Really need help with planning the drive down East Coast to DW

[Honeystar120608]

Hi guys, We are in New Brunswick...Canada. Just in case you may not know where that is, it's NE of Maine. Where we've had a miserable winter of snow storm after snow storm and I can't wait to get back to Florida and DW.
And this was only 3/4 of the way through the winter!




We are driving down to Florida Oct 30th and back up arriving home Nov 14th-15th. However, I want the driving portions of the trip to be meticulously planned out only because we want to get to Florida and back home as quickly as possible, but I also want to tie in some great experiences of these states as well.

What I need is help.

A lot of it.

I am trying to plan a road trip along the east coast, a part of the country I've generally flown over. We've driven to NJ, a strictly get there and back situation. And I was sick so I don't remember much. I'm hoping your guys' expertise will make the road trip portion go as smoothly as possible. The other kicker is that I promised my hubby that I'd keep the driving part cheaper than what our flights would be ($1500-$2000 Canadian...which is like a penny USD Ugh)

Hubby wants to have the hotels booked so that we dont have stress over where we are staying. But that means if we run into any heavy traffic or hiccups along the road, we could be driving until 10pm, which I'm trying hard to keep it at a before 730pm rule of thumb.

The other thing, we are looking forward to trying out new restaurants, fast food included, that we just don't have here and that we have never eaten at before. Don't judge lol It's all new to us. I appreciate any suggestions you have though in this regard, even if they are local hot spots. We love trying new places that come recommended.

Before I start, just want to say Thanks in advance... all of your help is appreciated! I also hope that this can be a great reference to someone else travelling along these same routes.

Just to put a face to those you are assisting, Here we are in 2013. My daughter and I rarely match. I am taking advantage of it before she is a teen and decides she really doesn't want to be my BFF any more



Ok... here is the rough itinerary going down. I haven't worked on my return leg of the trip yet except I think I know roughly where I'd like to stop and check out. We can get to that a bit later.

Oct 30th-First night is in Portland ME, maybe Portsmouth, NH. We know this drive well, have done it a handful of times. So I think we are pretty good with this leg of the journey.

Oct 31st-Driving straight through until Delaware. Ideally would like to get as far south as possible, looking at Salisbury, DE.Even though, for itinerary reasons (more time in Myrtle Beach) I'd love to get a little further.
-Originally wanted to make a stop in Salem for a quick tour of a museum it being Halloween and all, but with some sound advice from my other DIS thread, I've decided against this.
-Driving down past Boston, we want to skirt around as much traffic as possible. We've driven to NY, crossed over to NJ and parked in Newark before a couple years ago. Needless to say, we did not take the 87 North of NYC to scoot around. This time I think we will, and then jumping on to the Garden State Pkwy to head down.
-How do you think traffic will be? Is it NJ week? I hear that is in Nov. Also, Oct 31st is a Saturday as well as Halloween. I really wanted to do something a little Halloween like with the kids that takes not much time. I know, I'm asking for a lot.
-I am thinking we will need little pitt stops around Milford, CT...I see there is a Cracker Barrell maybe for lunch (never been to one). I don't mind fast food neither, eat and drive. Or shopping, a little crazy about Justice clothing
----Would like a pitt stop between CT and DE for the kids to get out and run around. A park perhaps? Any ideas? Safe walking trails?
-If there is no traffic we can do supper near New Castle, DE. If we do a sit down lunch, I want like McDonalds (ugh) or something fast for Supper. I see a Krispy Kreme here on google maps. That will make everyone very happy. We have none here, had it on our trip in Quebec.

Nov 1st-Driving to Myrtle Beach. I've always wanted to stay at Myrtle Beach, even if for one night. We have a hotel picked out, it's right on the beach. So, of course, more time there the better. But we are literally talking about an extra hour arriving, or departing the next morning. But that makes a big difference to our stay there. Yes, I know it's rushed, that's just the reality of it.
-If we leave from Salisbury, DE we will get to see the tunnels of Chesapeake Bay. That is on our to see list. Then I noticed that there is a Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Technically, we don't have time to do this, but my hubby and 10 yr old son LOVE planes, and military vehicles. So, we can do about an hour for that. I'd hate for them to miss out seeing this. Especially since we do so much driving the day before.
-Where could we eat lunch south of Chesapeake? We will be on the 615, then cutting over on Pungo Ferry Rd, Hungarian Rd, Indian Creek Rd, Gallbush rd to get onto the 168.
-I'm thinking somewhere around Greenville, NC we will want a break. Again, a park would be great so the kids can hop out and go play. Get their bodies moving for 20 mins would be great. Or a safe walking trail or something. Suggestions welcomed.
-Supper, no idea. Best case situation, we get supper to bring to the hotel. Based on this whole plan we should arrive at the hotel around 7-730 in the evening. If we are careful with time, and luck is on our side, we could manage it a little earlier than that. Maybe a grocery store, deli, even a super walmart where we could grab something to go? Something between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach?

