I-95 Stop between NC and FL

[Meghan54]

Okay scratch Santee off the list. That is only a little over 3 hours from when I start, but the total trip based on speed limit is 11 hours. If Savannah is sketchy, then what are good options just north or south of it?

1. The vast majority of Savannah is not what I'd call sketchy by any stretch of the imagination. If you have to stop in Sav and crash, try the airport exit (2nd exit after entering GA---I think) and stay at the airport Hilton, just off the exit. A decidedly not sketchy area, but the majority of Savannah isn't what I'd call sketchy, and I lived a hour from Savannah for over 20 years and spent a lot of time in Sav. and would have few qualms about being in almost any area of Sav.

2. Quit basing your travel time on speed limits down I-95. If you're going the speed limit, you're going to get run over. Even the pokiest grandma driver is driving 5-10 mph over the limit.

3. It's quite feasible to do 11 hours of driving in one jump without much of any issue. Just take breaks when you need to and you'll be fine. Tired maybe at the destination from sitting and driving, but no worse for wear. Hell, we did the drive from Cape Cod to the Savannah area more than a couple of times in one stint---well, with a 2-3 hr. break at a rest stop, but can be done. Wife does make a stop when doing that drive, about 1200 miles, but out of the dozen or so trips of that distance I've done have been without hotel/motel use and I never really suffered badly. But, then again, I'm 60 years old.

Heck, the last time we made that trip---well, Cape Cod to Abbeville, SC, still about 1200 miles---wife drove the GX and I had the moving van/truck. She had 3 dogs and 2 cats, I had 1 dog, 1 cat, and we did it in one go, no overnight stopping. And that was 3 months ago in April.


Just go for it.

 

[Meghan54]

Because my 3yo is coming with me. Meals, potty breaks, and some play time is going to stretch that 11 hours into 15+ hours.

Ahhhh...now I see the "problem."

I reconsider.....maybe stopping is better. Again, I'd look into the airport Hilton in Savannah. And you're close enough to get to downtown/the river area if you'd like. But it sounds to me like you just want a stop and crash spot, so my suggestion stands.

Good luck with your trip.

 

[alkemyst]

Because my 3yo is coming with me. Meals, potty breaks, and some play time is going to stretch that 11 hours into 15+ hours.

Where is that location from NC to GA? You driving Miss Daisy too?

 

[EagleKeeper]

Given that you are heading to FLL; Jacksonville will be half way - proper time to refill fuel tanks for all of you.

Depending on what time you leave NC; and the location you stay at; the 3 yr old will have a ball in the pool that evening; tire him out for the rest of the drive the next day.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Disney World would be a nice stop that your 3 ry old would really love.....

 

[lupi]

Play time, it's a damn 3 year old. Car time = sleep time.

 

[DrPizza]

Because my 3yo is coming with me. Meals, potty breaks, and some play time is going to stretch that 11 hours into 15+ hours.

We did NY to the Orlando area year after year when our kids were that age. Tip: Leave a little before dinner, stop somewhere on the road for a slightly later than usual dinner, and drive straight through. The little ones fall asleep in their car seats & wake up in Florida. Doing half that trip - twice in a row - with a little one in the car seat in the back; that would drive me nuts. Hard to keep them comfortable for that long.

 

[tynopik]

We did NY to the Orlando area year after year when our kids were that age. Tip: Leave a little before dinner, stop somewhere on the road for a slightly later than usual dinner, and drive straight through. The little ones fall asleep in their car seats & wake up in Florida.

this

 

[bearxor]

Man, I do Charlotte to Houston in a straight trip every couple of years. 20 hour drive. I go to bed really the night before, like 8-9pm. Wake up around 3am. On the road by 3:30. In to Houston by about 10pm.

An 11 hour drive seems... trivial...

 

[OutHouse]

Man, I do Charlotte to Houston in a straight trip every couple of years. 20 hour drive. I go to bed really the night before, like 8-9pm. Wake up around 3am. On the road by 3:30. In to Houston by about 10pm.

An 11 hour drive seems... trivial...

I used to be able to do that, i kinda lost my desire for the personal challenge of a non-stop marathon road trip. my last one was Grand Forks ND to Houston and that was just about 24 hours. i did it but i was fucking loony when i pulled into my parents driveway and was in a fog after i woke up a day later.

im fond of hampton Inns now.

 

[Codewiz]

Or you could drive 40 miles off I-95 and stay in Charleston, SC.

But if given those two choices, it would clearly be Savannah.

 

[SithSolo1]

Get off at Brunswick Ga(about 45mins to an hour south of Savannah) and then drive the 15mins it takes to get on to St. Simons Island. You basicly take a left from the interstate exit, follow the road until you have to go right, then follow the signs(its left at a red light, can't miss it). Plenty of good local places to eat and shop if you have time and a lot less sketchy than Brunswick itself. Just make sure you book a room ahead of time.