Road trippin’ to LOCKN’ is your easy guide to get you from your hometown to the beautiful Nelson County Preserve, while discovering exciting places along the way. As you set out on this new adventure, we’re here to help you plan for the best possible experience. For our third installment, join us on our trip from New York, NY to our home in Arrington, VA.

New York, NY to Arrington, VA
Estimated drive time: about 6.5 hours
Approx. Distance: 380 Miles to LOCKN’
Estimated Gas Cost: $75 Average

1. Katz’s Delicatessen

Katz’s Delicatessen
205 E Houston St
New York, New York 10002 USA


Since 1888, this New York City staple has been serving up mile-high sandwiches that have attracted customers from around the globe. With honorary mentions in numerous movies and television shows, including the infamous orgasm scene in “When Harry Met Sally,” Katz’s Deli is a mecca for meat eaters. Located on the vibrant Lower East Side, you can’t miss the beaming white sign welcoming you into foodie paradise. But be warned, it’s cash only, and don’t forget your ticket! 

2. Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 USA


Spanning over a 42-acre Victorian garden, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals. From cheetahs, to sloths and polar bears, the Philly Zoo will make all of your wildest wildlife dreams come true. With the zoo’s new mesh animal exploration trail, your experience at the Philly Zoo will reach new heights. Animals like monkeys and tigers will literally explore a campus-wide network of trails above and around you.

See these animal like no other with Philadelphia Zoo’s exclusive Zoo360 up close and personal exhibits where the animals are free to roam the zoo grounds through custom tunnels and trails. It’s fun for the young and the young at heart with over 1.2 million visitors last year alone! As America’s first zoo you have to check out this amazing wildlife conservatory!  

3. Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park
41 Adams Dam Rd
Wilmington, Delaware 19803 USA


Divided by grey stone walls and built of local stone in the late-1800s, 14 miles of beautiful trails can be discovered and explored at the Brandywine Creek State Park. This is the perfect place for a pit stop, where soulmates, nature watchers, or besties can enjoy a moment of peaceful contemplation. 

4. The Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum
600 N Charles St 
Baltimore, Maryland 21201 USA
 
Your next stop is the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. This internationally renowned museum is known for its collection of art, which was founded by William and Henry Walters. The collection is full of beautiful world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th century Europe and beyond. Walk around this beautiful museum and travel between centuries of history and marvel at the masterpieces surrounding you. 

5. Georgetown Cupcakes

Georgetown Cupcakes
3301 M Street 
Washington, District of Columbia 20007 USA
 
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown Cupcakes is a little slice of sweet tooth heaven! Don’t let the line out the door sway your appetite. These cupcakes are worth the wait. If you don’t believe us, turn on your television. Sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis Lamontagne are stars of the hit TL series “DC Cupcakes,” and have been featured in publications such The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Martha Stewart Show.

6. Smithsonian Butterfly Gardens

Smithsonian Gardens Butterfly Habitat
9th St side of Natl Museum of Natural History 
Washington, District of Columbia 20004 USA
 
Located on the Ninth Street side of the National Museum of Natural History building, the butterfly garden at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will allow you to be fully immersed in the elegant beauty of butterflies. Explore this gorgeous exhibit and surround yourself with natural beauty. We can assure you that your trip to the Smithsonian Butterfly Gardens will be both educational and inspiring.

7. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Constitution Ave NW at 10th St NW 
Washington, District of Columbia 20560 USA
Google Maps (Walking)
 
After visiting the butterfly house, wander into the main port of the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian is the world’s preeminent museum and research complex. Dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and learning about the natural world through countless exhibitions and programs, it’s one of the most extensive and famous museums in the world. A must see! 

8. The Awakening Sculpture

The Awakening
National Harbor 
Fort Washington, Maryland 20745 USA
 
Created in 1980 by J. Seward Johnson, Jr., the Awakening is a 70-foot statue of a giant embedded in the earth, struggling to set himself free. This statue will probably evoke some emotions in you, and that’s okay. You’re on your way to one music festival freedom.

9. Blue Mountain Brewery

9519 Critzers Shop Road
Afton, VA 22920 
 
Right now we’re pretty sure that you’re ready for a good meal and a cold one. Luckily for you, Blue Mountain Brewery is known as one of the best brewpubs in the area. This magnificent brewery offers a beautiful location near the Blue Ridge Mountains, and in our opinion, it doesn’t get much better than that.

10. Monticello

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy 
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 USA
 
Located on a mountaintop outside of Charlottesville, VA, Monticello is a 5,000-acre plantation which was the home of Thomas Jefferson. Need a little history lesson? Jefferson was an american historian who wrote the Declaration of Independence, founder of University of Virginia, and later on became the third President of the United States. Monticello is also the only historic house in the United States with a spot on the United Nations’ World Heritage List. You will not be disappointed while marveling at this gorgeous historic home. Next stop, LOCKN’!

10. LOCKN’ Festival

Oak Ridge Farm
1510 Diggs Mountain Rd
Arrington, VA 22922
 
You made it! Home sweet home for the next four days. Unpack your things, make new friends, and get ready for the real adventure.