Where should we eat. Driving from Dallas, Texas to Camden, Maine in September.

The main route will be I-40 to I-95 via the George Washington bridge. I hate to have to go via
I-40 and would much prefer to take less travelled roads but, time won't allow. We are giving ourselves no more than two weeks away, However, we certainly don't mind getting off the interstate and driving a bit to eat some good roadfood. Tell me what we need to know. And, can any of you suggest a better, more scenic route? 
Many thanks, my friends.

Suggest you become a "Roadfood Insider" so you can access the Forum to get the "Roadfood Offline" feature:
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/Introducing-Roadfood-Offline-m154082.aspx
A Thousand + places reviewed by roadfooders. I think you can download it to a mobile device as well. It's the perfect solution for a long road trip like yours.

I -40 to I-95 will cause you extra miles. I'd take I-40 to East of Knoxville, then I-81 up thru VA  to PA and north to I-80 then East to the GW Bridge to I-95. The trip is just under 2000 miles! (Unless you want to go thru NC then it's more!) 

@Foodbme:
I was a "Roadfood Insider" for years but, I used to travel a lot more back then.
I have just ordered the latest "Roadfood" book by the Stern's from Amazon. I think the one I have from the early eighties is probably obsolete by now.
Your suggestion of 40-81-80-95 as an alternative route from 40-95/ is an excellent one! And, one I've also seriously considered myself. I do not want to go through NYC! The GWB route will take me directly to New Haven, Connecticut where we plan on eating every clam pie in town. I have the list!

OK, I'm a "Roadfood Insider" once more thanks to Foodbme.

Take the I 81 Route.  When you get to Allentown, PA go N to Scranton, PA and head E to CT.  Dodge NYC. 

