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Smiling JOe

SoWal Expert

There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.

steele mama

Beach Fanatic

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe]There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.[/QUOTE]
What he said!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Smiling JOe">There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.</blockquote>What he said!

Panhandler

Beach Lover

Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches:eek: ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...

Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin&#039;. I&#039;m imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches😱 ? Is it a four lane at least? I can&#039;t imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...

TreeFrog

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe]There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.[/QUOTE]

Ditto that. 

If you haven't been through Eufaula before and you like old houses, you might want to budget a few minutes to look around there.  They have a fine district of antebellum and Victorian era houses that you will pass through on 431.  I keep wanting to make it up there for their pilgrimage each April.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Smiling JOe">There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.</blockquote> 
Ditto that. 
 
If you haven&#039;t been through Eufaula before and you like old houses, you might want to budget a few minutes to look around there. They have a fine district of antebellum and Victorian era houses that you will pass through on 431. I keep wanting to make it up there for their pilgrimage each April.

[QUOTE=Panhandler]Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches:eek: ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...[/QUOTE]
Lots of 4 lane and yes, be careful in Alabama especially between Dothan and Eufala! Abbeville police,"16 miles above the speed limit is more than we allow in these parts." I wasn't driving!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Panhandler">Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin&#039;. I&#039;m imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches😱 ? Is it a four lane at least? I can&#039;t imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...</blockquote>Lots of 4 lane and yes, be careful in Alabama especially between Dothan and Eufala! Abbeville police,&quot;16 miles above the speed limit is more than we allow in these parts.&quot; I wasn&#039;t driving!

[QUOTE=Panhandler]Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches:eek: ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...[/QUOTE]Most of the route is four lane. I've never seen an Alabama cavity search performed by anyone other than licensed dentists, but don't give a trooper a reason. ;-)

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Panhandler">Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin&#039;. I&#039;m imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches😱 ? Is it a four lane at least? I can&#039;t imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...</blockquote>Most of the route is four lane. I&#039;ve never seen an Alabama cavity search performed by anyone other than licensed dentists, but don&#039;t give a trooper a reason. ;-)

[QUOTE=Panhandler]Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin'. I'm imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches:eek: ? Is it a four lane at least? I can't imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...[/QUOTE]

Nice highways the whole way, mostly 4 lane.  I rarely see a trooper, but there's nothing wrong with a good radar detector. :biggrin:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Panhandler">Ooooo, that seems like a whole lotta nuthin&#039;. I&#039;m imagining at least a few speeding traps, Alabama deputies, cavity searches😱 ? Is it a four lane at least? I can&#039;t imagine what you people do for hurricane evacuation...Thanks...</blockquote> 
Nice highways the whole way, mostly 4 lane. I rarely see a trooper, but there&#039;s nothing wrong with a good radar detector. 😀

Just don't exceed the speed limit by more than 10mph and you [u]should [/u]be alright. They never look at me twice when going 10 over.

Just don&#039;t exceed the speed limit by more than 10mph and you should be alright. They never look at me twice when going 10 over.

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe]Most of the route is four lane. I've never seen an Alabama cavity search performed by anyone other than licensed dentists, but don't give a trooper a reason. ;-)[/QUOTE]
 
Aww shucks, I guess I'll leave my dope, guns, and copy of the Koran at the house...
 
Seems like a more interesting drive than the Interstate - so I'm looking forward to it! Also going to the new aquarium - which is supposed to be OUT OF THIS WORLD! Will post pics - Thanks all!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Smiling JOe">Most of the route is four lane. I&#039;ve never seen an Alabama cavity search performed by anyone other than licensed dentists, but don&#039;t give a trooper a reason. ;-)</blockquote> 
Aww shucks, I guess I&#039;ll leave my dope, guns, and copy of the Koran at the house... 
 
Seems like a more interesting drive than the Interstate - so I&#039;m looking forward to it! Also going to the new aquarium - which is supposed to be OUT OF THIS WORLD! Will post pics - Thanks all!

gardening1970

You will love historic Eufala and the Georgia Aquarium.  Be prepared for crowds though. Our aquarium reservations were for 8AM last Sunday, and the place was packed.  May not be so bad during the week.  Also, lunch for 6 people was $70 but tasty (considering the venue).  

