Driving Directions to Second Wind

This document describes the most common routes travelers take from the DC Area to the Outer Banks. If you come from North or East of Washington DC you can take either the US 301/17 route or the I95 route. Both routes take the same amount of time, but US 301/17 is a scenic route that runs through the country, and I95 is a heavily traveled (and often congested) route.

This link is to Google Maps and shows the location of Second Wind. Please note that Google has goofed on the location of Second Wind on Widgeon Drive (the house is much further West than Google believes), and also please note that Google's driving directions through Norfolk are very poor. It is highly recommended that once you reach Norfolk you follow our directions labeled "From Norfolk to US 158 / NC 168 Interchange via Local Roads".

The easiest route uses interstates and state roads. As a result it's easy but it also tends to become congested. In the summertime, guests have reported travel times as long as 10 hours via this route:

1. From Washington DC and points West to Newport News via I95 / I64
2. From Newport News to Norfolk
3. From Norfolk to US 158 / NC 168 Interchange via Chesapeak Expressway
4. From US 158 / NC 168 Interchange to Second Wind

The most scenic route uses mostly state roads. South of Norfolk this route takes you through some local roads, but during the entire trip there are lots of interesting historical sites, places for pit stops, and great scenery. This is the route we usually take:

1. From Washington DC and points East to Newport News via US 301 / US 17
2. From Newport News to Norfolk
3. From Norfolk to US 158 / NC 168 Interchange via Local Roads
4. From US 158 / NC 168 Interchange to Second Wind

From Washington DC and points North and East to Newport News via US 301 / US 17

1. Take the outer loop of the capital beltway (I495) past Andrews AFB to MD Route 5 Branch Avenue. Take MD Route 5 south towards Waldorf / LaPlata.
2. MD Route 5 will merge with US 301 after a few miles. Continue on US 301 through Waldorf and LaPlata.
3. Travel over the Harry T Nice Memorial Bridge into Virginia. This is a toll bridge that charges $2.50 for cars and has EZ Pass.
4. Continue on US 301 for approximately 15 miles until you reach Port Royal. A bridge marks the entry point to Port Royal.
5. Turn LEFT at the "Horne's Restaurant" in Port Royal onto US 17 heading EAST / SOUTH. Horne's Restaurant has a large yellow roof and is at the corner of the intersection of US 301 and US 17. While traveling on US 17 be very careful with your speed: we observe Virginia Troopers laying speed traps almost every time we take this route.
6. Continue on US 17 to Tappahannock. Tappahannock has several restaurants, fast food stops, and gasoline stations. When leaving Tapahanock bear LEFT to continue on US 17 towards Saluda and Newport News. A fork in US 17 encourages you to head SOUTH on 360 towards Fredericksburg, but you want to continue on US 17.
7. US 17 will take you through Gloucester, Yorktown, and Newport News. There are several historical sites in this area. Also note that this area (as well as Newport News below) have the cheapest gas you will find on the entire trip.
8. Continue on US 17 over the York River Bridge. There is no toll heading south.
9. Continue on US 17 through Newport News. US 17 will intersect with I64. Take I64 EAST towards Norfolk.
10. You are now in Newport News.

From Washington DC and points West to Newport News via I95 / I64

1. Take the outher loop of the capital beltway (I495) south to the I95 / I395 / I495 mixing bowl interchange.
2. Merge onto I95 SOUTH towards Richmond. Take this for approximately 90 miles.
3. Merge onto the Richmond Beltway (I295) heading EAST. There will be signs that indicate "To I64 and Virginia Beach". Follow this for approximately 15 miles
4. Merge onto I64 EAST towards Newport News.
5. You are now in Newport News

From Newport News to Norfolk

1. While on I64 ignore the signs to the Outer Banks via I664. This route will take you through the Great Dismal Swamp and increase your travel time by 1 hour. This is Virginia's attempt to screw travelers leaving their state.
2. Continue on I64 over the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. While driving over the bridge look to the right (West) and you'll see the Norfolk Naval Base. Several aircraft carriers are often docked at the base and sometimes you'll see helicopters training.
3. You are now in Norfolk

From Norfolk to US 158 / NC 168 Interchange via Local Roads

1. Continue on I64 EAST until the HOV lanes end. Approximately 1 mile after the HOV lanes end there will be an exit for Indian River Road (Virginia 407).
2. Regent University (The Christian Broadcasting Network) will be on your right with a large sign that says "The Founders Inn". Drive past the Founder Inn entrance and turn RIGHT onto Centerville Turnpike.
3. Centerville Turnpike will take you past the the Regent University, through several neighborhoods, past a landfill, shopping mall, and another landfill. After several miles, Centerville Turnpike will leave a residential area and will turn into a country road.
4. Continue on Centerville Turnpike over a small drawbridge and cross over Mt Pleasant Road. There are several fast food chains at this intersection and gasoline stations.
5. Continue on Centerville Turnpike for awhile until it comes to a T with Virginia 168 (Battlefield Blvd). Turn LEFT (south) onto Virginia 168 (Battlefield Blvd). A Hardess will appear be on your right as well as Li'l Earles (they have good cookies).
6. Continue on Virginia 168 over the North Carolina / Virginia border. There are several stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, etc at the border.
7. You are now at the US 158 / NC 168 Interchange.

From Norfolk to US 158 / NC 168 Interchange via Chesapeak Expressway

1. Continue on I64 EAST until you reach Virginia 168 (Battlefield Blvd). Exit I64 and head SOUTH on Battlefield Blvd.
2. Continue on Battlefield Blvd until it turns into the Chesapeake Expressway. This is a toll road that takes you around all of the local roads in Norfolk. It does not reduce your travel time significantly and it is often congested during the summer.
3. Continue on Virginia 168 over the North Carolina / Virginia border. There are several stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, etc at the border.
4. Continue on NC 168. US 158 will will intersect with it and NC 168 will merge with US 158.
5. You are now at the US 158 / NC 168 Interchange.

From US 158 / NC 168 Interchange to Second Wind

1. Continue on NC 168 / US 158 south for approximately 30 miles until you reach the Wright Memorial Bridge. There are several small towns along this path, each with restaurants, fast food stops, and gasoline stations.
2. You are now on the Outer Banks
3. Continue on US 158 (N Croatan Highway) onto the Outer Banks into Southern Shores. Pass the Elementary School and shopping mall with a Food Lion on your left (north). Follow the signs "To Northern Beachs" and turn LEFT heading NORTH on NC 12 at the light.
4. Continue on NC 12 through Southern Shores and Duck. Dare Sheriffs, and Town of Duck police are notoriously strict with the 45 mph speed limit, especially late at night. Be very careful!
5. Continue on NC 12 through Duck. Our house is located in the Carolina Dunes subdivison approximately 1 mile north of Duck. Turn RIGHT on Widgeon Drive (the first street in Carolina Dunes). Our house is the second on the right and is a single story yellow house.