Here's a few places to stop and rest on your way from Dallas to VA on I40/I81. 
Get Off I30 at Exit 127 on Shannon Road in Sulphur Springs, TX and go to Burton's Family Restaurant for great road food at breakfast, lunch or dinner. This is a typical diner and nothing is fancy about it but the food which is not expensive. It's next to the Best Western and convenient for quick access to I30.
Burton's Family Restaurant @ 1505 Shannon Rd E, Sulphur Springs, TX 903 - 885 - 5976.
http://www.burtonsfamilyrestaurant.com/
Get off I30 at Exit 201 on N Center St. and get a good country meal at Nana's which is right off I30.
Nana's Family Diner @ 1026 North Center St/, New Boston, TX 903 - 628 - 0700.
One of my favorite road stops is Ramage Farms Country Store at Exit 208 for good road food. The restaurant is an old building just off the N side of I30 and has all sorts of food stuff to purchase to take home. They serve outstanding BBQ, sandwiches, combo plates and steaks. Stop by if just to rest and get a cold drink. It's worth the effort to visit the old store.
Ramage Farms Country Store @ 901 Main St., Hooks, TX 903 - 547 - 6187.
http://www.ramagefarms.com/
If you want real family country food then get off I30 at Exit 222 in Texarkana, TX and go to Bryce's Cafeteria for the best home cooked food in America. It's just off I30 at Exit 222 and very convenient.
Bryce's Cafeteria @ 2021 Mall Dr., Texarkana, TX 903 - 792 - 1611.
http://www.brycescafeteria.com/
On up the road at Arkadelphia, AR you will find good hamburger's at Hamburger Barn or good country food for breakfast or lunch at The Honeycomb Restaurant at Exit 73.
Hamburger Barn @ 2813 Pine Street, Arkadelphia, AR 870 - 246 - 5556.
The Honeycomb Restaurant @ 710 Main Street, Arkadelphia, AR 870 - 245 - 2333.
http://www.honeycombrestaurant.com/
At Exit 116 at Benton, AR you will find outstanding road food at Ed & Kay's Restaurant on the N side of I30 for lunch and dinner.
Ed and Kay's Restaurant @ 15228 Interstate 30 N., Benton, AR 501 - 315 - 3663.
Get off I 40 at Exit 175 at Lonoke, AR and go S on Highway 31 to E 8th Street and go to Pruett's for good BBQ.
Pruett's Bar B Que @ 108 E. 8th St., Lonoke, AR. 501 - 676 - 2622.
Get off I 40 at Exit 183 at Carlisle, AR on Highway 13 and go S to Nick's BBQ in Carlisle, AR.
Nick's Bar B Que @ Hwy. 13 N., Carlisle, AR. 870 - 552 - 3887.
http://www.nicksbq.com/
Craig's BBQ in Devall's Bluff, AR is outstanding.
Craig's BBQ @ Rt. 70, Devalls Bluff, AR. 501 - 998 - 2616.
Get off I 40 at Exit 241A/B and go N to Colt, AR on Highway 1.  Take a left on Highway 306 and go to Greg and Jim's for good BBQ. Greg & Jim's Grocery & BBQ  @ Hwy 306, Colt, AR. 870 - 633 - 0541.
Get off I40 at Exit 241A/B and go S on North Washington Street in Forrest City, AR to The Ole Sawmill Cafe. It's open for breakfast, lunch or dinner and serves outstanding country food. Get off on the S side of I40 on N Washington and go about 2 blocks to Ole Sawmill Cafe on your right.
The Ole Sawmill Cafe @ 2299 N. Washington St., Forrest City, AR 870 - 630 - 2299.
http://olesawmillcafe.com/
For outstanding BBQ stop at Roadside BBQ @ Exit 271 off I 40 In W Memphis, AR.
Roadside BBQ @ 196 Arkansas 147, West Memphis, AR 870 - 733 - 9208.
If you want to stop in Memphis, TN for BBQ I suggest you go to Cozy Corner BBQ due to it's location close to I 40. Right after your cross the Mississippi River get off I 40 at Exit 1B and go N on N Danny Thomas Blvd. Go about 2 blocks and you will pass St. Jude Children's Hospital then take a right on N. Parkway. Go 2 blocks to Cozy Corner for outstanding BBQ. When you leave CC head E to N Manasas and take your left. Go a block and take a right on Jackson Ave. then go about half a mile to I 240. Go under the IS and take a left going N and get on I 240 or I40 and go N. Go about 15 miles on I 240. You will turn E and then S before you reach Exit 12C then take I 40 E 200 miles to Nashville, TN.
Cozy Corner @ 745 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN. 901 - 527 - 9158.
http://www.cozycornerbbq.com/
It's about 85 miles from Cozy Corner to Jackson, TN. It's a fine place for a road stop. Get off I 40 at Exit # 80A at Jackson, TN and get off to the right on Hwy. 186/45 then turn into Casey Jones Old Country Store on the right. This is a large complex with Casey Jone's Home and Museum and some shops. The Old Country Store serves a buffet of outstanding country food for breakfast, lunch or dinner and opens at 6:30 AM.  Get off at Exit 80 and go N on # 45 to Reggi’s for good BBQ. 
Old Country Store @ 56 Casey Jones Lane, Jackson, TN 731 - 668 - 1223.
http://www.caseyjones.com..CountryStore/index.html
Reggi’s BBQ @ 6 Channing Way, Jackson, TN 731 – 554 – 3432.http://reggisbbq.com/
First good country food is at Exit 204 before you get to downtown Nashville on I 40. Get off and go right on Robertson Ave. then take your first left on Charlotte Ave. go past the shopping center on your left and take a left on 53rd Ave. N and Wendell Smith's is on your left open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving good soul and country food. There's a Best Western, Days Inn, Comfort and Baymont back at Robertson where you get back on I 40 if you want to stay there. If you stay in this area you can go back to Wendell Smith's for breakfast.
Wendell Smith's @ 407 53rd Ave. North, Nashville, TN 615 - 383 - 7114.
If you pass up Wendell Smith's then you can get off I 40 at Exit 1A and go back E on West End about a mile and then turn left on 25th Ave. N just past Centennial Park take your 1st right on Elliston and Rotier's is just ahead. Have a great meal there in one of Nashville's most well liked restaurants serving good seafood, steaks, sandwiches and plain ole good food in great atmosphere. Opens around 10:30 AM for lunch and dinner and closed on Sunday.
Rotier's Restaurant @ 2413 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN 615 - 327 - 9892.
http://www.rotiers.com/

Arnold's Country Kitchen @ 605 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 615 - 256 - 4455.
http://www.hollyeats.com/ArnoldsCountryKitchen.htm
 