Friendly suggestion:  pay some serious attention to timing your drive to avoid rush hour (7-10am and 4-7pm) on the major interstates, if possible.  Our traffic is about as bad as it gets during those times.  

Have a great visit!

You will love historic Eufala and the Georgia Aquarium. Be prepared for crowds though. Our aquarium reservations were for 8AM last Sunday, and the place was packed. May not be so bad during the week. Also, lunch for 6 people was $70 but tasty (considering the venue). 
 
Friendly suggestion: pay some serious attention to timing your drive to avoid rush hour (7-10am and 4-7pm) on the major interstates, if possible. Our traffic is about as bad as it gets during those times. 
 
Have a great visit!

Diane4145

If you go 331N, you better go the speed limit thru Brantley! Or, no more than 6 miles above. They are real strict and known to be so! Trust me, I know from experience! :blink: They are about 70 miles North, of Defuniak. The Antebellum Homes are beautiful, on that route! :wub: 

Good luck and be safe! :razz:

If you go 331N, you better go the speed limit thru Brantley! Or, no more than 6 miles above. They are real strict and known to be so! Trust me, I know from experience! :blink: They are about 70 miles North, of Defuniak. The Antebellum Homes are beautiful, on that route! :wub: 
 
Good luck and be safe! :razz:

Bluznbeach

Another option: take 98 east to 79 in PCB, then 79 north until it becomes Alabama route 167 at the state line (and whatever you do, [B]don't speed in Bonifay!!![/B]).  Take 167 to 231 in Troy, 231 north to 271/Taylor Road just south of Montgomery, and 271 to I-85 north. :cool:

Another option: take 98 east to 79 in PCB, then 79 north until it becomes Alabama route 167 at the state line (and whatever you do, don&#039;t speed in Bonifay!!!). Take 167 to 231 in Troy, 231 north to 271/Taylor Road just south of Montgomery, and 271 to I-85 north. :cool:

skippertoo

[QUOTE=Smiling JOe]There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.[/QUOTE]

This is the best and fastest way. Tried them all. I break it up on the Sowal side depending on which side I am staying on. I go 98/79/I10/231 or I go 331/I10/231.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Smiling JOe">There are numerous ways to go. From SoWal, you should be able to get to Atlanta in 5hours and 15 minutes without trouble. From Dothan, do not go to Montgomery. Instead, travel up hwy 431 to Eufaula, then Phenix City, AL, taking the bypass. Get on I-185 N and it will run into I-85N, taking you into the heart of Atlanta.</blockquote> 
This is the best and fastest way. Tried them all. I break it up on the Sowal side depending on which side I am staying on. I go 98/79/I10/231 or I go 331/I10/231.

30A Skunkape

Skunky

[QUOTE=skippertoo]This is the best and fastest way. Tried them all. I break it up on the Sowal side depending on which side I am staying on. I go 98/79/I10/231 or I go 331/I10/231.[/QUOTE]

You might want to gas up in Eufala when going north because there isn't much between there and Columbus/Phenix City (and vice versa!).  The ATL/30A run last week this way took me about 5 hours.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="skippertoo">This is the best and fastest way. Tried them all. I break it up on the Sowal side depending on which side I am staying on. I go 98/79/I10/231 or I go 331/I10/231.</blockquote> 
You might want to gas up in Eufala when going north because there isn&#039;t much between there and Columbus/Phenix City (and vice versa!). The ATL/30A run last week this way took me about 5 hours.

[QUOTE=30A Skunkape]You might want to gas up in Eufala when going north because there isn't much between there and Columbus/Phenix City (and vice versa!).  The ATL/30A run last week this way took me about 5 hours.[/QUOTE]

ALWAYS fill up in Dothan. It is always the cheapest gas on the whole route. Usually can drive from there to Seagrove, run around all week and get back to there with out having to buy gas in Sowal.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="30A Skunkape">You might want to gas up in Eufala when going north because there isn&#039;t much between there and Columbus/Phenix City (and vice versa!). The ATL/30A run last week this way took me about 5 hours.</blockquote> 
ALWAYS fill up in Dothan. It is always the cheapest gas on the whole route. Usually can drive from there to Seagrove, run around all week and get back to there with out having to buy gas in Sowal.

