Roadtrip! NY to FLA - I 77 or I 95?

[theraymondguy]

Google maps says there's a 30 minute advantage taking I77 over I95. I'm wondering if any of the group has made this trip recently or lives in the area and might have some input?

My family and I will be travelling from Ontario, Canada to visit with Mickey Goofy and Donald in Orlando, Florida. I have made a similar trip once when I was in college 20 years ago in a base trim level 1986 Honda Civic GL sedan on I95. 3200 RPM in 5th gear to make 65 MPH: 16 hours into the trip (straight!), I pulled into a rest stop and swapped the manual choke cable over to the cruise pulley to prevent my right knee from exploding. Chuffed with the MacGyver fix, but later disappointed that it took me so long to think of it.

We stopped next at a Waffle House on the Florida border. The waitress asked if I'd like some grits. Giddy with exhaustion, I asked "What are grits?" and she kindly replied "If you don't know what they is, you don't wants none." I still don't know what grits are, but I know what honest advice is when I receive it.

This time round I'm far better equipped. We're taking my 2005 Kia Sportage LX, with the big 2.7L V6. FWD, Auto, cruise, A/C, power group, enough power outlets to keep any child's electronics charged and the most comfortable seats of any vehicle I've ever owned. Family owned from new, It's paid for, insured to the hilt and owes us nothing. It gets lighter every time I drive it as well, more than enough rot (and voids) on the rear wheel arches to justify it as a legit Canadian Winter Beater. Other than the rust it's well maintained, all services are up to date and as ready as any vehicle to hit the open road. If we have to jump a collapsed wooden bridge to stay on schedule, it's an easy decision.

 

[red69]

I live off exit 116 on I4. Wave when you go by on your way to the mouse house.

Waffle House, my favorite!

Bob

 

[Coastal Redneck]

Don't forget the dash cam for the bridge jump... we're in desperate need of entertainment here, LOL. As a former OTR driver who has done both routes you mention more times than I can remember, I would run I-77 down and I-95 at least partway back up to Niagara. I-77 is WAY more scenic, especially through "The Hillbilly" (WV) and the Carolinas. Springtime in those states? Mighty pretty... of course, despite being an interstate highway it is a mountain road, so if the kids get carsick easily you might be better off going the other way. You're eventually gonna fold into I-26 and I-95 anyway, but I-95 isn't that bad down south. North of Richmond, VA, I-95 becomes a massive traffic clusterf#%, something to consider as you head in either direction. Moi, I'd rather see primo mountain scenery than a sea of brake lights ahead of me, but that's just my personal view of the matter. Don't know what your time frame is, driving-wise, but if you have plenty of time and you run I-77, make the detour to Chimney Rock Park in NC, the kids would love it and this is the best time of year for the scenery... fall isn't bad, but spring has all the flowering trees going off, aye? And the trails are REALLY COOL, you can see some of 'em toward the end of the Daniel Day-Lewis remake of "THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS"---Hickory Nut Falls are radical, and the Cliff Trail is spectacular, totally worth the detour. Sturdy footgear is recommended, tenny-runners are fine but flip-flops are out, LOL. :4:

 

[OLD CT]

Should count around 30 waffle house signs on the way down on I95, give or take 1 or 2. Let us know how many you count.

 

[red69]

And the further south you get the churches outnumber the Waffle Houses.

 

[theraymondguy]

Don't forget the dash cam for the bridge jump... we're in desperate need of entertainment here, LOL. As a former OTR driver who has done both routes you mention more times than I can remember, I would run I-77 down and I-95 at least partway back up to Niagara. I-77 is WAY more scenic, especially through "The Hillbilly" (WV) and the Carolinas. Springtime in those states? Mighty pretty... of course, despite being an interstate highway it is a mountain road, so if the kids get carsick easily you might be better off going the other way. You're eventually gonna fold into I-26 and I-95 anyway, but I-95 isn't that bad down south. North of Richmond, VA, I-95 becomes a massive traffic clusterf#%, something to consider as you head in either direction. Moi, I'd rather see primo mountain scenery than a sea of brake lights ahead of me, but that's just my personal view of the matter. Don't know what your time frame is, driving-wise, but if you have plenty of time and you run I-77, make the detour to Chimney Rock Park in NC, the kids would love it and this is the best time of year for the scenery... fall isn't bad, but spring has all the flowering trees going off, aye? And the trails are REALLY COOL, you can see some of 'em toward the end of the Daniel Day-Lewis remake of "THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS"---Hickory Nut Falls are radical, and the Cliff Trail is spectacular, totally worth the detour. Sturdy footgear is recommended, tenny-runners are fine but flip-flops are out, LOL. :4:

Thanks a bunch Sidewinder, that's great info. Would you expect I-77 to be a longer run? I'd rather keep rolling a solid 60mph than mash the pedals all day to gain only a few miles more traveled.

