For those folks driving!

[Al and Kate's Mom]

I've been hearing some things about the Western Beltway off of the FL Turnpike - has anyone used this new way yet?

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

There have been a few threads about the new highway. Try a search for either "429" or "Western Way".

 

[scottm51168]

anybody leave from NE early today ....what a mess only made it to NC traffic was horrible

 

[SELLINGINNJ]

Leaving on Aug 24 from Northern NJ. We are trying 81 to 77 instead of 95.

I am also looking for suggestions on a hotel to stay overnight. Approximately 12-13 hours from NJ.

Many thanks!

 

[MickeyT]

If you're coming I-77 the Hampton Inn or Hilton Garden Inn in Rock Hill SC are both nice.

 

[SELLINGINNJ]

Thanks Mickey T! Are you familiar with the Country Inn & Suites iin Rock Hill?

Also: Any hotel recommendations in the Columbia area?

Thank you very much!!

 

[MickeyT]

Not really familiar with the Country Inn in Rock Hill but it's in a good area. Cherry Road has all the familiar interstate resturants.

A good one on your route in Columbia would be Courtyard Columbia Northeast/I-77. Not as many resturants. A Cracker Barrel near.

I live in Great Falls kinda halfway between the two so give a honk as you go through!

 

[Russ Lightyear]

We are leaving Thursday night from our home in North Central Ohio. We will drive to Dayton for the night and then an early (3:00AM) start Friday Via 71 and 75 and plan to stay in Valdosta, GA at the Holiday Inn. From there its 4-5 hours to the Kingdom.

On our return home we plan on visiting family in J-Ville and heading home via US77 to Ohio Route 250 about 6:00 AM heading toward home. Last time 3 years ago we drove to Parker WV and stayed at the Best Western, which I did not enjoy after a long drive. Anyone have a suggestion as to the place to stay overnight when our home is just North of Mansfield, Ohio. THanks

Kids are pumped for their 3rd Disney experience once at DLand and once at WDW.

 

[adisneynut]

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone knows if any construction is being done on I-95 from Savannah Ga to Daytona Beach, Fl? There has been work being done on this road for a long time.

Is it near completion?
Thansk!!

 

[scottm51168]

the ride from GA to Disney was not bad at all a little construction on I-4 but not bad the rest of the ride from CT was a nightmare....wish we were still at CBR

 

[adisneynut]

the ride from GA to Disney was not bad at all a little construction on I-4 but not bad the rest of the ride from CT was a nightmare....wish we were still at CBR

I can just imagine!!! I appreicate the reply. This past January they had I-95 around St. Augustine closed down to 1 lane. Not much fun either. They have been working on this interstate since our 1998 trip. What really makes me it they block of 20-025 miles of road(make you slow down to 40-45 miles) and they are working on only about a 1/2 miles stretch. I told my husband that mabe that they were trying to encourage the worker to work faster by blocking off so much.

Thanks again!

 

[C.Ann]

I'll be heading to Florida alone right after Christmas from upstate NY (Albany area).. Originally I was thinking of taking the 81 route down into VA and then over to I95, but now I'm wondering if that would be the best choice - due to the time of year.. The idea of going I95 and dealing with all that traffic is just as scary to me as going through the mountains if I take 81..

If I take the 81 route (according to Rand mcNally) there are only two areas before I start across VA where there would be a lengthy travel time between cities with decent hotels - Binghamton, NY to Scranton, PA (1 hour and 2 mins.) and Wilkes-Barre to Harrisburg, PA (1 hour 47 minutes).. All other cities would be 17 to 40 minutes apart..

Also keep in mind that I can not drive at night (night blindness) and I am not on a strict time table.. If necessary, I could take a week to make the drive down and I'm very flexible about when I can leave, as long as it's before mid-January..

I've already checked the I95 site on-line (and read the forums) - as well as reading everything I can find here.. Got all kinds of maps and Trip Tiks from AAA and the final result is that I'm more confused than ever!

Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[SomePixiedust]

I don't think I'll really be of any help to you, but I just did the I81 to 77 to 26 to 95 for the first time (leaving from PA) after years of travelling 95. It was definitely a much more scenic route, but I have to say there were times I felt uncomfortable because the exits were fewer and far between than they are on 95. I know many people prefer 81 as opposed to the boring straight roads of 95, but if you are travelling alone, the closer exits might be something to consider. I don't know what the weather conditions might be in the mountains at that time of year, and of course 95 can get snow, but the further down you go, the less your chances are. On 81 you're inland and in the mountains further down...don't know if that makes a difference. JMHO.
Hope I didn't confuse you more

 

[C.Ann]

I don't think I'll really be of any help to you, but I just did the I81 to 77 to 26 to 95 for the first time (leaving from PA) after years of travelling 95. It was definitely a much more scenic route, but I have to say there were times I felt uncomfortable because the exits were fewer and far between than they are on 95. I know many people prefer 81 as opposed to the boring straight roads of 95, but if you are travelling alone, the closer exits might be something to consider. I don't know what the weather conditions might be in the mountains at that time of year, and of course 95 can get snow, but the further down you go, the less your chances are. On 81 you're inland and in the mountains further down...don't know if that makes a difference. JMHO.
Hope I didn't confuse you more

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Any info at all is appreciated..

