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SoWal Lounge

Beach Fanatic

[quote="vacationlover, post: 215263"]Coming from St. Louis.  Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in.  Is this really the best way?  The last 160 miles took so long.  Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours.  Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:[/QUOTE]

My preference is 65 south to Georgiana, then AL 55 south through Andalusia to Florala where you pick up 331. Normally, there is very little traffic between Georgiana and Florala.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="vacationlover">Coming from St. Louis. Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in. Is this really the best way? The last 160 miles took so long. Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours. Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:</blockquote> 
My preference is 65 south to Georgiana, then AL 55 south through Andalusia to Florala where you pick up 331. Normally, there is very little traffic between Georgiana and Florala.

josebby

Beach Lover

Ditto. Best way to drive from Chicago. 14 hours to SoWal with minimal stops.

Linda

[quote="JB, post: 215279"]My preference is 65 south to Georgiana, then AL 55 south through Andalusia to Florala where you pick up 331. Normally, there is very little traffic between Georgiana and Florala.[/QUOTE]

This is the route I use.  You will be on the little roads for about 2 hours.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="JB">My preference is 65 south to Georgiana, then AL 55 south through Andalusia to Florala where you pick up 331. Normally, there is very little traffic between Georgiana and Florala.</blockquote> 
This is the route I use. You will be on the little roads for about 2 hours.

TreeFrog

I make the run to Memphis 4 or 5 times a year.  I've tried it both ways.  The "Georgiana route" adds a few miles but averages a little faster speed.  Overall time, for me, is about the same.

But I find the "Georgiana route" to be more relaxed than 331 all the way.

I make the run to Memphis 4 or 5 times a year. I&#039;ve tried it both ways. The &quot;Georgiana route&quot; adds a few miles but averages a little faster speed. Overall time, for me, is about the same. 
 
But I find the &quot;Georgiana route&quot; to be more relaxed than 331 all the way.

ktmeadows

[quote="vacationlover, post: 215263"]Coming from St. Louis.  Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in.  Is this really the best way?  The last 160 miles took so long.  Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours.  Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:[/QUOTE]


Vacationlover - are you going through Nashville or Memphis?  We live in St. Louis as well, have a townhouse in Seagrove Beach and have tried many different routes.  Our favorite is I-55 through Memphis.  You get off at 240E, drive about 4 miles to 78 east.  
78 east is a great highway...you travel about 250 miles on 78, which has two lanes each direction all the way to Birmingham where you merge onto I-65. Very little traffic, roads are great and it's been faster for us.  Not sure where in St. Louis you live, but if you live in South St. Louis County you might just like this route.  We used to take the Georgianna route, but after a speeding ticket through that town we pretty much stick to 331.  Not a whole lot of difference.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="vacationlover">Coming from St. Louis. Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in. Is this really the best way? The last 160 miles took so long. Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours. Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:</blockquote> 
 
Vacationlover - are you going through Nashville or Memphis? We live in St. Louis as well, have a townhouse in Seagrove Beach and have tried many different routes. Our favorite is I-55 through Memphis. You get off at 240E, drive about 4 miles to 78 east. 
78 east is a great highway...you travel about 250 miles on 78, which has two lanes each direction all the way to Birmingham where you merge onto I-65. Very little traffic, roads are great and it&#039;s been faster for us. Not sure where in St. Louis you live, but if you live in South St. Louis County you might just like this route. We used to take the Georgianna route, but after a speeding ticket through that town we pretty much stick to 331. Not a whole lot of difference.

STL Don

[quote="luvthebeach, post: 215471"]Vacationlover - are you going through Nashville or Memphis?  We live in St. Louis as well, have a townhouse in Seagrove Beach and have tried many different routes.  Our favorite is I-55 through Memphis.  You get off at 240E, drive about 4 miles to 78 east.  
78 east is a great highway...you travel about 250 miles on 78, which has two lanes each direction all the way to Birmingham where you merge onto I-65. Very little traffic, roads are great and it's been faster for us.  Not sure where in St. Louis you live, but if you live in South St. Louis County you might just like this route.  We used to take the Georgianna route, but after a speeding ticket through that town we pretty much stick to 331.  Not a whole lot of difference.[/QUOTE]
From another St. Louis perspective, I agree with Treefrog that the Georgiana route is slightly shorter in time (15 minutes for us) over 331 from Montgomery.