Mermaid

picky

[QUOTE=skippertoo]ALWAYS fill up in Dothan. It is always the cheapest gas on the whole route. Usually can drive from there to Seagrove, run around all week and get back to there with out having to buy gas in Sowal.[/QUOTE]
 
We'll vouch for that.  :clap_1:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="skippertoo">ALWAYS fill up in Dothan. It is always the cheapest gas on the whole route. Usually can drive from there to Seagrove, run around all week and get back to there with out having to buy gas in Sowal.</blockquote> 
We&#039;ll vouch for that. :clap_1:

[QUOTE=skippertoo]ALWAYS fill up in Dothan. It is always the cheapest gas on the whole route. Usually can drive from there to Seagrove, run around all week and get back to there with out having to buy gas in Sowal.[/QUOTE]I agree. Cowboys, on the circle in Dothan, has the cheapest gas from SoWal to Asheville, NC.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="skippertoo">ALWAYS fill up in Dothan. It is always the cheapest gas on the whole route. Usually can drive from there to Seagrove, run around all week and get back to there with out having to buy gas in Sowal.</blockquote>I agree. Cowboys, on the circle in Dothan, has the cheapest gas from SoWal to Asheville, NC.

Buckhead Rick

Here's another, what we like about it is NO big towns, we've been caught in local traffic on ALL other routes but this one, because there is NO local traffic we never have been.  Made it in 5 hrs (one stop), yes, a little over the speed limit, and that is to home in North Buckhead -now Sandy Springs.
20 to Bruce, 81/87 thru Ponce, Samson, Elba, Troy, 47 (Taylor rd) before you get to Montgomery- stop at the chic fil a- 85 to Hotatlanta.

Here&#039;s another, what we like about it is NO big towns, we&#039;ve been caught in local traffic on ALL other routes but this one, because there is NO local traffic we never have been. Made it in 5 hrs (one stop), yes, a little over the speed limit, and that is to home in North Buckhead -now Sandy Springs. 
20 to Bruce, 81/87 thru Ponce, Samson, Elba, Troy, 47 (Taylor rd) before you get to Montgomery- stop at the chic fil a- 85 to Hotatlanta.

Beach Runner

beats on hood

[QUOTE=Buckhead Rick]Here's another, what we like about it is NO big towns, we've been caught in local traffic on ALL other routes but this one, because there is NO local traffic we never have been.  Made it in 5 hrs (one stop), yes, a little over the speed limit, and that is to home in North Buckhead -now Sandy Springs.
20 to Bruce, 81/87 thru Ponce, Samson, Elba, Troy, 47 (Taylor rd) before you get to Montgomery- stop at the chic fil a- 85 to Hotatlanta.[/QUOTE]
 The problem with that route is too many miles without cell phone coverage. It's a slight variation on my previously posted route, BTW, which has the same problem.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Buckhead Rick">Here&#039;s another, what we like about it is NO big towns, we&#039;ve been caught in local traffic on ALL other routes but this one, because there is NO local traffic we never have been. Made it in 5 hrs (one stop), yes, a little over the speed limit, and that is to home in North Buckhead -now Sandy Springs. 
20 to Bruce, 81/87 thru Ponce, Samson, Elba, Troy, 47 (Taylor rd) before you get to Montgomery- stop at the chic fil a- 85 to Hotatlanta.</blockquote> The problem with that route is too many miles without cell phone coverage. It&#039;s a slight variation on my previously posted route, BTW, which has the same problem.

So I'm going to the Tom Waits concert in Atlanta (yes I'm bragging:lol: ). I put in for directions at Google Maps - and they advise that I go east on I-10 to Cottondale, and then north through Dothan - up to Montgomery - then follow I-85 to Atlanta. Total time - 7.5 hours:blink: !?!?!?! 
When I lived in Mobile, we could do it in less than 4 hours, depending on traffic...What gives? 
Surely there is a better route???

So I&#039;m going to the Tom Waits concert in Atlanta (yes I&#039;m bragging:lol: ). I put in for directions at Google Maps - and they advise that I go east on I-10 to Cottondale, and then north through Dothan - up to Montgomery - then follow I-85 to Atlanta. Total time - 7.5 hours:blink: !?!?!?! 
When I lived in Mobile, we could do it in less than 4 hours, depending on traffic...What gives? 
Surely there is a better route???

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