Where should we stop (Boston -> North Carolina)?

January 7, 2012 1:11 PM

Please help me plan a road trip from Boston, MA to North Carolina.

Where are some places you would recommend stopping during a 5-7 day road trip from Boston, MA to North Carolina?

We're mostly interested in food joints, but suggestions for interesting non-food related places like museums, beaches, campsites, bars, etc. are welcome too.


Thanks!

posted by saoyama to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)

What route are you taking: 81, 95, something in between? Where in NC are you headed? Are you looking for detours? When is the trip? I just learned of OnTheWay today, which you might play with a bit. Depending on your food preferences, you should also check out RoadFood.com. If it were me, I'd stop at Dogfish Head and other craft breweries (Victory, Troegs).
posted by knile at 1:35 PM on January 7, 2012

I'd take the Merritt through CT and skip 95. Might no save you time, but it's a nicer drive, fewer trucks. I'd also consider the Jersey Shore and/or a visit to the Pine Barrens and cut through Deleware instead of the big highways. The good news is, it's really only a 12-15 hour drive, so you can really sightsee and laze about on your way down there.
posted by jessamyn at 1:50 PM on January 7, 2012 [1 favorite]

I would also avoid 95, especially through Delaware. I did that road trip a few years ago and it was bumper to bumper, literally, the entire way through the state. I asked the toll booth operator at the end if it was always like that and he said, "Yes. Always." Yikes.
posted by something something at 1:54 PM on January 7, 2012

Response by poster: @knile: We haven't decided on a route yet and we're open to suggestions, and we're looking for detours. We're not sure exactly where we'll end up in NC yet either but it's probably going to be Charlotte. The trip will be in early February. Thanks!
posted by saoyama at 2:12 PM on January 7, 2012

Personally, I'd take the longer route, and hit up the Eastern Shore of Maryland. US 301 is the main route. You can either cross at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge into Annapolis (and PM me for more info on that lovely town) or take the trek down US13, Cape Henry, and the Bridge-Tunnel into Norfolk.

GMaps recommends the 81, but I'd say take the Skyline Drive through VA and enjoy the scenery. The two main options are coast or Appalachians.

I spent a wonderful weekend in the Poconos one fall. It may be too chilly for that now. The coast will of course be warmer.
posted by the man of twists and turns at 2:22 PM on January 7, 2012

Just did this trip last week! But didn't have time to stop for fun. FYI, expect about $30 in tolls each way. Bring cash or get one of the EZPass dongles. It was quite a surprise the first time we drove.
posted by Fui Non Sum at 3:23 PM on January 7, 2012

(ms vegetable)
If you eat meat, stop in Lynchburg, VA, and hit the Texas Tavern. You want a cheesy and a bowl all the way. Cash only. Aka the t room.
posted by a robot made out of meat at 3:40 PM on January 7, 2012

For sure, make a stop at the American Visionary Art Museum in the harbor at Baltimore. Great, great, *great* place to spend a few hours. The Eugene Von Bruenchenhein exhibit (on the blue here) is amazing and has been extended to March 2nd but there's always tons of other wonderful stuff there too. One of my fave museums in the Eastern US.
posted by mediareport at 7:48 AM on January 8, 2012