When you leave Nashville and plan to take I 95 N instead of I 81 here's a few joints to stop and get a cold drink. 
Get off I 40 at Exit 238 in Lebanon, TN and go N on S Cumberland to Sunset Restaurant for good country food.  Get off I 40 at Exit 258 at Gordonsville, TN and go N on Gordonsville Highway to Timberloft for good BBQ and road food for lunch or dinner.  Get off I 40 at Exit 287 in Cookeville, TN and go N on S Jefferson to Maddux Station at E Spring Street for good road food. Go to Brass Lantern in Crossville for good road food. Dickey's has good BBQ and Halcyon is a fun dining choice.
Sunset Restaurant @ 640 South Cumberland St., Lebanon, TN 615 - 444 - 9530.
Timberloft Restaurant @ 470 Gordonsville Highway, Gordonsville, TN  615 - 683 - 5070. 
http://www.timberloftrestaurant.com/
Maddux Station Restaurant & Wine Bar @ 319 East Spring St., Cookeville, TN 931 - 854 - 0883.
http://www.madduxstation.com/#
Brass Lantern Restaurant and Lounge @ 79 Chestnut Hill Rd., Crossville, TN 931 - 484 - 7657.
http://thebrasslantern.fo...elive.com/default.aspx
Dickey's BBQ Pit @ 965 Northside Dr., Crossville, TN 931 - 484 - 4900.
Halcyon Days Restaurant @ 2444 Genesis Rd., Crossville, TN 931 - 456 - 3663.
Before you reach Knoxville get off I 40 at Exit 373 on the S side and hit the first street left on Parkside and go about a mile to Smokey Mountrain Brewery for pizza, burgers and steaks. Get back on I 75 and head N on I 75/I 40 past Knoxville.
Smokey Mountain Brewery @ 11308 Parkside Dr., Knoxville, TN 865 - 288 - 5500.
http://www.coppercellar.net/smbSite.shtml
The folks that own Smokey Mountain own Copper Cellar just N of SM at Exit 380 S of I 40 on Parkside also convenient to plenty of shopping and just a minute off I 40. Both places are similar.
Copper Cellar Restaurant @ 7316 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 865 - 673 - 3422.
http://www.coppercellar.net/copperSite.shtml
Unless you spend the night close to Knoxville, TN I would keep rolling and get on around Knoxville, TN and head E out of the traffic. Litton's is a good family restaurant in Knoxville, TN but it's not convenient to I 40. If you took the I 640 by pass around Knoxville, TN on the N side it's pretty convenient. Get off I 640 at Exit 6 and go N on N Broadway SE to Litton's for good country family food.
Litton's Market and Restaurant @ 2803 Essary Dr., Knoxville, TN 865 - 688 - 0429.
http://www.littonburgers.com/
When you leave Knoxville, TN you may need to make a road stop.. If you want to get on past Knoxville here's a neat place 30 miles E of Knoxville with good seafood for lunch. If you don't eat you can rest and get a cold drink. Get off I 40 at Exit 417 and go S on Hwy. 92 a couple of miles to Dandridge, TN. This runs into Meeting St. Go 5/6 blocks to Dandridge Seafood Restaurant.
Dandridge Seafood Restaurant @ 310 East Meeting St., Dandridge, TN 865 - 397 - 2315.
I would rather go to Smoky's Steak and BBQ which is one street over on E. Main and before the Dandridge Seafood Restaurant. They have good burgers, salads, etc. I know you did not want BBQ but Smoky's is a very nice restaurant in an attractive location with outdoor dining on the front porch. Check this link for their menu.
Smoky's Steak and BBQ @ 149 East Main St., Dandridge, TN 865 - 397 - 2272.
http://www.smokyssteakandbbq.com/
 
Get off I 40 at Exit 432B in Newport, TN and go E on U. S. 25/70.  Go 2.2 miles to Fox and Hound Way and turn left  for good road food at Fox and Hound Supper Club.  There's a nice bar with 3 TV's for the game and great burgers, fresh seafood and steaks.  There's also outdoor dining. 
 
Fox and Hound Supper Club @ 127 Fox and Hound Way, Newport, TN 423 - 623 - 9161.
 