Luvthebeach, I have never heard of your route.  How much shorter is that route for you and do you think it would make any difference for someone who lives near the Galleria?

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="luvthebeach">Vacationlover - are you going through Nashville or Memphis? We live in St. Louis as well, have a townhouse in Seagrove Beach and have tried many different routes. Our favorite is I-55 through Memphis. You get off at 240E, drive about 4 miles to 78 east. 
78 east is a great highway...you travel about 250 miles on 78, which has two lanes each direction all the way to Birmingham where you merge onto I-65. Very little traffic, roads are great and it&#039;s been faster for us. Not sure where in St. Louis you live, but if you live in South St. Louis County you might just like this route. We used to take the Georgianna route, but after a speeding ticket through that town we pretty much stick to 331. Not a whole lot of difference.</blockquote>From another St. Louis perspective, I agree with Treefrog that the Georgiana route is slightly shorter in time (15 minutes for us) over 331 from Montgomery. 
 
Luvthebeach, I have never heard of your route. How much shorter is that route for you and do you think it would make any difference for someone who lives near the Galleria?

Rudyjohn

SoWal Insider

I grew up in Andalusia and JB's route thru Georgiana, Andalusia, Florala, etc., is the route all the locals take.

I grew up in Andalusia and JB&#039;s route thru Georgiana, Andalusia, Florala, etc., is the route all the locals take.

peapod1980

percy

[quote="STL Don, post: 215503"]From another St. Louis perspective, I agree with Treefrog that the Georgiana route is slightly shorter in time (15 minutes for us) over 331 from Montgomery.
 
[B]Luvthebeach, I have never heard of your route. How much shorter is that route for you and do you think it would make any difference for someone who lives near the Galleria[/B]?[/quote]
Inquiring minds want to know! After so many years and so many routes, we pretty much stick to getting on 331 in Montgomery, but I'm open to suggestions.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="STL Don">From another St. Louis perspective, I agree with Treefrog that the Georgiana route is slightly shorter in time (15 minutes for us) over 331 from Montgomery. 
 
Luvthebeach, I have never heard of your route. How much shorter is that route for you and do you think it would make any difference for someone who lives near the Galleria?</blockquote>Inquiring minds want to know! After so many years and so many routes, we pretty much stick to getting on 331 in Montgomery, but I&#039;m open to suggestions.

[quote="STL Don, post: 215503"]From another St. Louis perspective, I agree with Treefrog that the Georgiana route is slightly shorter in time (15 minutes for us) over 331 from Montgomery.

Luvthebeach, I have never heard of your route.  How much shorter is that route for you and do you think it would make any difference for someone who lives near the Galleria?[/QUOTE]

Georgiana is a little quicker for most folks, but since the ticket incident we crawl through the town, so no time savings for us:floor: 

I'd have to look at the map, but my guess is that the Nashville route is probably quicker for you STLDon.  We just HATE Nashville traffic.  We live south, so either way works for us, but 78 is an awesome highway.  If you're familiar at all with the new Hwy 21 in Jefferson County (starts as soon as you cross the Meramec Bridge off of Tesson Ferry Road in South County), 78 is pretty much the same type of highway the entire 250 miles.  We've never run into traffic on it; it's just a peaceful drive.  We've tried several different routes just for the fun of it, and this has turned into our favorite.  It cuts a little time off our travel.....generally we make it in 12 - 12 1/2 hours the Nashville route.  If we get stuck through Nashville because of rush hour or an accident, it's taken much longer. Through Memphis for us it's about 11 1/2 - 12 hours. We've never had any bad experiences as far as traffic is concerned going through Memphis.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="STL Don">From another St. Louis perspective, I agree with Treefrog that the Georgiana route is slightly shorter in time (15 minutes for us) over 331 from Montgomery. 
 