Nov 2nd-Driving to Davenport FL - Instead of our usual departure at 8am, I'm hoping we can manage only leaving at 10-1030am. Get a swim or beach time in before leaving. (we are on Atlantic time, so technically, 8am departures are only 9 to our body clock) None of us have seen any of these states, not only that, the climate at this time of year will excite us a great deal
-I can honestly say that I have not done much research on this leg of the trip yet. As the others, I have an extensive idea of stops and restaurants and such. Not this leg.
- Savannah GA would be around the time we'd need to stop for lunch. Good eats would be found where? Hubby would love an authentic bbq place. We don't have them up our way, so something like that would be perfect!!! Would LOVE some ideas here.
-I am undecided on where to stop between Savannah and Davenport (Kissimmee) Based on googlemaps If we do lunch at 1pm in Savannah and eat for an hour, if we drive straight, no stops, to Davenport we will arrive around 7pm. But 5 hours of straight driving is a bit much for the kids. We will need to stop somewhere. I love the idea of checking out historic St Augustine, but perhaps on the drive back.
-So, where to stop for a pitt stop between St Augustine and Daytona Beach?
-Any buffets near Daytona and Orlando that are healthy and good? We will be doing the Old Country buffet in Portland. Wouldn't mind doing another go at that around here. Or I've heard of Golden Coral if there is one near.


As I said, I have some ideas for the return portion, but nothing figured out yet. Thought I'd start with this first

I think we will make the first full day at our rental house as a free day. Shopping, get a few groceries, outlets. That sort of thing maybe. Then we have 2 days Universal (Unless they offer buy 2 get one day free in the fall... ) Then a day at Sea World. And then depending on the free dining and when it picks up, we will do 3 nights (or 4 )in Disney, then head back home.

I want to thank you all in advance, you may live in these areas and know it in and out. If you are ever in Atlantic Canada, I would love to return the favor!

 

[eeyorethegreat]

It sounds like you have a plan. The thing with driving (and it doesn't sound like you have driven to FL before) this type of distance, is that t he timing is unpredictable. I would caution against making hotel reservations. It is only going to add stress to your travel. You should have no problem in finding a hotel room for the night when you stop. We live in central Maine and make the trip by car. With 7 of us it is far cheaper to drive than it is to fly. We make it down in two or three days drive. We set in mind where approximately we want to get to for the night but there have been times we have been backed up in traffic for hours so had to stop short of our destination or had it free and clear and surpassed our expectation. Not having to worry about making it to a particular hotel in a particular city takes a lot of the stress off. You will find that many rest stops particularly the "welcome centers" in each state generally have plenty of space to get out and move around. There are ofte picnic tables so if you packed sandwhiches in a super duty cooler you could even have a lunch right there. I've been to Myrtle Beach twice. There is a Margaritaville if that interests you if you can get there for lunch. Night time is a more night club atmosphere. The food is decent but somewhat expensive and the menu is a bit limited but it is a fun experience to try once. In Savannah there is an amazing ice cream shop called Leopold's. In St Augustine, there is the Fountain of Youth. We really have enjoyed that. I hope you enjoy your road trip! If you get near Mt Desert Island in Maine, be sure to take a visit to Acadia National Park. Beautiful!

 

[Sadie22]

Make reservations at places that allow you to cancel by 4 PM that day and not owe anything. That way if you are not close enough by near that time, you can call and cancel.

 

[Honeystar120608]

It sounds like you have a plan. The thing with driving (and it doesn't sound like you have driven to FL before) this type of distance, is that t he timing is unpredictable. I would caution against making hotel reservations. It is only going to add stress to your travel. You should have no problem in finding a hotel room for the night when you stop. We live in central Maine and make the trip by car. With 7 of us it is far cheaper to drive than it is to fly. We make it down in two or three days drive. We set in mind where approximately we want to get to for the night but there have been times we have been backed up in traffic for hours so had to stop short of our destination or had it free and clear and surpassed our expectation. Not having to worry about making it to a particular hotel in a particular city takes a lot of the stress off. You will find that many rest stops particularly the "welcome centers" in each state generally have plenty of space to get out and move around. There are ofte picnic tables so if you packed sandwhiches in a super duty cooler you could even have a lunch right there. I've been to Myrtle Beach twice. There is a Margaritaville if that interests you if you can get there for lunch. Night time is a more night club atmosphere. The food is decent but somewhat expensive and the menu is a bit limited but it is a fun experience to try once. In Savannah there is an amazing ice cream shop called Leopold's. In St Augustine, there is the Fountain of Youth. We really have enjoyed that. I hope you enjoy your road trip! If you get near Mt Desert Island in Maine, be sure to take a visit to Acadia National Park. Beautiful!

