[gemdisney]

We are looking to take our time driving for future trips. We drive straight down I95 from RI. We were wondering if there were interesting stops along the way that might make the driving experience a little less tiresome. Even stops on 295 and 495 are welcome. DH and I are in our 30's and DS 10 and DD will be almost 3 for our next trip at the end of Nov in into Dec. We do this drive for every visit so other seasons suggestions are more than welcome. Any educational places are great too sense DS is ussually missing school and given Extra Credits for reports on things like that.
And is there any way around the NJTP that isn't so stinking painful and cost effective considering the tolls?
Missing those big cities during rush hour would be nice but in DC is there a time that isn't rush hour? I've gone thru at 10 am & 3pm and still had it bumper to bumper.
I've always wanted to see Savannah but sense we didn't have the GPS when we drove on our honeymoon and we had no idea where to go to check whatever out, it ended in our first marrital fight.

[Boss Mouse]

Rt. 295 runs through NJ and doesn't have the tolls. Don't blink after you cross the Del Mem Br (Delaware Memorial Bridge - it abbreviated the whole way).
You cruise though Delaware and hit MD. The Balt/Wash area is a tough call. I have driven it to get the girls at school at different times and days. The best I have seen was evening (after 7) and very early (4 am).

[softychik]

In South Carolina at exit 33 there is the Frampton Plantation which is educational because I believe it is related to the civil war- to get there after you exit keep going past texaco and subway and its right there

[gemdisney]

Boss Mouse-Oh I thought 295 was part of the NJTP? So if we took that one it wouldn't have tolls? That thing just takes forever to go through and our DS makes us very aware of the not so pleasant odor through parts of it. This will be a great option for us.
Softychik-I'm gooing ot have to check that out. I prefer to stop in the Carolina's and VA was a nice stop last time but we just never check things out. Knowing where we're going helps. Thanks!

[ccorbet]

I-95 is part of the NJTP but I-295 is not. I'm not sure how to get to 295 from RI though, sorry.

[lhraz]

I drive from upstate NY all the time (14 trips in 5 years)
I stop in Virginia at Quantico, North Carolina J&R and a great mall discount area at exit 103, South of the Border, I usually stay in Virginia and then either Savsanah or Brunswick GA.

[gemdisney]

ihraz- where have you stayed in Savannah? Do you spend any time there? If so doing what, anything interesting?
I've tried to go on google earth and edit the trip it gives me and see other routes but I'm knew to forums & such and still can't figure out half the stuff I try to do...Maybe I'll get it sooner or later and now that I know more of what I'm looking for hopefully it'll be easier.
Any other suggestions out there. Anyone stop in Richmond VA or stopped at Bush Gardens, Colonial something or other???

[lhraz]

Colonial Williamsburg is great but it at least 3hrs off 95. Savannah is great, we usually go for 2-3 days on the way back from Disney. It really feels like an old town, small little shops a great walkway down by the water, Paula Dean's restaurant and other great food, and historic landmarks.

[gemdisney]

Originally Posted by lhraz

Colonial Williamsburg is great but it at least 3hrs off 95. Savannah is great, we usually go for 2-3 days on the way back from Disney. It really feels like an old town, small little shops a great walkway down by the water, Paula Dean's restaurant and other great food, and historic landmarks.

If we were to go Paula Dean's is exaclty where I'd want to be. Love her but not all the butter she uses! How far from the highway is Savannah? Where do you like to stay? Maybe I'll check to see if my DVC covers anything in the area...

[dznylvr]

You HAVE to stop at South of the Border. It is the most educational place EVER!!
I am totally just kidding. You will be sooooo tired of seeing the billboards for it, you will just be glad to see that huge sombrero in your rearview mirror!
I think Savannah is a great place to stop, especially if you plan on spending at least part of the day touring the city. I think the waterfront is about 30 minutes from 95. Lots of good history for your son.
We have stopped and eaten at Paula Deen's restaurant. It was very good. I know she uses a ton of butter, but it won't hurt for just one meal. The restaurant is called The Lady and Sons. As of 2006, you couldn't make ressies, but they opened the line to make reservations at 3pm for dinner. You had to line up at the restaurant, just to make ressies to come back and eat. If you plan to do this, call or visit the website ahead of time to make sure this is still the procedure.

[gemdisney]

Oh, Thanks for that info! I'm so excited now. I hate that I have to wait until December. I think the way down may be a bandaid although I wish it weren't. DH will take a nap after Thanksgiving meal and I'll drive. Then he'll have to take over and hopefully I can fall asleep myself so I'll be able to take over once we reach VA or so.
I totally know what you mean about seeing that stupid sombrero in the rearview! Maybe that is when I can sleep! The kids think they look so fun. DH wanted to go so bad his first trip but I'd already been and saw...he got all he needed that first trip.
Anyway, stopping on the way home will make it a bit less depressing!