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Help planning a southeast and east coast road trip for April

Help planning a southeast and east coast road trip for April

Old Dec 29th, 2013, 12:42 PM
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Help planning a southeast and east coast road trip for April

You all have been so helpful on my other thread with your advice on where to stay in Boston before our flight to Dublin and on to France that I thought I would ask for your insight and ideas on planning our driving trip up from Florida to Maine before we arrive in Boston on April 30th.

We will be renting a car in Florida when we arrive and will be dropping it off at Logan on our way into Boston (we won't keep the car in the city while we are there-just take a cab to Logan for our flight. We have already booked the car and are aware of the drop off charge-but I think we got a good rate).

Here is what we are thinking for the trip so far:

April 1: spend three nights in West Palm Beach (see friends there)
April 4: arrive and spend 3 nights in Tampa (see friends there)
April 5th: 1 night in Savannah
April 6th: 3 nights in Charleston
April 11th: 1 night in Atlanta
April 12th: 4 nights in Nashville
April 15th: 1 night in Asheville
April 16th: 1 night in Richmond (just need to break the drive to DC area-is this a good place?)
April 17th: 4 nights near Takoma Park MD (see friends there)
April 21st: 2 nights Saint Michaels, MD
April 23rd 2 nights Rehoboth Delaware
April 25th: 2 nights New Haven (just need to break the drive to Maine-is this a good place?)
April 27th: 3 nights Portland Maine
April 30th: drop car at Logan and spend 3 nights in the city
May 3rd: 9PM flight our of Logan to Dublin

We are pretty open on number of nights we spend in places and the route we take. I would love input from folks about our choices. We aren't after staying in the big cities on this trip (aside from Boston because I have never seen it) so that is why places like Philadelphia and NYC are missing. We love road trips and eating so any suggestions about where to stop, beautiful roads, local cuisine, etc. would all be welcome.

Some specific questions:

Is it too much to think about continuing on to Louisville-I keep reading nice things about it but it seems like it takes us really far West and makes out total mileage pretty high since we prefer driving 4-6 hours a day versus 8 hours straight.

We are to Maine really eat lobster. I know we will be there kind of early in the season (April 27th), so it seems like a good idea to stay in Portland itself versus other places since I assume all the small coastal towns may be pretty dead that time of year.

Everything is really flexible at this point-so feel free to give advice about all of it. Aside from one other driving trip from DC to NY that focused on the bigger cities, we are pretty much novices about the area-so all thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!
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Old Dec 29th, 2013, 02:16 PM
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Maybe two nights in Savannah and two nights in Charleston. It is a trek from Tampa to Savannah mostly because of traffic and you won't get to see much by the time you arrive. Stay on Bay St in Savannah. A safe beautiful area. Lots of hotels and a walk across the street and you are on the waterfront. Tons of good places to eat.
I am thinking Atlanta is just a stopover on the way to Nashville. Asheville is lovely. See the Grove Park Inn while there and have a drink sitting on their porch. F Scott Fitzgerald wrote one of his books while staying there. The downtown area is very nice with lots of good vibes. Nashville is ok. Long drive from Asheville to Richmond. You will not be on 99 but 85 and you don't want to hit Richmond at peak traffic times. St Petersburg is before Richmond but you have to remember the whole area is very busy and DC is a nightmare if you hit it during rush hour. After Takoma you will pass quickly by the exit for Annapolis. Stop if you have time. St Michaels will be so calm! You will cross the Bay Bridge and all will slow down. Take 50 towards Easton. So many great places to eat there. Crabs won't be running yet but there will be other things. Rehoboth is my home from Delaware. The guy who owns all the Grotto's pizza places taught me in high school back in the late 60s. Lewes is a little town close by also. Dog Fish Head brewery pub is where we eat. Best beer in the State and they do great food. My friend supplies all their meat and it is grass fed and good. You have a huge adventure!
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Old Dec 29th, 2013, 05:57 PM
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thanks for all the info flpab! Yes I am thinking that Atlanta will probably just be a stopping point-hopefully dictated by some good foodie stop Do you recommend another place to stop instead of Richmond and do you thin 3 nights is "too long" in Nashville?

We are stopping in St Michaels to see a bit of the Bay area-but I have never really seen Anapolis or Baltimore-do you think one of these might make a better overnight stop?