Get off I 40 at Exit 440 and go 2.1 miles W on Highway 73/32/Wilton Springs Road to Highway 32/73. Take a left and go to Shirley's Family Restaurant for good road food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  If you go to your first right past Shirley's and take a right go to Creekwalk Inn at Whisperwood Farm Resort for a fine B&B for overnight and good comfort food.
Shirley's Family Restaurant @ 2765 Cosby Highway, Cosby, TN 423 - 613 - 5515.  
Creekwalk Inn @ Whisperwood Farm @ 164 Midddle Creek Rd, Cosby, TN 423 - 487 - 4000.
http://whisperwoodretreat.com/
Get off I 40 at Exit 447 in Hartford, TN  and go to Hartford Road. Take a left and go to Big Creek Road. Take a left and go to fine BBQ @ Pigeon River Smokehouse.  Mmmmmm........
Pigeon River Smokehouse @ 3105 Big Creek Rd., Hartford, TN 423 - 487 - 0061.
http://pigeonriversmokehouse.com/
Get off I 40 at Exit 24 and go to Dean's Haywood Cafe for good comfort food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 
Dean's Haywood Cafe @ 3360 Crabtree Road., Waynesville, NC  828 - 627 - 9479.
Get off I 40 at Exit 27 and go SW on Highway 74/23 towards Waynesville, NC in case you want a great place for the night and good road food. Take Dellwood Road at Exit 103 and go to Granny's Chicken Palace for outstanding road food for lunch or dinner. If you go on Sunday get there early as there will be a big lunch crowd when they open. 
Granny's Chicken Palace @ 1168 Dellwood Road, Lake Junaluska, NC 828 - 452 - 9111.
If you want to spend the night check in The Waynesville Inn and have a fine dinner at Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse.  Go to Sweet Onion for casual dining for lunch or dinner. Go to Smoky Mountain Cafe for good comfort food for breakfast or lunch.  Go to Maggie's Galley Oyster Bar at Exit 102 off Smoky Mountain Expressway  for outstanding cold drinks, fresh seafood and steaks for lunch or dinner.  Go to Bogart's for outstanding fresh soups, salads, burgers and steaks.
Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse at The Waynesville Inn @ 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville, NC 828 - 456 - 5988.
http://www.thewaynesvilleinn.com/
Sweet Onion @ 39 Miller Street, Waynesville, NC 828 - 456 - 5559.
Smoky Mountain Cafe @ 180 N Main Street, Waynesville, NC 828 - 452 - 3137.
Maggie's Galley Oyster Bar @ 49 Howell Mill Road, Waynesville, NC 828 - 456 - 8945.
http://dininginthesmokies.om/_waynesv/wdmgobar.htm
Bogart's Restaurant @ 303 South Main Street, Waynesville, NC 828 - 452 - 1313.
http://www.bogartswaynesville.com/
Get off I 40 at Exit 31 in Canton, NC and go N on Buckeye Cove Road to Sagebrush Steakhouse for good  ribs, steaks and fresh seafood. Get off I 40 at Exit 31 in Canton, NC and go S for 1.8 mile to Clyde Road.  Take a right and go 1 mile to Morgan Street. Take a right and go to Mingus Street.  Take a left and go to Haywood Avenue.  Take a right and go .2 mile to Dillsboro Smokehouse for outstanding BBQ. Get of I 40 at Exit 44 and go SW on Smoky Park Highway to Miami Restaurant for good country food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Get off I 40 at Exit 47 in Asheville, NC and go S on Brevard Road to Moose Cafe for outstanding comfort food for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get off I 40 at Exit 50 and go N on Hendersonville Road to All Souls Crescent.  Take a left and go to Corner Cafe for outstanding comfort food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  If you happen to spend the night in Asheville, NC get off I 40 at Exit 50 and go N on Hendersonville Road to All Souls Crescent.  Take a right and go to Brooks Street.  Take a right and go to Fig for fine dining for lunch or dinner at Asheville's top restaurant.  Get off I 40 at Exit 59 and go N on Patton Cove Road to Highway 70.  Take a right and go to Oakie Dokie's Smokehouse for fine BBQ for lunch or dinner. 
