Florida to DC - Suggestions?

[mboszko]

Hi, forum newbie here, looking for some advice from you Sage RVers and Road Trip Savants!

I haven't taken a road trip since my college days, but since my parents are giving us their old car, I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to take a (somewhat) leisurely solo trip driving back from Tampa to home in DC.

I've got a couple of weeks before the trip, so I'm trying to roughly plot it out. I was thinking after a short leg on FL 4 from west-to-east in Fla., taking US Route 1 back from Daytona Beach to DC--- but since I only have 4 days, I'm not sure if I have enough time to really enjoy it.

Anyone have an alternate route to suggest, or any must-see stops on the southern east coast that I should work in? Thanks!

[The Taco Monster]

taking US Route 1 back from Daytona Beach to DC--- but since I only have 4 days,

I can give two cent advice for the last half of Virginia, from Richmond, North. Break it into two parts, with Fredericksburg, Va in the middle. S. of Fredericksburg it si a comfortable Americana. At Frederick US-1 winds through Frederick and then into DC via Alexandria. Fredericksburg has an interesting old town section and a Visitor Center for tours. Sometimes they have special events, so check with the VC before you go. The road out of Fredericksburg past the Marine Corps base has lots of commuter traffic, and so will the last 7 miles or so below I-495 in DC. Times to expect the heaviest traffic 7-9 a.m., and 4-6 pm. If you arrive in the afternoon, the local traffic lights will probably be timed for traffic moving South.

[mboszko]

Thanks, Taco. I'm pretty familiar with the DC metro area, but those are good things to remember. Any other advice on the rest of the route? Any good food joints to hit further south?

[Mark Sedenquist]

I've got a couple of weeks before the trip, so I'm trying to roughly plot it out.

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip Forum! It has been a while since I was in Florida (alas) but I can get you started...When you leave town, look to the left (north side) of exit 17, you should be able to spot some of the dinosaurs among the trees that are "roaming" Dinosaur World. If you like the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright -- there are twelve homes on the shore of Lake Hollingsworth (near Lakeland). Right around mile 43(?) you would see a C-47 nose-down on the north side of the freeway and at exit 44 -- is the Fantasy of Flight attraction -- I have always wanted to take the time to stop, but somehow haven't yet.

Insider tip -- Orange County has a very well-organized motorcycle radar patrol and they like to hang out in the I-4 median areas where they can catch traffic both directions -- I make a point of being extra diligent to the speed laws in Florida's OC.

If you come back down here in Winter -- make a point of stopping by the Blue Springs SP to see the Manatees -- they are all gone this time of year.

Were you planning on traveling on A-1A or US-1 for your route north?

Your timing might be perfect to watch the next space shuttle launch. Atlantis is supposed to go the end of the month -- any chance you could delay your trip north?

Remember to look for the Green Flash as you head north!

Lots of things to do in St. Augustine, but two would be the Alligator Farm on Anastasia Island and driving down Magnolia Avenue (perfect tree canopy).

Well, that is a start...

Happy Planning!

Mark

[mboszko]

Thanks, Ed. I'm thinking A1A for the Daytona-to-Georgia leg, since it's nearer the coast. I really, really wish I could delay my trip for the shuttle launch (I've wanted to see one in person since I was a kid), but alas, the work schedule won't allow it. Thanks for the other tips as well, esp. the OC speed traps.

Has anyone compiled a list of eats/attractions/scenery along US Route 1? I'm finding it hard to cull out the relevant results by just searching (here and the rest of the web). Thanks!

[The Taco Monster]

Thanks, Ed. I'm thinking A1A for the Daytona-to-Georgia leg, since it's nearer the coast. I really, really wish I could delay my trip for the shuttle launch (I've wanted to see one in person since I was a kid), but alas, the work schedule won't allow it. Thanks for the other tips as well, esp. the OC speed traps.

Has anyone compiled a list of eats/attractions/scenery along US Route 1? I'm finding it hard to cull out the relevant results by just searching (here and the rest of the web). Thanks!

Have you seen this link about U.S. 1 travel?

Also, when you get around Carmel Church in Va, parallel to exit 104 on I-95, the gas station prices are about the cheapest you'll find between Richmond Va, and points North. TTM

[mboszko]

Have you seen this link about U.S. 1 travel?

Also, when you get around Carmel Church in Va, parallel to exit 104 on I-95, the gas station prices are about the cheapest you'll find between Richmond Va, and points North. TTM

Ooh! No, I hadn't seen that link-- thanks!

...and I'll keep that gas tip in mind. ;-)

In anticipation (and to give myself a reason to procrastinate this afternoon), I've started a category on my blog dedicated to the trip, and hope to be posting to it... well, probably pretty sporadically during the trip, but will post a pretty detailed account after I get back and look over my paper notes. If you're interested, it's here:

Station in the Metro: Road Trips: U.S. Route 1

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'm thinking A1A for the Daytona-to-Georgia leg, since it's nearer the coast

I am sure it will be after you have hit the road, but Jane Wooldridge, the Travel Editor for The Miami Herald is publishing an article about A1A on the 20th of August.

Mark

[mboszko]

I am sure it will be after you have hit the road, but Jane Wooldridge, the Travel Editor for The Miami Herald is publishing an article about A1A on the 20th of August.

Mark

That's great, actually. I'm not leaving Fla 'til the 24th. :D Thanks!

[smokey216]

Hi Mark,

Just to add my two cents while on your way out of Florida...since you will be on the east coast, St. Augustine is a VERY worthwhile stop...the oldest city in our nation...filled with great history, friendly people (yes, even in Florida!) and you can see much of it within one day. I have stayed at La Fiesta Inn right on the beach, it's on A1A and was quite clean and quiet...but you might want to opt to stay closer to the downtown area where you can walk into town.

I stayed at the Edgewater Inn but did not have the greatest experience with the staff, although the accommodations were inexpensive and clean. There was some bridge construction going on when I was there in May, so beware...

In any case, the Castillo there is wonderful, St. George Street, tons of excellent restaurants, right on the water. We went to Harry's which was awesome.

Check out http://www.historicstaugustine.com/ for more info. I'll be happy to answer more questions for you if I can.

Enjoy and best of luck on your road trip!

Melanie