I will definitely consider that about the hotels. That is what I'm afraid of and we don't need that stress.

good idea about the rest stops! Never thought of that. Honestly, we don't have many here in NB, not like you all do in Maine, and NH is good for the stops as well I think.

I've never heard of a Margaritaville...we have a drink mixer by that name. lol I will definitely check it out

Thanks for all the tidbits! I will add them to my list

 

[got2sammies]

" we leave from Salisbury, DE we will get to see the tunnels of Chesapeake Bay. That is on our to see list. Then I noticed that there is a Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Technically, we don't have time to do this, but my hubby and 10 yr old son LOVE planes, and military vehicles. So, we can do about an hour for that. I'd hate for them to miss out seeing this. Especially since we do so much driving the day before.
-Where could we eat lunch south of Chesapeake? We will be on the 615, then cutting over on Pungo Ferry Rd, Hungarian Rd, Indian Creek Rd, Gallbush rd to get onto the 168."


I cant give you advice on everything but since this is my backyard I will say this: What tunnels are you referring to? I am assuming you plan on taking route 13 from DE through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (?) This bridge/tunnel span has 3 bridges and 3 tunnels... There is a $15(?) toll each way for this-BUT there is a resturant on the span (before tunnel two I believe) Caution though if you dont like bridges and tunnels this is not for you. Honeslty there is not a lot of places to stop on route 13.. you go through towns with fast food and some stops but the scenery is nice. We also have the hampton roads bridge tunnel, midtown tunnel and downtown tunnel- avoid those if you can traffic stinks!
The Military museum in Pongo is kinda out of the way plus its a little pricey admission..Im talking about a good 30-40 minutes from 64.. There is a Pizza place not too far from there I think its Pongo Pizza or something like that... There is Southland on 168 south of chesapeake going south.. Its actually the border of North Carolina and Va.. Border station is on the opposite side with souvies and a Dairy Queen..

 

[HappyHaunts999]

For a fun stop in Conn,the Pez factory is in Orange right next to Milford. If you are taking the GSP in NJ, Cheesequake Park has great walking trails. We like to stop in Chick fil a, great food and clean bathrooms.

 

[Judique]

Nov 1st-Driving to Myrtle Beach. I've always wanted to stay at Myrtle Beach, even if for one night. We have a hotel picked out, it's right on the beach. So, of course, more time there the better. But we are literally talking about an extra hour arriving, or departing the next morning. But that makes a big difference to our stay there. Yes, I know it's rushed, that's just the reality of it.
-If we leave from Salisbury, DE we will get to see the tunnels of Chesapeake Bay. That is on our to see list. Then I noticed that there is a Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Technically, we don't have time to do this, but my hubby and 10 yr old son LOVE planes, and military vehicles. So, we can do about an hour for that. I'd hate for them to miss out seeing this. Especially since we do so much driving the day before.
-Where could we eat lunch south of Chesapeake? We will be on the 615, then cutting over on Pungo Ferry Rd, Hungarian Rd, Indian Creek Rd, Gallbush rd to get onto the 168.
-I'm thinking somewhere around Greenville, NC we will want a break. Again, a park would be great so the kids can hop out and go play. Get their bodies moving for 20 mins would be great. Or a safe walking trail or something. Suggestions welcomed.
-Supper, no idea. Best case situation, we get supper to bring to the hotel. Based on this whole plan we should arrive at the hotel around 7-730 in the evening. If we are careful with time, and luck is on our side, we could manage it a little earlier than that. Maybe a grocery store, deli, even a super walmart where we could grab something to go? Something between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach?

Are you trying to do the Coastal route between Va Beach and Myrtle Beach?

Maybe the locals can chime in but, I did this a few years ago and it was extremely time consuming. I wasn't going to Florida, just doing some exploring.

I'd leave VA Beach and take the highway to 95 South and then go east to Myrtle Beach.