Sagebrush Steakhouse @ 53 Buckeye Cove Road, Canton, North Carolina  828 - 646 - 3750.
http://www.sagebrushsteakhouse.com/
Dillsboro Smokehouse BBQ @ 267 Haywood Ave., Canton, NC 828 - 586 - 9556.
Miami Restaurant @ 1469 Smoky Park Highway, Candler, NC 828 - 665 - 1213.
Moose Cafe @ 570 Brevard Road Asheville, NC 828 - 255 - 0920.
http://eatatthemoosecafe.com/
Corner Kitchen @ 3 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 828 - 274 - 2439.
http://www.thecornerkitchen.com/
Fig Bistro @ 18 Brook Street, Asheville, NC 828 - 277 - 0889.
http://www.figbistro.com/
Oakie Dokie's Smokehouse @ 2375 Us 70 Highway, Swannanoa, NC 828 - 686 - 0050.
http://www.okiedokiesbbq.com/
Get off I 40 at Exit 64 at Black Mountain, NC and go S .4 mile on Highway 9 to Cheshire Drive.  Take a left and go to Morning Glory Cafe for outstanding comfort food for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Go to Black Bird Restaurant for outstanding comfort food for lunch or dinner. If you want outstanding BBQ go S on Highway 9 to Phil's BBQ Pit.   Black Mountain is a nice town to visit and shop.  If you plan to spend the night in the area get off I 40 at Exit 66 and go to the right on Dunsmore Avenue.  Go to Yates Avenue and take a left.  Go .8 mile to Kitazuma Road.  Take a right and go to The Madison Restaurant and B & B on your left for a great night and fine dinner. 
Morning Glory Cafe @ 6 E Market Street # A, Black Mountain, NC 828 - 669 - 6212.
http://www.themorningglorycafe.com/
The Black Bird Restaurant @ 10 E Market Street.,  Black Mountain, NC 828 - 669 - 5556.
http://www.theblackbirdrestaurant.com/
Phil's BBQ Pit @ 701 NC Highway 9, Black Mountain, NC 828 - 669 - 3606. 
The Madison Restaurant and B&B @ 15 Dixon Drive, Black Mountain, NC 828 - 669 - 4785.
http://www.madisoninn-nc.com/
Get off I 40 at Exit 86 at Marion, NC and go N on Highway 226.  Go right on Rutherford Road to Countryside BBQ for outstanding BBQ for lunch or dinner.  They also serve breakfast on Saturday.  Get off I 40 at Exit 103 at Morganton, NC and go S on Burkemont Avenue to Butch's BBQ for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner.  If you want good comfort food for breakfast, lunch or dinner go N or Burkemont Avenue to Allison's Family Restaurant. Get off I 40 at Exit 125 at Hickory, NC and go N on Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard to Tripp's Restaurant for good comfort food for lund or dinner.   Get off I 40 at Exit 135 in Claremont, NC and go S on N Oxford Street to Boxcar Grille for fine ribs, fajita's and steaks for lunch or dinner.  Get off I 40 at Exit 150 in Statesville, NC and go S on N Center Street to Black Angus Grille for outstanding comfort food for lunch or dinner.  Get off I 40 at Exit 162 at Cleveland, NC and go 2 miles S on Highway 64 to Woodleaf Road. Take a left and go 2.2 miles  to Keaton's for oustanding BBQ.  