Chevy. Contact Ted Britt Chevrolet in Sterling, VA today to test drive any of our new or pre-owned models.