Probably wouldn't even consider the trip through Delaware and the tunnels, unless you really want to do this and have the time for the small roads.

You can get backed up on the major highways but in general, with proper timing, the trip can be smoother.

October is pretty much end of the season in Myrtle Beach, but still should be warm enough.

This really sounds like an adventure! Hope you come back and tell us all about it!

Savannah is also a nice city. I don't have a barbecue to recommend but have eaten at Paula Deen's. Also like to go down to River Street and get pralines.

 

[gopher101]

One thing I can recommend, stop at the first rest stop/welcome center in every state you go to. They have nice clean restrooms, and tend to give away free maps. Great suvonior. Also buy the sun pass at Florida's, well worth it.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

I see you really want to stop at Myrtle Beach but that is going to add significant time to your travel IMO. We are near Raleigh (just north of it in NC) - our drive is 10 hours from our house to Disney. If you stay on I-95 through NC you won't be very close to Myrtle Beach but you will save a ton of driving time.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I live in Ontario and I know what it costs us to drive to FL from here. I think that with stopping 3 nights in hotels each way it's going to cost you as much as flying if not more....don't forget the higher exchange rate we are paying now.

For us it's around $700USD RT but that's only 1 night in a hotel in each direction and we pack our food...so no meals to purchase on the road. The vehicle you drive also plays a part in the cost. On that front, don't forget to factor in a service visit before you depart for a road trip inspection and oil change....this is free for us as DH works at the dealership.

 

[tina.tina]

To cut down on travel costs, are you sure you're not underestimating your kids' ability to travel for long periods of time? My kids (9 & 14) have always done really well traveling especially if we have snacks. We play travel games and spend quality family time just talking. I understand if you're really wanting to do a road trip & see lots of stuff, though. If we've stopped too much, they want to linger and look at each place we stop.
www.broadwayatthebeach.com is a nice shopping/dining area in Myrtle Beach (Margaritaville is there)
My parents really like The Giant Crab seafood buffet giantcrab.com

I would be sure to time things so that you arrive at the FL welcome center during the hours they serve free OJ. That was so cool to me as a kid and my kids enjoyed it, too. We detoured off to Daytona for a few hours and the kids jumped in the water. Myrtle Beach water temperatures will be in the 60s and too cold for me during that time. Daytona Beach water should be in the 70s and the air temperatures will be warmer, too.

I agree with the PP who said she would head to 95 from VA Beach and go down 95 to about Florence then head over to Myrtle Beach. Florence to MB is about 1.3 hours and Wilmington to MB is 1.2 hours just to give you some ideas of travel time.

 

[Lemurone]

I agree that this sounds much more expensive than flying! I do enjoy an exploratory road trip though especially one that involves food.
Cracker Barrel is a good goal to have-it's a nice kitschy restaurant with good pancakes, no matter what food snobs may say
I am not too clear on why you want to go Myrtle either since it will take your time to go out of the way. It's not nearly as nice or special as some other place you could work in. It's a pretty depressed town.
Edited to add the water at myrtle will be warmer than 60 in October.

 

[tina.tina]

I agree that this sounds much more expensive than flying! I do enjoy an exploratory road trip though especially one that involves food.
Cracker Barrel is a good goal to have-it's a nice kitschy restaurant with good pancakes, no matter what food snobs may say
I am not too clear on why you want to go Myrtle either since it will take your time to go out of the way. It's not nearly as nice or special as some other place you could work in. It's a pretty depressed town.
Edited to add the water at myrtle will be warmer than 60 in October.

I also recommend Cracker Barrel if you like home cooking style comfort food.
I wouldn't describe Myrtle Beach as a "pretty depressed town." 16.1 million tourists visited there in 2013. I enjoy Myrtle Beach and other "tourist" places like Gatlinburg and Orlando but everyone likes something different.
According to NOAA, the average coastal water temperature for Oct 16-31 is 67 and the average for November is 61, so that's why I said "in the 60s." Here's the link to the chart. I always look at this when I'm planning for a trip to see if the water will be warm enough to at least play in the surf. Water at Myrtle Beach in June feels a little cool to me to swim in first thing in the morning even though the average is 80.

 

[Lemurone]

There's always a chart out there that contradicts the other charts out there--the one I looked at had the water in the 70s during October and came from weather.gov.
When I say "depressed," I mean it's really easy to find shops and restaurants that have had to close down. The economy may be great for the mini golf places, but the city as a whole seems to have suffered more and more each time I'm there. Things are old and in bad shape. Add the bike week mentality and confederate flag beach towels (it's not called Redneck Riveria for nothing!), and it's just not appealing to me. There are beautiful SC beaches nearby where you can ignore that stuff a little bit easier.

