Can someone please tell me the approximate driving time from Mitspe Rimon to Afula, the fastest route to take and some place of interest to stop en route (preferably halfway) to break up the trip. Thanks, Donna

The fastest will be by taking toll HW number 6. Highway 6 will cover only part of the distance, though. It'll be 3.5 to 4 hours non-stop. Breaking the trip halfway might be in Tel Aviv; Netanya; etc.
Are you considering stopping for a meal? Do you like seafood? A less conventional option (and more interesting) might be IDI sea food reastaurant in the town of Ashdod:
http://www.idiseafood.co.il/map.html

I second the recommendation for Idi seafood restaurant. It is an upscale, relatively expensive restaurant with very very good fish and seafood, although if you are there for lunch during the weekdays (which is Sunday-Thursday) you might get a good deal on the business lunch.

If you're renting a car, check about using HWY 6. It's an automatic toll road, which may get to be expensive if charged thru the rental company.

Hi Donna
Which road you will take- depends on what time of the day are you driving.
Avoid early morning - and you can drive easier and make a stop in Cesarea- In my opinion the best place you can visit on that way, it takes 3 hours to get there via road number 40- then ( Ashdod) number 4 and then ( from Tel Aviv) number 2.
Enjoy
Adi