Ninety minutes west of Richmond is, so we are told, a beautiful route - the Skyline Drive, along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. If you intend to enjoy the drive and see the lovely autumn colours but find the road is closed due to inclement weather, there can be no better alternative than French Toast at Weasie's Kitchen and a walk along the temporarily pedestrianised Blue Ridge Parkway with plenty of tarmac for picnics.