From Cleveland to Orlando?

[DVC Grandpa]

We have three days to travel from Cleveland to Orlando in October for two weeks at the Wine and Food Festival. Can those who travel from the Cleveland area suggest a scenic and easy driven route to Orlando? (We have driven I75 many times and would like a different view this year.) Being in the fall, we hope to see the fall color and take in any other attractions we come across along the way to prolong the drive. Can anyone suggest a route and attractions they have found sight worthy on there drive south?

 

[ssawka]

Sorry, but I'm not from the Cleveland area, but I took a quick look at Google Maps. I'm not sure how long this would take, but it looks like you could go I-77 to I-81 to I-75 into Orlando. This might take you a little bit out of the way, but I-81 is one of the most scenic roads in the country, especially in the fall. I-81 runs right through the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. IMHO it would be worth the extra time.

 

[JimC]

Agree with I-81 recommendation. Our two daughters attended Wake Forest when we lived in PA. So I-81 was a regular route.

If you do this you need to take time to enjoy a half-day detour. It is Skyline Drive. It is worth the detour even if you have to hustle a bit on the rest of your trip down. Use your GPS or get directions to Front Royal, VA the northern entrance to Skyline Drive. It should be about a six hour drive from Cleveland to Front Royal.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Agree with I-81 recommendation. Our two daughters attended Wake Forest when we lived in PA. So I-81 was a regular route.

If you do this you need to take time to enjoy a half-day detour. It is Skyline Drive. It is worth the detour even if you have to hustle a bit on the rest of your trip down. Use your GPS or get directions to Front Royal, VA the northern entrance to Skyline Drive. It should be about a six hour drive from Cleveland to Front Royal.

I got the maps out and looked at I-81 and also looked at the link to Shenandoah Skyline Drive. If I read the map correctly, I would have to go NE on I-81 from I-77 to get on to the Skyline and then drive the 105 miles through the park. For those who have driven to the Skyline Drive from the Cleveland area, is there a quicker route to take? If I were to stay on I-77, what will I see just by going south on I-81 from that intersection?

 

[CarolAnnC]

This is not DVC specific and more appropriate for our Transportation Board so I am moving it over there. Thank you.

 

[JimC]

From Cleveland to Front Royal:

I-77 S
I-80 E
I-76 E
I-70 E
US-522 S
VA-37 S
I-81 S
I-66 E via EXIT 300 on the LEFT toward FRONT ROYAL

I-81 is in the valley. Skyline Drive is in the mountains. The difference is stunning.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

I am convinced, ordered my travel books today.

 

[JimC]

Enjoy the drive!!

 

[ssawka]

I agree, Syline Drive is beautiful. I did not originally suggest it because it will take significantly longer. Skyline Drive is a national park and the speed limit is under 35 MPH. If you continue down, Skyline Drive becomes the Blueridge Parkway.