driving from Chicago?

[SpecialK]

I checked the driving sticky and found a lot of info for driving from the Northeast. That's why I'm asking on a new thread.

We're driving down in June, planning to stop around Nashville and then in Gainesville. Any suggestions for places to stay in either of those two spots?

Any recent driving experiences? Construction? Did you drive through GA or AL? Any info would be appreciated!

 

[tinaluis]

Our last drive from Chicago was in 10/06. We prefer to take 57-24-75 to the FL Turnpike. We've never tried the AL route though, so it may be faster and/or less congested. We usually stop overnight just before Atlanta, GA (because DH does most of the drving and is usually tired by then) and just past Nashville on the way home. Try searching a few pages back. There was a thread on here about 2 weeks ago that got quite a few responses. Have a safe trip! We'll be making the trip again in September for free dining.

 

[eeyoresmomthree]

Lots of chains near Nashville, the Interstate system is really easy around there. In Gainesville there is a Cabot Lodge (nice, inexpensive) right off the Interstate plus other chains.

 

[Disfan3]

I just drove from IA to Nashville through Fl. We stopped in a terrible motel because all of south central GA was on the road for an RV show!! We literally drove for hours looking for a place to STOP. My suggestion is...be prepared.

Also there was some construction just NORTH of ATLANTA and on the way back to TN we got stuck for a while...there was also some constuction in Valdosta area...not a lot but down to one lane at times...

it is a long drive. I won't do it again FYI. You can fly so cheap from Chicago...the gas prices are high in FL too btw...just saying be prepared.

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks for the info. I'd fly in a minute but the husband wants to drive...

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

At Gainesville there are four exits, from north to south:

SR222 - Best Western Gateway Grand (very nice property)
SR 26 - Holiday Inn, LaQuinta, Fairfield Inn
SR 24 - Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof, Hampton, Extended Stay, Cabot Lodge
SR121 - nothing I could recommend; very budget oriented.

Check out the rates on line and see what works for you.

BobK/Orlando

 

[DonaldTDuck]

If you can drive about 11 hours, Chattannooga has cheap motel rates. They overestimated tourism years ago and many rooms are under 35 bucks. Then you can be at Disney by 5pm the next day.

 

[Jon99]

We drove back last weekend and on the way home we took 75/24 to the Pennyrile and then Rt 41/63 up through Indiana.. It took us the same amount of time, was 40 miles shorter and was very relaxing as there is hardly any traffic.. For those that don't know, 41/63 is a 4 lane divided highway that was the major route before the interstates were built.. When you get to Kankakee County, there are a couple of ways to hook up with 57 so you can avoid the 41 traffic in NW Indiana..

 

[SpecialK]

Thanks for all your input. I haven't been back to this thread in a while - my dad passed away soon after my last post and I've been pretty consumed with that.

At any rate - any recent experience with the construction on 75 thru GA. I've checked the GA navigator website, but I was hoping for some firsthand knowledge. Thanks in advance-