Get off I 40 at Exit 162 at Mocksville, NC and go N on Highway 64 to Diane's Diner for outstanding southern comfort food.  If you want good BBQ get off I 40 at Exit 168 at Mocksville, NC and go 3.3 miles S on Highway 64 to Gaither Street.  Take a left and then take your first left on Clement and go to Deano's BBQ.  Get off I 40 at Exit 184 at Clemmons, NC and go S on Lewisville Clemmons Road to Stadium Drive. Take a right and go to Little Richard's for good BBQ also.  Get off I 40 at Exit 189 at Winston Salem, NC and go S on S Stratford Road to Hanes Mall Boulevard.  Take a left and go to Village Tavern on your right for good road food for lunch or dinner.  Get off I 40 at Exit 189 and go S on Stratford Road to Hanes Mall Boulevard.  Take a right and go 1.7 miles to Billy Bob's Diner for outstanding  southern comfort food and BBQ for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  There are numerous nice hotels at Exit 189 as well as Hanes Mall Shopping Center in case you want stop to do some shopping and spend the night. 
Countryside BBQ @ 2070 Rutherford Road, Marion, NC. 828 - 652 - 4885.
http://countrysidebbq.net/
Butch's BBQ & Restaurant @ 1234 Burkemont Avenue, Morganton, NC 828 - 432 - 5040.
Allison's Family Restaurant @ 1010 Burkemont Avenue, Morganton, NC 828 - 438 - 3662.
Tripps Restaurant @ 1187 Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard. SE,  Hickory, NC 828 - 324 - 4400.
Boxcar Grille @ 3140 North Oxford Street, Claremont, NC 828 - 459 - 9287.
Black Angus Grille @ 125 North Center Sreet, Statesville, NC 704 - 872 - 4200.
Keaton's BBQ @ 17365 Cool Springs Road, Cleveland, NC. 704 - 278 - 1619.
http://www.keatonsoriginalbbq.com/
Diane's Diner @ 4395 US Highway 64 W, Mocksville, NC 336 - 492 - 5710.
Deano's Barbecue @ 140 N. Clement Street, Mocksville, NC. 336 - 751 - 5820.
http://www.deanosbarbecue.com/
Little Richard's BBQ @ 6470 Stadium Drive, Clemmons, NC 336 - 766 - 0401.
http://www.littlerichardsbarbeque.com/
Village Tavern @ 2000 Griffith Road., Winston Salem, NC 336 - 760 - 8686.
http://www.villagetavern.com/
Billy Bob's Silver Diner @ 1650 Hanes Mall Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 336 - 768 - 0654.
http://www.billybobssilverdiner.com/
Get off I 40 at Exit 203 at Kernersville, NC and go N on Highway 66 to Clark's BBQ for good road food.  Get off I 40 at Exit 214A at Greensboro, NC and go N on Wendover Avenue to Country BBQ for good road food.  If you want  good steaks or BBQ for lunch or dinner get off I 40 at Exit 217 at Greensboro, NC and go S on High Point Road to Darryl's Wood Fired Grill.  Dine outdoors on their large patio.  If you want outstanding comfort food for breakfast, lunch or dinner get off I 40 at Exit 221 at Greensboro, NC and go S on S Elm Eugene Street to Seneca Road.  Take a left and go to Carolina Country Kitchen at The Days Inn on your right.  For good country BBQ get off I 40 at Exit 143 at Burlington, NC and go N on Alamance Road to Church Street.  Hursey's BBQ will be on your left.
Clark's BBQ @ 1331 NC Highway 66 S, Kernersville, NC 336 - 996 - 8644.
Country BBQ @ 4012 Wendover Avenue W., Greensboro, NC 336 - 292 - 3557.
Darryl's Wood Fired Grill @ 3300 High Point Road, Greensboro, NC 336 - 294 - 1781.
http://www.darrylswoodfiredgrill.com/
Carolina Country Kitchen @ 110 Seneca Road, Greensboro, NC 336 - 333 - 9876.
Hursey's BBQ @ 1834 S Church St., Burlington, NC. 336 - 226 - 1694.

