NH to Sarasota FL Road Trip in Feb
 

DH and I (and one very small dog) will be driving from Portsmouth NH to Sarasota FL this winter, where we have a rental. We would like to take about 5 days driving there, and another 4-5 driving back, hopefully stopping to visit and stay in different areas along the way. If we need to leave earlier due to bad weather, we will have that flexibility, although I plan to make most hotel reservations ahead, due to the fact we will have our dog with us which may limit choice of hotels.
We've seen a lot of discussion as to which route to take. Taking into consideration our timeframe and winter driving, as well as the fact we'd like to drive about 400 miles per day, does anyone have suggestions on most interesting towns/cities to visit along the way, and thoughts on route? We prefer smaller locales, and would definitely like to spend time in Charleston one way.
Thanks so much for your help!

One route would be to take the Garden State Parkway to Cape May NJ then take the ferry to Lewes, DE. Drive south on the DelMarVa then take the Bay Bridge/Tunnel and head down rt 17 to Charleston.

On the way back you might head west and go north on the Blue Ridge Pkwy/Skyline Drive.

I was too sleepy to answer last night, but I would have given the same advice about the southbound route as emalloy. It is actually fun.

Northbound, I disagree. You have all the mountains you need in NH and better mountains at that, so I would not do the "Western" route on 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, where snow can be a factor.

From the West Coast of Florida, you might take 75 to 85 to 95 to Washington DC and spend a couple of days there. There is so much to see for everyone, most of it free, and hotels are reasonable on weekends, less so during the week. Great food. From Washington, take US 50 to Annapolis, then 301 to 95 near the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

Yes, Charleston, Beaufort, SC, and Savannah are "interesting cities along the way."

Am assuming you're southbound in winter and northbound in spring(?). For me, that means visiting places like Charleston and Savannah on the return trip, when flowers are in bloom, etc. In winter, those place, as interesting as they are, can be a little drab.

For your trip home while in Florida you could consider cutting across the the state via I-4 to I95. That would allow you to stop in St. Augustine. This adds about 20 miles to your trip, but St. Augustine is worth it in my opinion. You'll then be able to continue along I95 out of the state.

While staying in Sarasota, St. Petersburg will just be about an hour away. Great place to visit on a weekend. If you enjoy nature, the Sunken Gardens in St. Pete are worth the hour drive alone.

Thanks so much to all of you for these great suggestions!