Jed,

Expedia's route would have you taking I-40 in North Carolina to I-77 and then I-81. It is proably "6 of one and half dozen of the other" in terms of miles, using that route instead of I-40/I-85 to Hillsborough, then I-85 to I-95 and the DC area. Unless ice or snow are forecast in the mountains of Virginia In that event definitely come on through Hillsborough. Either way you will go through Ashville, NC and there are several mudcatter's over that way. We'll be glad to have you here, and/or I would wager one or more of the 'cats around Asheville could put you up. Ashville is probably 8 or 9 hours from Washington.

Good luck making your plans.

Janie