Luvthebeach, I have never heard of your route. How much shorter is that route for you and do you think it would make any difference for someone who lives near the Galleria?</blockquote> 
Georgiana is a little quicker for most folks, but since the ticket incident we crawl through the town, so no time savings for us:floor: 
 
I&#039;d have to look at the map, but my guess is that the Nashville route is probably quicker for you STLDon. We just HATE Nashville traffic. We live south, so either way works for us, but 78 is an awesome highway. If you&#039;re familiar at all with the new Hwy 21 in Jefferson County (starts as soon as you cross the Meramec Bridge off of Tesson Ferry Road in South County), 78 is pretty much the same type of highway the entire 250 miles. We&#039;ve never run into traffic on it; it&#039;s just a peaceful drive. We&#039;ve tried several different routes just for the fun of it, and this has turned into our favorite. It cuts a little time off our travel.....generally we make it in 12 - 12 1/2 hours the Nashville route. If we get stuck through Nashville because of rush hour or an accident, it&#039;s taken much longer. Through Memphis for us it&#039;s about 11 1/2 - 12 hours. We&#039;ve never had any bad experiences as far as traffic is concerned going through Memphis.

Cheering472

kathydwells

Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname

[quote="JB, post: 215279"]My preference is 65 south to Georgiana, then AL 55 south through Andalusia to Florala where you pick up 331. Normally, there is very little traffic between Georgiana and Florala.[/quote]
 
This is my preferred route as well!!!!!

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="JB">My preference is 65 south to Georgiana, then AL 55 south through Andalusia to Florala where you pick up 331. Normally, there is very little traffic between Georgiana and Florala.</blockquote> 
This is my preferred route as well!!!!!

[quote="luvthebeach, post: 215471"]Vacationlover - are you going through Nashville or Memphis?  We live in St. Louis as well, have a townhouse in Seagrove Beach and have tried many different routes.  Our favorite is I-55 through Memphis.  You get off at 240E, drive about 4 miles to 78 east.  
78 east is a great highway...you travel about 250 miles on 78, which has two lanes each direction all the way to Birmingham where you merge onto I-65. Very little traffic, roads are great and it's been faster for us.  Not sure where in St. Louis you live, but if you live in South St. Louis County you might just like this route.  We used to take the Georgianna route, but after a speeding ticket through that town we pretty much stick to 331.  Not a whole lot of difference.[/QUOTE]


Here's the route we use through Memphis:

Take I-55  South to MEMPHIS 

Stay in the right lane (I-55 South) heading towards Jackson, MS.  Drive another 5-1/2 miles to 240 East; get on 240E and drive about 4 miles to 78 east

Merge onto US-78E (exit #21) towards Birmingham.

Continue on US-78E  (about 240 miles) to I-65 South  (Birmingham) 

Continue on I-65 South to Montgomery, AL , exit 168 (about 92 miles)

Get off at exit 168 (US 80 E/US 82) toward US 331 *
 
Travel 331 S about 150 miles to 98. Turn left on 98; travel about 3 miles to 395. Turn right on 395.

..........*or you can use the Georgiana route instead of 331

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="luvthebeach">Vacationlover - are you going through Nashville or Memphis? We live in St. Louis as well, have a townhouse in Seagrove Beach and have tried many different routes. Our favorite is I-55 through Memphis. You get off at 240E, drive about 4 miles to 78 east. 
78 east is a great highway...you travel about 250 miles on 78, which has two lanes each direction all the way to Birmingham where you merge onto I-65. Very little traffic, roads are great and it&#039;s been faster for us. Not sure where in St. Louis you live, but if you live in South St. Louis County you might just like this route. We used to take the Georgianna route, but after a speeding ticket through that town we pretty much stick to 331. Not a whole lot of difference.</blockquote> 
 
Here&#039;s the route we use through Memphis: 
 
Take I-55 South to MEMPHIS 
 
Stay in the right lane (I-55 South) heading towards Jackson, MS. Drive another 5-1/2 miles to 240 East; get on 240E and drive about 4 miles to 78 east 
 
Merge onto US-78E (exit #21) towards Birmingham. 
 
Continue on US-78E (about 240 miles) to I-65 South (Birmingham) 
 
Continue on I-65 South to Montgomery, AL , exit 168 (about 92 miles) 
 
Get off at exit 168 (US 80 E/US 82) toward US 331 * 
 
Travel 331 S about 150 miles to 98. Turn left on 98; travel about 3 miles to 395. Turn right on 395. 
 