If you decide to take I81 N through VA here's a few joints to stop and rest. 
Phil's Dream Pit BBQ is excellent at Exit 67AB near Kingsport, TN go E on I 26 just a minute to Exit 10 then go N on Eastern Star Rd. a minute. About 5 minutes off I 81.
Phil's Dream Pit @ 534 Eastern Star Rd., Kingsport, TN 423 - 349 - 6437.
http://www.philsdreampit.com
Just N about 10 miles on E side of I 81 is Dixie Outpost BBQ if you prefer at Exit 69. Go E on # 394 a mile or two then turn left or N on # 126 just a few minutes to Dixie.
Dixie Outpost BBQ @ 3172 Highway 126, Blountville, TN 423 - 574 - 7447.
Troutdale Bistro is the place for lunch/dinner in Bristol, TN.
Troutdale Bistro @ 724 State St., Bristol, TN 423 - 989 - 3663.
http://troutdalebistro.com/
Cootie Brown's @ 2715 North Roan St., Johnson City, TN 423 - 283 - 4723.
http://www.cootiebrowns.com/
Ridgewood BBQ @ 900 Elizabethton Hwy., Bluff City, TN 423 - 538 - 7543.
At Abingdon, VA there's some fine places. Have lunch at the House on Main and dine on the porch, lunch or dinner at Peppermill or BBQ at Parks BBQ at Exit 17. Chick N Little is good country food and Ellis Soda Shop and Grill has good salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers and more with outdoor seating as well. Wildflower Bakery and Cafe is great for breakfast,lunch or dinner and it's close to I 81 at Exit 19. Your next stop is Wytheville, VA.
The House on Main @ 231 West Main St., Abingdon, VA 276 - 619 - 0039.
http://houseonmain.com/
Parks Mill BBQ @ 21405 Parks Mill Rd., Abingdon, VA 276 - 628 - 9191.
http://parksmill.com/
Peppermill Restaurant @ 967 West Main St., Abingdon, VA 276 - 623 - 0530.
http://www.thepeppermill.com/pmillhome.asp
Chick N Little @ 401 West Main St., Abingdon, VA 276 - 628 - 6690.
Ellis Soda Shoppe and Grill @ 217 West Main St., Abingdon, VA 276 - 623 - 8187.
http://www.ellissodashoppe.com/
Wild Flower Bakery and Cafe @ 24443 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA 276 - 676 - 4221.
Harvest Table Restaurant at Exit 24 in Meadowview, VA is outstanding for lunch or dinner.
Harvest Table Restaurant @ 13180 Meadowview Square, Meadowview, VA 276 - 944 - 5142.  
http://www.meadowviewfarmersguild.com/
On up N on I 81 in Wytheville, VA stop at Smokey's BBQ at Exit 70 or 73. Peking Chinese Restaurant is outstanding also. C J's Pizza is good if you have kids.
Smokey's BBQ @ 1090 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA 276 - 228 - 9014.
http://smokeysbbq.com/
Peking Chinese Restaurant @ 105 Malin Drive, Wytheville, VA 276 - 228 - 5515.
http://www.pekingva.com/
C J's Pizza @ 1025 West Lee Highway, Wytheville, VA 276 - 228 - 8448.
In Fairlawn @ Exit 105 is Troy's Steaks and Pizza but it's 10 minutes or so W of I 81 and W of Radford in Fairlawn in town. Good place for road food.
Troy's Steaks, Subs and Pizza @ 7339 Peppers Ferry Boulevard, Fairlawn, VA 540 - 731 - 4611.
In Christiansburg just on up the road a piece is Dude's, Due South, Farm House and Summit. All are very good places to eat.
Dude's Drive In @ 1505 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 540 - 382 - 7901.
Due South BBQ @1465 Roanoke St., Christiansburg, VA 540 - 381 - 2922.
http://www.duesouthbbq.com/
Farm House Food @ 285 Ridinger St., Christiansburg, VA 540 - 382 - 4253. .
http://www.thefarmhouseonline.com/
Summit Restaurant @ 95 College St., Christiansburg, VA 540 - 382 - 7218.
http://www.summitrestaurant.us/
Roanoke has quite a few nice restaurants but they are mostly in town. The restaurants near I 81 don't compare. If you should spend the night in Roanoke go check out these places for good road food. Blues BBQ, Fork in the Alley for pizza, burgers, sandwiches, Harbor Inn Seafood, Hollywood's Restaurant and Bakery for lunch/dinner, The Roanoker for breakfast and Wildwood Smokehouse BBQ.
Blues BBQ @ 107 Market Street SE, Roanoke, VA 540 - 344 - 5683.
http://bluesbbqco.com/
Fork in the Alley @ 2123 Crystal Spring Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA 540 - 982 - 3675.
http://forkinthealley.com/
Harbor Inn Seafood @ 7416 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 540 - 563 - 0001.
Hollywood's Restaurant and Bakery @ 7770 Williamson Rd., Roanoke, VA 540 - 362 - 1812.
http://www.hollywoodsrest...s_Website/Welcome.html
The Roanoker Restaurant @ 2522 Colonial Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 540 - 344 - 7746.
http://www.theroanokerres...t.com/pages/index.html
Wildwood Smokehouse @ 2041 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 540 - 989 - 2100.
http://www.wildwoodsmokehouseva.com/
The best option on I 81 near Roanoke, VA if you are trying to make good road time is Three Little Pigs at Daleville at Exit 150 5 miles N of Roanoke, VA.  It's located in a small shopping center less than two minutes off W side of I 81 and serves great BBQ. It also has a very nice outdoor seating area and the menu includes sandwiches and salads for those who don't want BBQ. They also serve cold adult beverages. The shopping center has some very nice stores in case you are in need of road supplies. There are nice hotels on both sides of I 81 and a nice big truck stop to refuel and pick up road supplies. Three Little Pigs is a much better choice. Check it out next time you go by.