Anyway-keep the ideas coming-we still have lots of planning time...
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Old Dec 29th, 2013, 06:49 PM
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Why so long in Nashville? I am not sure that would be worth the side trip from Atlanta, and I would add time in Asheville instead or drive through the Smoky Mountains. Asheville to Richmond will be longer than you expect - we always seem to hit traffic around Roanoke, so plan for an hour beyond what the map suggests. There are lots of charming little towns to stop and see in Virgina, too, such as Abingdon and Lexington. Richmond is gorgeous with plenty of historical things to see fairly close such as Petersburg and Williamsburg. We drove from Knoxville to Maine two years ago, and we made pit stops in Staunton, Virginia, Mystic, Connecticut, Newport, Rhode Island, and Lexington, Massachusetts, just for fun. We drove from Knoxville to Harrisburg, PA, before our children rose in mutiny. Harrisburg to Mystic, Connecticut, then to somewhere on the beach in New Hampshire (obviously not memorable), then to Bar Harbor. We were doing a straight interstate route and we stopped a lot. Annapolis, Maryland, is not on any direct path, but it is perhaps one of the prettiest towns on the Easter Sea Board in my opinion. Once you have driven through the Yale Campus, New Haven is pretty dull. However, the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts are full of charming little towns - maybe leave the interstate for awhile here?
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Old Dec 29th, 2013, 06:57 PM
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For a stop in Connecticut, go another 50 minutes and stop in the Mystic/Stonington area. Visit Mystic Seaport, check out Stonington Burough, if you want some night life, most of the hotels/motels have shuttles to the casinos if you don't want to drive at night.
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Old Dec 29th, 2013, 07:00 PM
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I did not study your trip but saw the 4 nights in Nashville and unless your are a serious country music fan that is about 2 nights too long. I was there this fall and enjoyed my 2 nights there but was ready to leave.
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Old Dec 29th, 2013, 08:34 PM
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Hi there-I actually made a slight mistake on my list. We only have 3 nights planned in Nashville, but it sounds like we really will be happy with 2.

We are particularly interested in exploring the southeast of the US which is an area we don't know at all, so maybe it is even better to only go as far west as Asheville and spend more time exploring around Raleigh and some more of Virginia.

We have taken the route in the northeast through Mystic and Newport and Providence area but maybe we should see that area again instead of New Haven. Also emalloy you mention, "However, the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts are full of charming little towns", do you have suggestions of a couple that you think are worth an overnight.

Again-thanks so much to all-it is a huge help having folks who know the area give their opinions. Since we are looking at this as pretty much as a driving trip with only a max of 3 nights in one place (aside from areas where we have friends) we figure we can adjust as we go along and just book hotels a few days ahead if we at least have some idea of the interesting places to stop.
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Old Dec 30th, 2013, 03:32 AM
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I am a little confused about your saying Louisville (I wouldn't really go as you have it now, but it is a lovely city) and Asheville are far "west"--they are east from Nashville.
Anyway, I think 1 and 3 days are good for Savannah and Charleston unless you'd like to add a day in that area. They are unique and charming--and foodie heaven. You will also be in that part of the south during April which will be a stunningly beautiful time to see it.
Instead of Atlanta you might think about Chattanooga en route to 2 days (plenty) in Nashville.
Asheville and the GSMNP is definitely worth some time.
If you are big music fans, then Nashville is for you, but there are a LOT of beautiful and charming things to do further east in NC, SC, and Virginia.
And yes, there are lots of charming things to see and do in New England
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Old Dec 30th, 2013, 03:49 AM
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Late April is a wonderful time to drive the Skyline Drive in VA.
Can you fit in a stop in Beaufort SC before Charleston? It's a very pretty little town on the water.

I agree Stonington/Mystic would be a better stop than New Haven. It could be the beginning of your lobster adventure. Google best lobster rolls in New England. Abbott's near Mystic was hard to find but worth it but it might be a seasonal place.
Portland ME is a good choice for that time of year. The Bite Into Maine food truck might be parked that early in the park near South Portland where you can also visit a lighthouse. Take your lobster rolls (several choices available which is very unusual) to a bench overlooking the ocean. Really nice view if it's warm enough to sit outside, which it might be. Portland is a great foodie town. It wasn't the best foodie tour we've been on. You can visit the Two Fat Casts Bakery for whoopee pies on your own and walk to Duckfat for their famous French fries. You do have to drive thru NH to get to Maine so you could also stop at Petey's in Rye NH which is open all year for fried seafood and/or lobster. In fact, it's best to go when it's not summer because it's small and always crowded.

If you are looking for less traffic, you could go north in CT thru Hartford and then up to Western MA with an overnight in Sturbridge. Then skirt Boston via I495 to I95 to Maine.
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Old Dec 30th, 2013, 09:30 AM
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Okay based on your comments, here is a new revised itinerary:

April 1st : 3 nights in West Palm Beach (see friends there)
April 4th : 3 nights in Tampa (see friends there)
April 7th : 2 nights in Savannah
April 9th : 2 nights in Charleston (stop in Beaufort SC on way up)
April 11th : 1 night in Atlanta (or Chattanooga)
April 12th : 1 night in Nashville
April 13th : 1 night in Knoxville
April 14th : 2 nights in Asheville (visit Gatlinburg, TN on way)
April 16th : 1 night in Raleigh NC (or via VA?)
April 17th : 4 nights near Takoma Park MD (see friends there)
April 21st : 2 nights Saint Michaels MD
April 23rd : 2 nights Rehoboth Delaware
April 25th : 2 nights Mystic, Providence, Newport area
April 27th: 3 nights Portland Maine
April 30th: drop car at Logan and spend 3 nights in the city
May 3rd: 9PM flight our of Logan to Dublin


A couple of questions:

Do you think Asheville is worth 2 nights or better to spend 1 night in Gatlinburg? I thought it might be better to have a 2 night stay since we will staying 1 night in 3 night before that.