Thanks!

 

[theraymondguy]

Should count around 30 waffle house signs on the way down on I95, give or take 1 or 2. Let us know how many you count.

Will do!

 

[Deoodles]

I'd rather keep rolling a solid 60mph than mash the pedals all day to gain only a few miles more traveled.

Baltimore to Fredricksburg VA should be an hour and a half; took 5 hours 2 weeks ago. You couldn't pay me to drive 95 if 77 is an option. 77 to 26 east to 95 south is an hour shorter than 77 to 81 south to 26 east to 95 but you wouldn't see lake Lure/Chimney Rock

 

[Coastal Redneck]

Thanks a bunch Sidewinder, that's great info. Would you expect I-77 to be a longer run? I'd rather keep rolling a solid 60mph than mash the pedals all day to gain only a few miles more traveled.

Thanks!

I would NOT expect I-77 to be a longer run, not in a 4-wheeler... that's a trucker's term for anything with 4 wheels, not necessarily a 4WD. A motorcycle would be a 2-wheeler, aye? As far as the route goes, I believe you'll make better time, as I-95 will be a nightmare with the onset of summer traffic. Don't forget, summer is also road work season, another factor to consider on top of vacationers in RVs and other vehicles. Now, in a loaded big rig, pulling all those steep and not-so-steep hills on the I-77 route would slow a driver down, but THAT is not really an issue with you and your family... I don't see your KIA grossing 40 tons, LOL. On the flip side of the hill equation, the I-77 route is FAR MORE SCENIC, and your fuel economy will balance out somewhat because you'll be flyin' down grades as well, 10-4? In the transportation industry, hands would joke about having "dragonfly" trucks: draggin' @$$ up one side of the hill and flyin' down the other, LOL. And as a driver who went to the Northeast on a fairly regular basis, I always tried to drive that upper stretch of I-95 in the wee hours of the night, when that insane traffic was at its lowest ebb. :30:

Knowing what I know from driving both routes in the past, I would not hesitate to take I-77 rather than I-95. Deoodles just mentioned the time delay on I-95, plus scenic Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, well worth the detour in "The Tar Heel." Good healthy fun for the kids, Chimney Rock, and very interesting from a historical perspective: at one time, the elevator shaft blasted through solid rock was the tallest elevator in NC. The trails are awesome too, just watch the kids on the steep sections. Going back to the route (and driving in general), you can save time and money by stocking a cooler with snacks and beverages... it's not always easy or convenient to find stores on certain stretches of I-77, particularly in "The Hillbilly" (WV). Use larger truck stops or "travel plazas" for fueling, most have separate islands for 4-wheelers and they also offer more amenities, while the kids will enjoy seeing the big rigs. In between fueling stops, use rest areas for bathroom breaks, I'm not gonna recommend p!$$ jugs for the family, LOL, though I always used one myself to save time. Be careful in the truck stops, ya don't wanna block truck traffic going in and out of those places, 10-4? :43:

P.S. Don't forget your walkaround inspections during the trip, lights & flashers on to make sure they all work. Check tire pressure BEFORE you depart and eyeball the rubber every day as you travel, it might save ya some serious trouble en route. Be patient going through cities and ENJOY the rural stretches, there are plenty along I-77 and they are often spectacular, especially in springtime and early summer. I'm back to watching "THE ROUNDERS"---a classic Western in its own right. Be safe on the road and have a great trip!!! CHEERS!!! :103:

SIDEWINDER (on the road, my handle was "RAILSPLITTER"---I earned that handle, don't ask me how, LOL) :4:

 

[Coastal Redneck]

What happened to the dash cam bridge jump? Don't tell me ya got lost in America and are roaming the highways to this day, LOL... :43:

 

[theraymondguy]

Baltimore to Fredricksburg VA should be an hour and a half; took 5 hours 2 weeks ago. You couldn't pay me to drive 95 if 77 is an option. 77 to 26 east to 95 south is an hour shorter than 77 to 81 south to 26 east to 95 but you wouldn't see lake Lure/Chimney Rock

Google maps has updated the expected times for each route, now 95 is an hour and a half longer than I77. From New York state to the Carolina's, it's roadwork all the way in equal amounts regardless of route.

Unfortunately we've had to reschedule our trip to this fall due to work obligations. Thanks to you all for your input, its going to be a great drive I'm sure. Just one more question though - are we there yet?

 

[theraymondguy]

I would NOT expect I-77 to be a longer run, not in a 4-wheeler... that's a trucker's term for anything with 4 wheels, not necessarily a 4WD. A motorcycle would be a 2-wheeler, aye?

