Driving from Eastern NC

[bnts1993]

OK we are driving from New Bern NC last time we drove we split it into 2 trips stopping in Savannah GA.
In a perfect world I would drive straight through but with a 2 1/2 year old that may not be a good idea.
I wanted to see is anyone else was from my area who drove and see how long it took, where did you stop and what is the best route?

 

[Sanchez]

Not from New bern but have driven the coastal route and I-95 from coastal SC many times.

First, in my opinion you should take Hwy 70/Hwy 55 to I-95. The coastal route (Hwy 17) is very slow and you will not pick up Hwy 95 until the southern portion of South Carolina. If you take Hwy 17 through Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Charleston the trip is less than 15 miles shorter and speed zones go as low as 35 mph in many areas. Don't forget the many stop lights and majojor contruction between Charleston and Hwy 95.

If you take I 95 your approx milegae is:

Hwy 70/Hwy 55: 105 miles (not sure where you live in New Bern)
I95/NC: 58
I95/SC: 195
I95/GA: 113
I95/FL: 123
I 4/FL: 67

TOTAL: 661

Your major traffic areas are Jacksonville and Orlando. Where you stop depends on when you leave. If late in the afternoon then Savannah is a good place to stop (still 4-4.5 hours from WDW.) If early to mid-afternoon I would try to get past Jacksonville. Baymeadows Road (around exit 340/341) just south of Jacksonville has some decent hotels and restaurants. You will need to drive approx 515 miles on day one, however on day 2 your drive is less than 2.5 hours.

 

[dcldreamer]

OK we are driving from New Bern NC last time we drove we split it into 2 trips stopping in Savannah GA.
In a perfect world I would drive straight through but with a 2 1/2 year old that may not be a good idea.
I wanted to see is anyone else was from my area who drove and see how long it took, where did you stop and what is the best route?

Hi neighbor! We are driving to Orlando next week. We live near Williamston, NC. Our plan is to try to get near Jacksonville, FL on day 1, stop for the night, than drive the rest of the way the next morning. Safe travels to you and your family!

Not from New bern but have driven the coastal route and I-95 from coastal SC many times.

First, in my opinion you should take Hwy 70/Hwy 55 to I-95. The coastal route (Hwy 17) is very slow and you will not pick up Hwy 95 until the southern portion of South Carolina. If you take Hwy 17 through Wilmington, Myrtle Beach and Charleston the trip is less than 15 miles shorter and speed zones go as low as 35 mph in many areas. Don't forget the many stop lights and majojor contruction between Charleston and Hwy 95.

If you take I 95 your approx milegae is:

Hwy 70/Hwy 55: 105 miles (not sure where you live in New Bern)
I95/NC: 58
I95/SC: 195
I95/GA: 113
I95/FL: 123
I 4/FL: 67

TOTAL: 661

Your major traffic areas are Jacksonville and Orlando. Where you stop depends on when you leave. If late in the afternoon then Savannah is a good place to stop (still 4-4.5 hours from WDW.) If early to mid-afternoon I would try to get past Jacksonville. Baymeadows Road (around exit 340/341) just south of Jacksonville has some decent hotels and restaurants. You will need to drive approx 515 miles on day one, however on day 2 your drive is less than 2.5 hours.

Thanks! This was very helpful!

 

[sorul82?]

We just drove down from Johnston Co. We stopped in Kingsland, GA at La Quinta. We have frequent bathroom needs, so it took us 12 hours each way. In all of our trips since 2006, we haven't made it either direction in less than 10 hours because of traffic, construction, etc.

 

[dcldreamer]

We just drove down from Johnston Co. We stopped in Kingsland, GA at La Quinta. We have frequent bathroom needs, so it took us 12 hours each way. In all of our trips since 2006, we haven't made it either direction in less than 10 hours because of traffic, construction, etc.

Did you like the La Quinta? Do you mind me asking what the rate was and if they had breakfast there? TIA

 

[sorul82?]

Did you like the La Quinta? Do you mind me asking what the rate was and if they had breakfast there? TIA

It was pretty nice. I think we paid $55 with AAA. They had a cont breakfast of make your own waffles, sausage, cereals, grits, oatmeal, fresh cut fruit, pastries, juice, milk, and coffee.

I see you are trying to stop near Jacksonville. I would definitely suggest the La Quinta in Kingsland. I think it is only 5 miles from the FL line.

 

[dcldreamer]

It was pretty nice. I think we paid $55 with AAA. They had a cont breakfast of make your own waffles, sausage, cereals, grits, oatmeal, fresh cut fruit, pastries, juice, milk, and coffee.

I see you are trying to stop near Jacksonville. I would definitely suggest the La Quinta in Kingsland. I think it is only 5 miles from the FL line.

Thanks so much!

 

[sorul82?]

Thanks so much!

You're welcome!

 

[sorul82?]

Thanks so much!

errr, ummm.....I don't know why I didn't notice your ticker before, but it seems we will be on the same cruise!