 

[Anesthesia Fine]

I found this enormously helpful on our last drive down; we let the kids take turns picking where to eat and we were able to call ahead for hotel availability when we thought we'd be ready to stop for the night.

 

[keelyhealthnut]

This sounds like a blast! I drove my two kids from Texas to Florida a few months ago, ages 3 and 4 at the time. I did it without my husband so it was a lot of solo driving! I think it was about half of the distance you'll be traveling. We managed to make a few longer stops, definitely enjoying the wonderful Florida visitor's center, and it was about a 16 hour trip, one way. We didn't stop at any hotels and took along a lot of snacks so the cost of roundtrip gas plus one meal each way and stopping for coffee a few times was about $250 total. That was less than flying just one person there, not to mention the cost of parking a car for 2 weeks at an airport or the cost of a rental car once we got to Florida. So worth it! People thought I was crazy doing this with two young kids (without my husband), but we had a wonderful adventure and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I do think that I shed a few tears around Mississippi because the drive was just SO long when you're the only driver! We also had several stops after there were tantrums because somebody dropped something and couldn't reach it!

Maybe you could shave a day off of your plans and still make it affordable and be able to see some good sights and good eats? I think that would still be doable and enjoyable!

Cracker Barrel is definitely a spot to stop! Somebody mentioned a food snob and honestly I tend to be one...and I still love Cracker Barrel. Their pancakes and biscuits really are delicious. I can only recommend them for the breakfast food, but I can eat it at any time of day! The shopping in their "general store" can't be beat too. I usually try to hit up local places when traveling, but Cracker Barrel usually makes an appearance!

As far as fast food places go, I'm not sure what's available where you are but I seem to remember a lot of Wendy's and some White Castle on the East coast. It's been a while since I've been there. I can always go for a Taco Bell bean burrito (hangs head in shame! LOL) and Chipotle!

 

[Bree]

I just moved from central MA to FL last year, but spent 15 years driving back and forth to Maine to visit my inlaws. If you want to bypass Boston traffic take I-95 into MA, but then get on 495 south ---> 290 West ---> I-90 West (MA Turnpike) ---> I-84. The exit you get off the turnpike for I-84 is Sturbridge, MA which is the town next to where I just moved from. It's about 2 hours from Kittery, ME and would get you further south. There are a few hotels. I know there is a Hampton Inn which will provide free breakfast! Sturbridge has some really great restaurants like the Publick House which is an Inn/Restaurant that has been in business since the 1700's. It's easy to get to/from the highway. The bakery is great and would give you some yummy snacks to take with you on your travels.

http://www.publickhouse.com/

I know you mentioned Cracker Barrel. There is one there as well. There is a fabulous pizza place called Enrico's. They cook them in wood fueled bricked ovens.

 

[lola202408]

Not to hijack the thread but Bree I have a question for you. I live in Worcester and am planning a drive down in the fall, which route do you take into Florida? Not 95 the whole way do you?

Thanks,
Lori

 

[Bree]

Not to hijack the thread but Bree I have a question for you. I live in Worcester and am planning a drive down in the fall, which route do you take into Florida? Not 95 the whole way do you?

Thanks,
Lori

I drove back and forth from Spencer to Maine. The only time I have driven to FL was when I moved here last summer. We stopped in Richmond, VA & Jacksonville, FL before continuing on to southeast FL. I had two kids, two cats and a dog and my DH drove the moving truck we rented. I remember taking I-95 a lot. I used the iPhone Google Maps app and it worked pretty well.

I know some people love road trips and exploring, but not me LOL!!! I never have. I could barely tolerate the 4 hour drive to see my in laws.

It took way longer than we had estimated to get to our new house (even with factoring in time for traffic). Bad weather, construction and accident after accident plagued us all the way to FL. It took us 17 hours to get from MA to Richhmond, VA then another 13 hours the next day to Jacksonville, FL. Thankfully it was an easy drive the next day to our new house. I was emotionally and physically worn out.

We are going to Maine this summer and flying. I joke that I have been scarred for life from the drive down here. Maybe I'll do it in a few years when the memories aren't so fresh LOL!

 

[edk35]

Stop at Cracker Barrel for SURE. We ate there 3 weeks ago today for breakfast after stopping in Savanna overnight. It was right nextdoor to our hotel. We drive from MD and stopping there was perfect. I agree about stopping at Myrtle....too far off 95. KEEP ON TRUCKIN!!!