Yet Another Reason to Hate Flying

I'm supposed to go deep into West Virginia in June for a business trip. I hate connections and view them as a waste of time. From Philadelphia there is a direct flight for $1000. Can you explain that? You can fly to Florida for $139. So I see my trip is 467 miles and driving at or near 80 mph will get me there in 6 hours. 7 is more likely. From Philly airport I can make 1 connection to get there but it will then take 4-5 hours and still cost over $400. I check around for flights out of Allentown, Trenton, Wilmington, Baltimore and Harrisburg. Nothing is available that will be worth the drive first. If I'm going to drive up to 90 minutes to an airport - I need a direct flight from there or it's easier to just drive. Here's the kicker: There is a flight leaving from Harrisburg that connects in Philly for $365. I write down the flight number for the second leg and go back to check the direct flight from Philly - it's the SAME! From Philly it's a 1 hour and 10 minute flight. From Harrisburg it's about a 3.5 hour flight and $635 cheaper! So I'm thinking I'll buy the ticket for Harrisburg and then skip the first leg.....can't do it. The travel agent says if you are a no-show for leg 1, they cancel the entire itinerary. Looks like I'll be driving to WV. I know this cool place in Westminster, MD where I hear you can get a good meal and a few beers around 8 or 9 pm at night if you are a weary traveler.