I-75 christmas day travel

[LeahA]

We celebrate with all both of our families on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day we usually sit on our couch the whole day. So, we decided to start our vacation and hop on the road and drive down to Disney! We are going to pack a cooler of food, because we know that most restaurants will be closed, but what about gas stations?

I know not everyone celebrates Christmas. So, has anyone drove on Christmas Day? Was anything open along the highway? I'm assuming yes, but don't want to be stuck in the middle of Georgia, with no gas!!!!!

 

[ParrotBill]

I have driven long distance on holidays like this.. generally good driving because the trucks are almost all off the road! Traffic not heavy at all.

Most people have already traveled for long distances, on Christmas it's typically short local trips.

Yes, a lot of places are closed, but you will find some places open. Taking a cooler and food is a good idea. Enjoy!

 

[LadyBeBop]

Most gas stations actually along the interstate are open. Most restaurants are closed, but not all. All Waffle Houses are open...and there is usually a Waffle House at every exit off I-75 in the South. Sometimes, you'll find two WHs off an exit. All Denny's will be open as well, and I think most IHOPs will be open. So you won't starve.

 

[LeahA]

Thanks for the info! We were a little nervous about doing it, but I think we will be o.k.!

 

[Traveliz]

Ok I started a long post on this about three hours while waiting for the doctor and then got called in mid typing so starting over.

LOVE LOVE LOVE driving to FL on Christmas Day. I drive from IL to Orlando often and by far Christmas Day is my favorite.

A few years ago my CM daughter had a few days off around Christmas but had to be back on the 27th so we drove down on the 25th with her. It was without a doubt the easiest driving day we have EVER had. No trucks, little traffic, nice stretchs with no traffic, no problems in any of the well known traffic problem spots...again awesome.

Like you I was nervous but found many/most gas stations open. There was never not one available when we pulled off for one. Food was different. Most eateries were totally closed (including any food service in gas stations). Honestly the Subway on the top of Monteagle was open (if you go that way) and the Denny's in Southern GA off the highway in the parking lot of the outlet mall. We managed on mostly gas station snacks. We did stop at Dennys and I am not really a fan but it was great. They all wore Christmas sweaters, all very cherry and happy and helpful.

We made record time again and I would not hesitate to do Christmas Day driving again.

Liz

 

[LeahA]

Thanks Liz! Did you drive straight through? Was it a little faster seeing there was no back ups? We usually stop and I told my dh we should just go all they way!

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks Liz! Did you drive straight through? Was it a little faster seeing there was no back ups? We usually stop and I told my dh we should just go all they way!

Ok that particular time we didn't but its because on Christmas Eve we were at my sister in laws which was about an hour from here so after we left there for the evening we drove to Southern IL (just a few hours) and stayed overnight and then started out in the morning. If we would have gone home from my SIL then we would have been back tracking.

We do drive down ALOT now as we have a condo there with our daughter working there and if it is just me or me and my husband we drive straight through as we know that our condo is ready and waiting (no check in involved) whenever we get there. If I am going down with nieces and nephews I break up the drive. This is during regular driving season...I would not hesitate to go straight through on Christmas Day at all. Leave super early though.

Liz

 

[hearts8701]

we have drove on Christmas eve and Christmas day we found more hotels gas stations restraunts closed on Christmas eve night than Christmas day early morning and late evening on Christmas day has more things closed than afternoon

 

[HHSTigerFan]

Last time we drove down Christmas day, we left home around noon and our choices for dinner were pretty slim, ended up at hardees, but no problem finding gas..