..........*or you can use the Georgiana route instead of 331

[quote="Cheering472, post: 215523"]Fly[/QUOTE]

Now that's DEFINITELY the best way to go!:lolabove:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Cheering472">Fly</blockquote> 
Now that&#039;s DEFINITELY the best way to go!:lolabove:

[quote="luvthebeach, post: 215533"]Now that's DEFINITELY the best way to go!:lolabove:[/QUOTE]

:biggrin:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="luvthebeach">Now that&#039;s DEFINITELY the best way to go!:lolabove:</blockquote> 
😀

lindatat

quirty

[quote="Cheering472, post: 215523"]Fly[/quote]
 
That's what I'm doing for the first time next month (I've flown before, just not down to Sowal.  I'm travelling sans children so I won't have all the beach gear and toys, etc.)  Now August is another story - I still haven't booked a place 'cause I'm dreading the drive so much.  But when we drove last year I took 331 all the way from Montgomery and didn't think it was that bad.  Maybe so many people are avoiding it now that the traffic situation has improved?  :idontno:

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="Cheering472">Fly</blockquote> 
That&#039;s what I&#039;m doing for the first time next month (I&#039;ve flown before, just not down to Sowal. I&#039;m travelling sans children so I won&#039;t have all the beach gear and toys, etc.) Now August is another story - I still haven&#039;t booked a place &#039;cause I&#039;m dreading the drive so much. But when we drove last year I took 331 all the way from Montgomery and didn&#039;t think it was that bad. Maybe so many people are avoiding it now that the traffic situation has improved? :idontno:

Camp Creek Kid

Christini Zambini

[quote="vacationlover, post: 215263"]Coming from St. Louis.  Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in.  Is this really the best way?  The last 160 miles took so long.  Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours.  Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:[/QUOTE]

It all depends on what time of day/day of the week you are on the road.  Most rental weeks are Saturday to Saturday so if you're on the road and coming or going with everyone else, you're going to hit traffic.  Sometimes it takes over an hour to get to SoWal from Defuniak, which is normally a 35-40 trip.

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="vacationlover">Coming from St. Louis. Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in. Is this really the best way? The last 160 miles took so long. Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours. Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:</blockquote> 
It all depends on what time of day/day of the week you are on the road. Most rental weeks are Saturday to Saturday so if you&#039;re on the road and coming or going with everyone else, you&#039;re going to hit traffic. Sometimes it takes over an hour to get to SoWal from Defuniak, which is normally a 35-40 trip.

For those worried about speed traps, IMO, the worst ones are along 331 between Montgomery and Florala (although I did get a ticket in Lockhart, Alabama one time). I think Opp is particularly bad.

The best rule of thumb is look for the "police jurisdiction" signs. When you see one, simply go the speed limit.

For those worried about speed traps, IMO, the worst ones are along 331 between Montgomery and Florala (although I did get a ticket in Lockhart, Alabama one time). I think Opp is particularly bad. 
 
The best rule of thumb is look for the &quot;police jurisdiction&quot; signs. When you see one, simply go the speed limit.

[quote="lindabobhat, post: 215570"]That's what I'm doing for the first time next month (I've flown before, just not down to Sowal.  I'm travelling sans children so I won't have all the beach gear and toys, etc.)  Now August is another story - I still haven't booked a place 'cause I'm dreading the drive so much.  But when we drove last year I took 331 all the way from Montgomery and didn't think it was that bad.  Maybe so many people are avoiding it now that the traffic situation has improved?  :idontno:[/QUOTE]

What airport are you flying into?

<blockquote class="xfBb-quote" data-name="lindabobhat">That&#039;s what I&#039;m doing for the first time next month (I&#039;ve flown before, just not down to Sowal. I&#039;m travelling sans children so I won&#039;t have all the beach gear and toys, etc.) Now August is another story - I still haven&#039;t booked a place &#039;cause I&#039;m dreading the drive so much. But when we drove last year I took 331 all the way from Montgomery and didn&#039;t think it was that bad. Maybe so many people are avoiding it now that the traffic situation has improved? :idontno:</blockquote> 
What airport are you flying into?

whiteyfunn

SoWal Staff

The Georgiana route has better gas stations. :biggrin:

The Georgiana route has better gas stations. 😀

vacationlover

Beach Comber

Coming from St. Louis.  Last year followed AAA directions thru Montgomery and took 331 in.  Is this really the best way?  The last 160 miles took so long.  Going home we barely averaged 50 mph for the first two hours.  Any suggestions on a better way or trying to miss the traffic?:idontno:

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