Driving to DC

[ShallowsNole]

At some point in the near future, my family will be traveling to/from Maryland to visit my brother. Fuzz won't fly (and right now we cannot afford it anyway - come on, Southwest!) and we did Amtrak last time. We will not do Amtrak again unless it is just the two of us, as being the one who ends up sitting with a stranger has its moments.

So - would y'all take I-85 to I-95, or drive to Jax and take I-95 all the way?

I'm leaning toward going via I-85 and Atlanta because I am just about sick of driving to Jacksonville. Fuzz is leaning toward. I-95 because of being able to avoid Atlanta.

We are also breaking it into a two-day drive. Suggestions for where to stop are also welcome.

 

[wrobert]

The first time we went, we drove. I got a friend that owns a tour bus company to get me a route that took two days, went by a huge waterfall, up to Mt. Airy, NC to see the Andy Griffith stuff, and into the caverns, across the mountains, then on into DC. A really nice trip with lots of interesting stops along the way.

 

[Lynnie]

I would say taking I-85 through Atlanta will depend heavily on the day of the week you are traveling as well as your timing leaving sowal. Don't get on I-285; it just isn't necessary for your destination.

Traffic doesn't put me in a bad mood, but Atlanta traffic can be pretty miserable at times. We had snails pace a week ago due to the Braves and soccer at the same time......this was a weekday after rush hour, to boot.

Have funn in DC!!!

 

[SHELLY]

Try working the Blue Ridge Parkway into your plan if you haven't done that before.

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway

.

 

[ShallowsNole]

I wouldn't mind a scenic route. We've done interstate before - I remember liking I-85 a WHOLE lot more than I-95. But it has been fourteen years since we did that. Both times we planned to go straight through, but had to give up about four hours out. We are not even thinking that this time as I can't drive in unfamiliar places at night until I get my cataracts fixed - even via interstate.

I do remember going to DC with my parents when I was about 12 or so. I remember spending the night in Tennessee somewhere (Blue Ridge Pkwy may have very well been involved; I remember scenic overlooks). I am thinking we came back by interstate as Atlanta and Montgomery were involved.

My brother and SIL are thinking that we are crazy for driving. But sometimes you gotta stop and smell the roses. ;-)

 

[SHELLY]

My brother and SIL are thinking that we are crazy for driving. But sometimes you gotta stop and smell the roses. ;-)

...or stop and see the autumn leaves--it's beautiful that time of year either coming or going.

.

 

[ShallowsNole]

It will probably be too early to see leaves. If school wasn't an issue, we'd do autumn for sure. I'd post the dates, but I don't want my house broken into while we are gone (though I am actively seeking a dogsitter, preferably one I don't have to pay). ;-)

 

[BeachSiO2]

It will probably be too early to see leaves. If school wasn't an issue, we'd do autumn for sure. I'd post the dates, but I don't want my house broken into while we are gone (though I am actively seeking a dogsitter, preferably one I don't have to pay). ;-)

A friend drove up last month and went I-10 to I-95 to South Carolina on Day 1 (about 7.5 hours to the lowcountry) and then on to DC on Day 2 (another 8.5ish). I think it's roughly the same time as I-85 but is longer distance by about 60 miles or so.

 

[Matt J]

I-95 on the way up and I-85 back. I remember doing this drive years ago as a kid. We stopped in either Northern South Carolina or Southern North Carolina for the over night stop. Lord that's hard to go back and read.