Drive the Backroads to WDW?

[kidd_freeper]

Anyone ever tried driving the backroads through Central Virginia and Central North Carolina?

=> I tried using Google maps to get directions from Connecticut to WDW. The fastest route offered was, of course I-95, going though the Washington DC area (which has its problems with traffic and construction).

But Google Maps offers an alternate route that skips the Baltimore/DC area altogether. It goes I78, then I81 (as many have suggested here). But...

*** But in Staunton, VA, Google Maps suggest taking I-64 for a short while, then taking US-29 south through Virginia and North Carolina. This skirts around Lynchburg and Danville, VA, then Greensboro, NC

There seems to be few or no lights on this road, it is mostly two lanes in both directions and the speed limit is 55mph. Seems like a beautiful road. And it is only 40 minutes longer than taking I95 all the way.

Anyone ever driven this route, or live in these areas?

 

[wahooker]

29 thru Greensboro turns into Cherry, which is a pretty busy road. Depending on the time of day you will go that way, traffic could get ugly.

However, it is nice country out that way, once you are outside of Greensboro. (Either before or after it) I have lots of family in the Danville area.

Not sure how far you will be going on 29, but it ends up running into hwy 85, going south thru several other cities and towns.


2 Recommendations: In Lexington, (maybe 30 mins past greensboro) there are a number of excellent Barbecue Places... If you have never tried Lexington Style NC Barbecue, you should swing by one of them. Lexington has more barbecue restaurants per capita than any other place in the US. I'd recommend Smiley's BBQ, but they are all good ones. Smiley's is just off of 29 / Business 85, maybe 2 minutes out of your way.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8...4NTNXvD4KC8gaQlriNBw&ved=0CBwQngIwAA&t=h&z=16

You know how people from Chicago are about Pizza, and how people from Philly are about CheesSteak Sandwiches? For NC, It's all about the Barbecue.

Second Recommendation, if you happen to be a fan, In Charlotte NC, the NASCAR Hall of Fame just opened earlier this year. If you aren't a fan, skip it, but if you are, it's probably worth a stop on your way down, if time allows it. Probably 20-30 minutes out of your way, plus whatever time you spend in the Hall of Fame itself.

 

[kidd_freeper]

I'd be in Greensboro about noon on a Saturday.

I love barbeque (looking up Lexington now)

 

[kidd_freeper]

Anyone else driven thru central Virginia/North Carolina?

 

[NCRedding]

It is a pretty drive through the mountains. You'll run into traffic in Lynchburg, but only for a little bit. Watch the signs in Lynchburg carefully to get through. Portions of the road are higher than 55. The next busiest area is north of Greensboro for about 20 minutes til you get to I-85. It takes about 3.5 hours to get from Staunton to Greensboro the way I drive: no stops and about 5 to 6 miles over the speed limit.

I second the suggestion of Lexington Barbeque. Lexington is only 30 minutes on I-85. If you want to eat in Greensboro, there is a Stamey's Barbeque.