Joe

We will be driving to SW Florida from Massachusetts in a month or so, returning in April. We suffer from boredom on this ride, mostly on 95. Any ideas on ways to break it up, unique places to stay or eat?Thanks

Patrick

Well certainly if you can spare the time, even stopping mid day in Charleston or in Savannah and spending the afternoon and night is a great break.
I've recently resorted to forgetting about the roadside motels on those trips and going into one of the cities for the evening, just seems so much more interesting. Did that in Richmond once. Richmond, Jacksonville, and even St. Augustine are also good stops. Baltimore is nice as it is easy access off to the Inner Harbor area, relatively inexpensive hotels, a great place to walk around and eat. Sure beats watching TV at the Hampton Inn along the highway.

Diane

I agree on the Inner Harbor as a good choice of resting places. It's beautiful and lots to see and do. Another way I pass the time with my family/friends on a trip is looking for as many out of state plates or words from the letters on the plates, it passes the time.

GOL

Faced similar problem for over 12+ years and have done some 'detours' to see places and relieve boredom. I love Delorme's CD Trip software to help. It has presented state roads I would never think about taking. (We code in "avoid 95) Some things we have done in the past 12-14 years to avoid 95 boredom:

Take 81 instead of 95 and cut over. This avoids DC.

Stopped in DC for a 'quick' tour of the 'mall'

Along 81, touristy stuff like Luray Caverns and Natural Bridge;

Driven through Nashville as one 'detour' and stopped by several NPS sites.

Took US (e.g. 15) routes and State routes through GA (thru Fargo GA), SC and VA to meet 95 (going north). Turns out this was a VERY relaxing way as there was hardly any traffic and you could still go 65.

Detour through part of Blue Ridge and Ashville / Cherokee.

Made detours further East to Kentucky Horse Park.

Even further to Natchez Mississippi (clearly an indirect route to FLA!) along Natchez Trace, stopping in NOLA.

Stopped in Folkson, GA and took a boat ride along the Suwanee in Okefenokee State(?) park. LOTS of fun.

Stopped at Zoos along the way in DC, VA, Jacksonville and Central Fla.

Stopped at Congaree Swamp Nat. Monument in SC.

ILove

Stop at as many Waffle House locations as you can!

Joe

Thanks for the helpful info--any other ideas welcome.

r-travels

I liked many of GOL's suggestions. I'd go into DC before Baltimore, as there's more to see, and it's FREE - but park in the outshirts (eg: Greenbelt) and take the Metro in.

Or consider going down the DelMarVa peninsula (Rt 13) possibly even going down NJ (maybe a stop in Atlantic City) and taking Cape May ferry. Norfolk/VaBeach, Wilmington NC, Myrtle Bch and/or Charleston.