I am still not sure about the drive from Asheville to Takoma Park. Any strong opinions about going via VA or NC or nice stopping points? I was in Raleigh one time and I remember good BBQ but am open to any route in this section.
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Old Dec 30th, 2013, 10:38 AM
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You can drive through Gatlinburg mainly because the road runs through it, but it isn't a "visit". It is the biggest tourist trap on the east coast!! Spend your time in the Park.
I'd probably take NC for the trip to Takoma Park. Winston Salem is a nice stop to see Old Salem (a Moravian town--and the Southern Decorative Arts Museum).
For BBQ--NOT Raleigh--it would be Lexington, just before you get to Winston Salem. The BBQ capital of western NC.
You may want to play your Nashville/Knoxville/Park/Asheville by ear. All very close in distance.
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Old Dec 31st, 2013, 04:29 PM
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Thanks Gretchen-I will make notes about the BBQ Yes and I think you are right about playing it by ear in that part of the trip depending on how we like the area and how tired we are of "stopping and going"
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Old Dec 31st, 2013, 07:46 PM
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Everything Gretchen said. She is spot on here.

Atlanta seems the better stopping point from Charleston, but Chattanooga is a more charming city (and the drive is so pretty from Atlanta to Chattanooga).

I love Nashville, but all the things I love about it are the bigger city aspects, not the charm. Except maybe in Franklin. You could almost mark Nashville and Knoxville off your list and keep going…but if you really want to go there I wouldn't spend a long time.

Gatlinburg -- not even worth getting out of the car really.

The areas around Chattanooga and around Asheville are so much prettier than those areas in between.

Asheville has a neat bed and breakfast called the Red Rocker Inn on Black Mountain. You can stay there or just have breakfast there. They have a website. Black Mountain is a fun area to explore.

Fun trip!
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Old Jan 1st, 2014, 10:15 AM
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I agree with Sanibella--unless Nashville is a great pull for the OP, the part of the trip to include it is sort of just a driving exercise--Atlanta/Nashville/Knoxville, etc.
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Old Jan 2nd, 2014, 04:54 PM
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North Carolina bbq is my least favorite. It has a vinegar base, correct? We have Sonny's bbq here in Fl and love it more than Woodys or Porkys or Dustins. Love the BBQ names. Gatlinburg is a tourist trap. Asheville is nice and I really wouldn't even mind moving there.
I think your schedule is looking good. Where to stay in St Michaels and Rehoboth Beach? Lots of options. I also love Mystic.
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Old Jan 3rd, 2014, 07:19 AM
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NO,NO NO not all NC barbecue is vinegar based. That is eastern NC (Goldsboro and such). Western NC (Lexington!! and west) is tomato based, and I agree--I like it much better. Sonny's is a kind of example of it, but not the best by any means compared to the real stuff!! I do like their BBQ beans.
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Old Jan 3rd, 2014, 03:08 PM
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Thanks for the BBQ info-I am guessing I might prefer the west-but will just have to wait and see. As for Nashville part of the trip-it is really just to check out the area a bit-our cousin who recently passed away was the architect of the grand old opry, so we would like to see the building although I understand to flooding it was recently rehabbed quite a bit. The honest truth is we have a car and a month to "kill" when we arrive in Fort Lauderdale on April 1st before we need to be in Boston on April 30th, so if any of you have other places to suggest-I would love to hear-we are more city people than small town or countryside-oriented, and we are really trying to hit major cities on the East coast since we have been to most and will have a car which is always hard to drive and expensive to park. But otherwise we are pretty up for almost anything. We are dual French US nationals and we keep fantasizing about finding a East coast spot where we could live part time since we have spent pretty much all our working life on the west coast, so we keep hoping we may find a good spot not too far from an airport-the goldilocks place....not too hot, not too cold, etc.
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Old Jan 3rd, 2014, 09:31 PM
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Sorry I was typing too fast-I guess that is the grand ole opry

And I meant to say "and we are NOT really trying to hit major cities on the East coast since we have been to most and will have a car which is always hard to drive and expensive to park. "
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Old Jan 4th, 2014, 08:18 PM
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Ok, that makes more sense about Nashville now. I think they have the Grand Ole Opry back in order now. If you stay overnight in Nashville I recommend the Hampton Inn next to the Opry Mills Mall. It's convenient and reasonable. You can still visit Opryland Hotel (if you are interested in doing that) without staying there. Staying there is a little bit of a nightmare because it's so sprawling.
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Old Jan 4th, 2014, 09:28 PM
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Thanks sanibella for the hotel suggestion! We will be interested to see the Opry since our cousin told us many stories about the design-including placing the gold star in the "new" stage at the time. His architecture firm (welton Beckett) gave him the job partly because he was French and loved Opera so they thought it would be kind of amusing to have him spend 2 years immersed in the land of country music! He said he was so exhausted on the opening night that he went to bed and didn't even see the opening show which was Johnny Cash and he said he kicked himself ever after

So even though I know it won't be the same building he designed I figure we should at least make it a stop.
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