Three Lil Pigs BBQ @ 120 Kingston Dr., Daleville, VA 540 - 966 - 0165.
http://www.threelilpigsbbq.com/
Get off I 81 at Exit 150B and go E to Highway 11.  Turn left and go N a couple of miles to Pomegrante Restaurant for outstanding seafood and steaks for dinner. 
Pomegranate Restaurant @ 106 Stoney Battery Road, Troutville, VA 540 - 966 - 6052.
http://www.pomegranateva.com/
Home Place is a great restaurant several miles W of I 81 W of Roanoke at Exit 141 serving outstanding country food, good fried chicken and deserts in an old home. Just E of Lexington at Exit 188AB Frank's for the Memorie's  is a great place for good road food with great outdoor dining.
Home Place Restaurant @ 4968 Catawba Valley Dr., Catawba, VA 540 - 384 - 7252.
Frank's for the Memories BBQ @ 2117 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista, VA 540 - 261 - 5553. 
http://www.franks4thememories.com/
Lexington, VA has a number of good restaurants like Bistro on Main for lunch/dinner, Macado's for sandwiches, Sheridan Livery Inn and Restaurant for lunch/dinner, The Palms for lunch/dinner and drinks and Soutern Inn for fine dining lunch/dinner. Lexington is the home of VMI and W&L U. It's a beautiful town a few minutes W of I 81 and worth a visit.
Bistro on Main @ 8 North Main St., Lexington, VA 540 - 464 - 4888.
http://www.bistro-lexington.com/
Macado's @ 30 North Main St., Lexington, VA 540 - 464 - 8201.
http://www.macados.net/
Sheridan Livery Inn & Restaurant @ 35 North Main St., Lexington, VA 540 - 464 - 1887.
http://www.sheridanliveryinn.com/
The Palms Restaurant @ 101 West Nelson St., Lexington, VA 540 - 463 - 7911.
http://www.thepalmslexington.com/
Southern Inn Restaurant @ 37 South Main St., Lexington, VA 540 - 463 - 3612.
http://www.southerninn.com/
Staunton is just W of I 81 and a very nice town also. It's home to Mrs. Rowe's country food breakfast, lunch and dinner, Wright's Dairy Rite, Staunton Grocery for casual fine lunch/brunch/dinner and The Depot Grill.
Mrs. Rowe's Family Restaurant @ 74 Rowe Rd., Staunton, VA 540 - 886 - 1833.
http://www.mrsrowes.com/
Wright's Dairy Rite @ 346 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 540 - 886 - 0435.
http://www.dairy-rite.com/
Staunton Grocery @ 105 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA 540 - 886 - 6880.
http://www.stauntongrocery.com/
The Depot Grill @ 42 Middlebrook Ave., Staunton, VA 540 - 885 - 7332.
http://www.depotgrille.com/
Harrisonburg has quite a few fine restaurants convenient to I 81. There are BBQ Ranch, Calley's Restaurant and Brewing Co. for good BBQ also, Dave's Downtown Tavern for good food and drinks, Donna Rosa for good Mexican, Jess' Quick Lunch, Joshua Wilton House Inn and Restaurant, Little Grill for breakfast, Local Chop and Grill House for fine dining, Smoking Pig BBQ and Village Inn.
BBQ Ranch @ 3311 N Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 434 - 3296.
Cally's Restaurant and Brewing Co. @ 41 A Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 434 - 8777.
http://www.callysbrewing.com/
Dave's Downtown Taverna @ 121 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 564 - 1487.
http://www.davestaverna.com/
Dona Rosa @ 43 Linda Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 442 - 7672.
Jess' Quick Lunch @ 22 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 434 - 8282.
Joshua Wilton House @ 412 South Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 434 - 4464.
http://joshuawilton.com/
Little Grill @ 621 North Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 434 - 3594.
http://littlegrillcollective.com/
Local Chop and Grill House @ 56 West Gay St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 801 - 0505.
http://www.localchops.com/
Smoking Pig @ 56 East Wolfe St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 433 - 3917. I81/EXIT247AB.
The Village Inn @ 4979 South Valley Pike - S Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 540 - 434 - 7355.
http://www.thevillageinn.travel/
Just up I 81 a few miles is Southern Kitchen serving outstanding country food for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Exit 264.
Southern Kitchen @ 9576 South Congress St., New Market, VA 540 - 740 - 3514.
On past Strasburg at Stephens City is Butcher Block BBQ @ Exit 264.
Butcher Block BBQ @ 131 Town Run Lane, Stephens City, VA 540 - 869 - 4141.
http://www.butcherblockbuffet.com/
The Naked Oyster is a great place for lunch/dinner at Winchester at Exit 31A.
Naked Oyster @ 2444 Valley Avenue, Winchester, VA 540 - 678 - 0778.
http://www.thenakedoysterwinchester.com/
 
 

Many thanks for all the info, Littleman. I'll print out your list and try to make good use of it.