Which part of PA did you leave from? And do you recall what areas you were in where the exits were far enough apart to make you feel uncomfortable?
Also, were you driving during the day or at night?

Thanks!

 

[SomePixiedust]

We left from the Harrisburg area after visiting with some friends, so I'm not very familiar with the area. We were travelling during the day and I don't specifically remember the areas but I know there were a lot of points on 81 through VA and then on the northern section of 77 where I noticed the the exits were further apart. If we were looking for a bathroom break, it always seemed like we had a good 15-20 minute wait for a stop, and it never seems that way on 95. We were also just driving until we felt like stopping as we do on 95, and when we decided we were ready to stop, it was another 40 minutes before we came across a hotel (this was at the end of 77 and getting on to 26). By this time it was night, and I will say 26 was very dark. I guess because 95 is so familiar to us, it seems easier. We know the stops and it's easier to plan knowing the exits with hotels are closer together. When we decided to stop, we didn't expect it to be that long before we would find one. Really JMHO maybe because 95 is familiar to me. We went into this drive without much of a plan (VERY UNLIKE US) so that may be why I was uncomfortable. If you do enough homework, you may find it different. Maybe those on here who travel that route often can give more insight. We did meet up with plenty of people along the way (we chat a lot at gas stations ) who love this route and say they would never take 95. So it's just everyone's preference.

 

[C.Ann]

We left from the Harrisburg area after visiting with some friends, so I'm not very familiar with the area. We were travelling during the day and I don't specifically remember the areas but I know there were a lot of points on 81 through VA and then on the northern section of 77 where I noticed the the exits were further apart. If we were looking for a bathroom break, it always seemed like we had a good 15-20 minute wait for a stop, and it never seems that way on 95. We were also just driving until we felt like stopping as we do on 95, and when we decided we were ready to stop, it was another 40 minutes before we came across a hotel (this was at the end of 77 and getting on to 26). By this time it was night, and I will say 26 was very dark. I guess because 95 is so familiar to us, it seems easier. We know the stops and it's easier to plan knowing the exits with hotels are closer together. When we decided to stop, we didn't expect it to be that long before we would find one. Really JMHO maybe because 95 is familiar to me. We went into this drive without much of a plan (VERY UNLIKE US) so that may be why I was uncomfortable. If you do enough homework, you may find it different. Maybe those on here who travel that route often can give more insight. We did meet up with plenty of people along the way (we chat a lot at gas stations ) who love this route and say they would never take 95. So it's just everyone's preference.

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Thanks! I think the big differences are that most people are not driving solo; most can see to drive at night; and those who are driving in winter weather will have traveling companions..

Been researching all morning and I think I'm going to take a leap of faith and go I95 all the way.. My first stop will be in MD.. Next stop either Roanoke Rapids or Rocky Mount, NC.. And my last stop, Hardeeville, SC.. From there I'll continue down I95 to just above Jacksonville and then meander down A1A to do a little sighteeing before heading to my sister's place..

Hopefully if I'm on the road by at least 9 each morning and off by 3:30, I shouldn't hit the major rush hours.. Traffic, yes - but hopefully not unmanageable..

Again, thanks for your input!

 

[Flyerfan]

If I take the 81 route (according to Rand mcNally) there are only two areas before I start across VA where there would be a lengthy travel time between cities with decent hotels - Binghamton, NY to Scranton, PA (1 hour and 2 mins.) and Wilkes-Barre to Harrisburg, PA (1 hour 47 minutes).. All other cities would be 17 to 40 minutes apart..

I live near 81 in PA between Wilkes-Barre and Harrisburg and am familiar with a few exits with decent hotels, if you need any suggestions.

 

[C.Ann]

I live near 81 in PA between Wilkes-Barre and Harrisburg and am familiar with a few exits with decent hotels, if you need any suggestions.

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Thanks! At this point though, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take I95 - considering I'll be traveling in the winter.. I've looked at some various travel sites and all of them suggest avoiding 81 in the winter..

Wonder if it would be safe to come back that way in mid-March - or the last week of March?

 

[Flyerfan]

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Thanks! At this point though, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take I95 - considering I'll be traveling in the winter.. I've looked at some various travel sites and all of them suggest avoiding 81 in the winter..

I know what you mean. We are driving down in December and taking the 81 to 77 to 26 route. I am praying for no snow.

 

[fesslerl]

My husband & I will be driving from TN to Fl and plan to drive most of the way the first day, stopping in Lake City Fl overnight and continuing onto POR the next day.
I was wondering if anyone here has stayed in or near Lake City Fl and has a hotel near I75 that they would recommend.

We are leaning toward Best Western since we've had good experience with them and the price is not too high, around $82 (senior rate). We would not want to pay anymore than that-- just need a clean, safe, comfortable place, hopefully with a decent complimentary breakfast.