P.S. Don't forget your walkaround inspections during the trip, lights & flashers on to make sure they all work. Check tire pressure BEFORE you depart and eyeball the rubber every day as you travel, it might save ya some serious trouble en route. Be patient going through cities and ENJOY the rural stretches, there are plenty along I-77 and they are often spectacular, especially in springtime and early summer. I'm back to watching "THE ROUNDERS"---a classic Western in its own right. Be safe on the road and have a great trip!!! CHEERS!!! :103:

SIDEWINDER (on the road, my handle was "RAILSPLITTER"---I earned that handle, don't ask me how, LOL) :4:

Thanks again Sidewinder. I carry a "M-D/Z" license, good for a most things between a motorcycle and a 5 tonne straight truck with air brakes. Not all wet behind the ears, but still damp for sure. We're going to go I 77, but I'm curious about layovers / places to stay. My girls and my wife won't entertain the idea of a 'p' bucket (they just don't know a good time when they're having one). I understand parts of Georgia can be bleak as far as rest stops :17:. Are there any areas in particular that we should be aware of?

 

[red69]

"Are there any areas in particular that we should be aware of? "

Yeah, the lakes in Florida. They have these toothy things lurking around.

 

[Coastal Redneck]

IRS tax men? Gubmint bureaucrats? Used car salesmen? Ambulance-chasin' attorneys? You need to be more specific, LOL... :4:

 

[Coastal Redneck]

Back to the OP: Fall isn't such a bad time to go, the colors will be amazing along I-77. Moi, I'm a cheap b@stard, so I would be traveling from campground to campground, rather than spending money on hotels or motels... I don't include the final destination, of course, just the traveling en route. I'd factor in an extra day or two and drive a little less each day, making sure to stop and camp near water, a river or a lake where the kids could splash around. Or a nice campground in the mountains, up at elevation in the forest where the nights will be cooler. That's just the way I roll, same way I saved $280 by camping at McDowell Mountain when I had my Lasik surgery in Scottsdale, LOL. Hey, a hand can buy a whole heap o' steaks & beers with $280, something to consider when one enjoys life... nothing wrong with a grilled steak by the campfire either, and the smoke will keep some o' the bugs away, LOL. Think of the others as "additional protein"---reminds me of some crazy dude in the Aaarrrgghhmy who used to catch flying bugs in the field and pop 'em in his mouth, the crazy fool. He did it as a joke, but he was hardcore, LOL. :43:

Going back to the trip, here's what I would do: break out an atlas and see what lies along your route, what cool places there might be to hang out overnight between spells of driving. Don't be afraid to explore a bit and visit places you've never been, back in my trucking daze I discovered a lot of really cool places that way. Now I'm reminded of some high-toned gal I met in the elevator of a high-rise building, she told me that her idea of "roughing it" was going without reservations... a funny line, but I couldn't help thinking at the time of all that gal missed by sticking to such a program. Personally, I think life is more fun when ya wing it once in awhile, keeping your overall objectives in mind. The Caverns of Sonora in Texas are the perfect example: a few short miles off the interstate, but totally worth the slight detour, with beautiful caves and primo camping all in one spot. As an aside, I've been to about two dozen "show caves" across the U.S., including Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Alright, I gotta run and get cleaned up so I can make a store run before it gets too goldurned hot... gonna be another scorcher today, so I'll probably find myself in the kiddie pool once more as the afternoon wears on, 10-4? Cheers!!! :4:

 

[OLD CT]

I'm a cheap b@stard, so I would be traveling from campground to campground, rather than spending money on hotels or motels...

Hard to wing it campground to campground with a wife and kids. I prefer living it up and driving straight thru and staying at a 4 :79: hotel, once I get there! :21:

 

[theraymondguy]

Hard to wing it campground to campground with a wife and kids. I prefer living it up and driving straight thru and staying at a 4 :79: hotel, once I get there! :21:

^^^ This right here.

My neighbour told my wife there are sections of Georgia where you can go for hours without seeing a fuel stop or rest area. I doubted it then, and still doubt it now - but... can't hurt to ask.

We plan on spending our first night somewhere between Virginia and North Carolina, then on to WDW.

 

[red69]

Your neighbor is incorrect. The national highway system has rest stops and exits for fuel and food.

 

[Coastal Redneck]

Correctamundo... Bulletproof Red69 wins the cement bicycle!!! LOL. :41:

 

[theraymondguy]

What happened to the dash cam bridge jump? Don't tell me ya got lost in America and are roaming the highways to this day, LOL... :43:

Just be patient, this trip has been pushed back and forth all over the calendar, dash cam footage should be available late november.

Our travel schedule has stretched a bit for the drive to disney. Our room isn't available until 3pm Monday: we're planning to travel Saturday and Sunday, but with more than half of monday now open, we'll definitely be slowing down to see the sights along I77. What other road side attractions might we investigate aside from Lake Lure and Chimney Rock? No way is mother going to allow anything called tar hill to be part of our plans.