We are heading to FL in 3 weeks and we want to stop north of Charlotte, NC after a 16h drive. We plan on leaving Montreal, QC around 8pm a Thursday evening to get to Charlotte mid-afternoon the Friday. I was thinking stopping north of Charlotte to avoid afternoon rush hour traffic and since the next day is a Saturday, I don't worry about morning rush hour.
I would like a nice, CLEAN hotel with a pool so the kids can have fun after so many hours in the car. Hopefully less than 100$/night, close to both I-77 and a good family restaurant (not fast food). Any suggestions?
Thanks!
I can't recommend a hotel. I can, however, provide city/exit info North of Charlotte, and some traffic help:
On a typical Friday afternoon, you will see traffic thicken starting after 3:00. By 4:00-4:30, it can be backing up to exits 30-37 (i.e. the Lake Norman exits).
That's a good target area (Mooresville) for an 'as far South as you want to go' point, to stay out of Charlotte traffic. Huntersville (mile marker mid 20 something) is further South, but you will definitely get pulled into any traffic backups by then.
Statesville is at exits @ 49-51, and has hotels, but the closest to the highway is a Red Roof Inn. There are lots more there, but just not right off the ramp in the traditional sense. (i.e. If you were to take the I-40 West exit, and go 1/4 mile to that 1st exit, that drops you out closer to several more hotels. Again, it's not 'right off the ramp' on I-77, but alot easier than it sounds in my description). That also has a ton of restaurants close by.
Elkin/Jonesville is further North of that on I-77, as the previous poster said.
You are correct that you should have no traffic problems leaving on Saturday morning.
Your cheapest gas options will be to fuel up somewhere in VA, then later on in SC. NC has the highest prices until FL (I live here, I know).
Lastly, from The NC/SC line on I-77, you've got 532 miles to WDW.
Travel Safe!
Rob
