Travel to HH

[MFD]

We'll be heading down to Hilton Head from NJ during President's week. This our first time to HH, and are probably crazy to drive down (traveling with four kids). I was hoping someone might have a suggestion on a good place to stay on the way down (I was thinking Richmond area) and to otherwise take a driving break.

Marty

 

[NJDVCmember]

Let's see........we drive down to HH every year from northern New Jersey. We usually make it to Fayetteville NC. It is a long first day but a short second. It seems to work well with our three kids. Doing it again this April.
Have Fun.

 

[DownNeckBoy]

I'm also from NJ and traveled down to HH with 3 boys last summer. It is a long but easy ride.

I have a few suggestions for you: 1. Leave VERY early in the morning (I left at midnight last time) so that you are past DC before the locals there are really awake. 2. Take the Richmond bypass (trust me on this) 3. Do not make it a multi-day trip.

If you leave early, the kids will be asleep for a significant portion of the trip. That is a MAJOR plus for your sanity as well as theirs.

The trip itself is somewhere around twelve hours. Although that sounds long, you will regret stopping overnight. Read other posts on this issue and you will see the same sentiment.

Finally, you and your family will LOVE HH. We are going back for July 4th and are making plans for NYE as well. It is a very relaxed family resort that strikes the right balance for Disney. It is our home resort and we are very happy with our decision.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

 

[Windjammer]

MFD:

We just made this trip from southern NJ with 4 small kids in Jan. The first night we took a little detour and stopped at Williamsburg. Spent an hour or so walking around the historic villagethe next morning before leaving. The second night we stopped at Fayettevill. The third day we reached HH. Each travel day was pretty easy and we travelled this way so the kids could do some swimming, but I am not sure I would do this again. The detour to Williamsburg adds about 2 hours total to the trip.

On the return trip we only stopped on night at Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Next trip I am planning on driving to Fayetteville the first day and then reaching HH the second day. There are at least two hotels in Fayetteville with indoor pools. the Four Points by Sheraton and the Holiday Inn.

 

[MFD]

Thanks very much for the help. It's good to hear that neither of you lost your sanity on the drive, and would actually do it again. I think if we have a good game plan for the drive, and have some things in the minivan that can keep the kids occupied for at least some of the time, this could work out fine!

 

[JVL1018]

We're drivng down in March- We were going to drive straight through as it's only 13 hours, but since we're leaving NJ on Saturday and checking in on Sunday we figured why bother.
We're driving to Fayetteville and staying overnight there, that leaves about 4 hours the next day I guess.

 

[sandygirl]

We travelled to HH from NJ last October. We left around 8 pm and drove through the night. This seemed to work well with my 4 yr old daughter. That way she slept most of the way. We did stop in the morning and have a rest and a good breakfast.

When we arrived at HH it was such a nice feeling. I absolutely love it. Peaceful when you need peace, and activities when you need something to do. I will go back! Have a wonderful time.

PS Share the drive, 2 hrs on 2 hrs off.