For those who have driven Rte 81... some questions

[mshanson3121]

1. For those of you who didn't hit the 95 till past Richmond, to get down to the 95, did you take Rte 77 through Charlotte, or the 26 down through Ashville? We'd prefer to go through Charlotte since it saves about an hour, but how bad is the driving/traffic (mid-week, early summer)?

2. Our first night we plan on staying in Scranton, PA. Suggestions for hotels, preferably with a pool but not necessary?

3. If we take route 77, I imagine we'll stay in Charlotte. Hotel suggestions? Or if we do go through Ashville, suggestions for there?

4. Any suggestions for must-see quick stops, or recommendations for great places to stop and stretch your legs? Especially kid-friendly ones?

 

[SnackCredit]

Where are you from, and when are you going?

 

[mshanson3121]

Driving from northern Maine, last week of June. We're taking the 95 down to Hartford, then we'll swing into PA via 84, then take the 81 down South. Bypasses all the major cities.

 

[SnackCredit]

I've never taken I-81 to FL (have done it to VA, NC, and AL in the past), but from my experience, I-81 has more trucks than I-95. There are fewer rush hour backups if there's no accident.

If you're not short on time, try driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway for part of the trip. The speed limit is only 45 mph, but it's a gorgeous area. You can also go through Shenandoah National Park, which usually charges at least $15 per car unless you have one of those national park discount passes.