NYC to FLA Road Trip..stopovers (I-81) in Virginia and Sea Islands?
Oct 12th, 2012, 07:12 AM
#22
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I also don't think you'll find much football up that way in mid-December.
I'd sort of recommend that you head toward the coast from Winston and drive down Route 17 to Charleston for your next stop.
YOu are about 2.5 hours to Wilmington (have lunch on the river in the historic district) and about another 3-4 hours to Charleston. The road is 4 lane. Interesting stops along the way could be Brookgreen Gardens and Georgetown.
I'd sort of recommend that you head toward the coast from Winston and drive down Route 17 to Charleston for your next stop.
YOu are about 2.5 hours to Wilmington (have lunch on the river in the historic district) and about another 3-4 hours to Charleston. The road is 4 lane. Interesting stops along the way could be Brookgreen Gardens and Georgetown.
Oct 13th, 2012, 01:56 PM
#24
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Thanks, Elainee! I've visited The Cloister, years ago (although I stayed at the King and Prince on that work-related trip); but it was SO long ago that I barely remember. I did make a number of trips to the area back then, and always had such fond (albeit fading) memories of my time spent there.
In any case, I think that The Cloister might be too pricey for us on this trip, given that is essentially a drawn-out road trip. Unless I can find some kind of deal..... I would love other recommendations, though.
Any differences between staying on Jekyll Island and on St. Simons or, rather, what would be the difference with staying on one over the other, in December? We are not interested in night-life, if that matters, although we are interested in good food for dinner...
In any case, I think that The Cloister might be too pricey for us on this trip, given that is essentially a drawn-out road trip. Unless I can find some kind of deal..... I would love other recommendations, though.
Any differences between staying on Jekyll Island and on St. Simons or, rather, what would be the difference with staying on one over the other, in December? We are not interested in night-life, if that matters, although we are interested in good food for dinner...
Oct 14th, 2012, 09:34 AM
#25
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Stay on Jekyll at the Jekyll Island Club. Completely worth any price but it will be off season.
No football games to worry about, regular season will be over.
You will however have to worry about any December graduations. North Carolina and Virginia have some massive universities.
No football games to worry about, regular season will be over.
You will however have to worry about any December graduations. North Carolina and Virginia have some massive universities.
Nov 21st, 2012, 01:04 PM
#26
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We plan to leave on this road trip from NYC to Florida via Winston Salem in a few weeks, so I am busy looking over the various hotel options. Can someone offer some ideas on the pros and cons of staying for one night on St. Simons vs. Jekyll Island? Please keep in mind that we will arrive after having driven about 6 hours, so will not be setting off on any excursions once on the island. Would just like to take a walk, browse around, etc. No real sightseeing.
It appears that St.Simons has better places to eat than Jekyll....(we are interested in local fare, nothing fancy, but must be of high quality, even if very simple). I like the look of a BBQ place there...Southern Soul BBQ, but would also like to try local seafood. What about a good breakfast place, in case we decide to stay there?
http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/South...lMenu_togo.pdf
I priced out rooms at the King and Prince and at Jekyll Island Club. The former has oceanfront for about $150.oo, without breakfast. The Jekyll Island Club has a B&B package for about $230, including buffet breakfast, which might be very welcome before we get int he car again for the haul down to south Florida.
It appears that St.Simons has better places to eat than Jekyll....(we are interested in local fare, nothing fancy, but must be of high quality, even if very simple). I like the look of a BBQ place there...Southern Soul BBQ, but would also like to try local seafood. What about a good breakfast place, in case we decide to stay there?
http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/South...lMenu_togo.pdf
I priced out rooms at the King and Prince and at Jekyll Island Club. The former has oceanfront for about $150.oo, without breakfast. The Jekyll Island Club has a B&B package for about $230, including buffet breakfast, which might be very welcome before we get int he car again for the haul down to south Florida.
Dec 15th, 2012, 03:25 AM
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Just wanted to report back to relay some details of our driving trip from NYC to Florida.
A big thank you to Cashel for recommending the StoneWall Jackson Hotel in Staunton. Located a quick few minutes' drive from Rte#81, Staunton is a gem of a small city with a truly handsome panoply of architectural styles. The StoneWall Jackson proved to be an excellent choice for an overnight stay. Rooms are comfy, clean, quiet, and have wireless. We paid $135, plus tax, for a double. An indoor parking garage is connected to the hotel and carries a separate charge. (will confirm that when we check out!)
Just around the corner Beverley Street is lined with all sorts of interesting small shops including many vintage and antique dealers, cafes and restaurants.
http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/
We had a superb dinner at Zynodoa. Just a block from the hotel, this is a restaurant that I would place in the " worth a detour" category. We made a meal of their starters and side dishes, but the entire menu, with an emphasis on products of local farms, was tempting. Interesting list of wines and beers, with many from Virginia.
We began with two starters:
Mushroom risotto, with shitake and oyster mushrooms
Bold Rock Cider-battered flounder with grilled leeks and a mild aioli
We chose two starters as mains; both were outstanding examples of the marvels of carmelization:
Piney River Pork Belly, served on a carpaccio of red beets
Buffalo Creek Braised short rib, served over potatoes Anna
For sides: Wade's Mill Creamy Grits...essential
AM Fog Sauteed Mushrooms....excellent if lacking in salt
Staff is enthusiastic and eager to discuss the dishes and their local sources. The dining room is sleek and handsome, with walls adorned with contemporary works by local artists (I was tempted by a paint-on-resin piece by Brenda Anderson) and is for sale.
http://zynodoa.com/
After dinner, we wandered over to the Banana Split for gelato.
http://thesplitbanana.com/
Staunton proved to be an ideal place to break our journey and I hope to return in the spring.
A big thank you to Cashel for recommending the StoneWall Jackson Hotel in Staunton. Located a quick few minutes' drive from Rte#81, Staunton is a gem of a small city with a truly handsome panoply of architectural styles. The StoneWall Jackson proved to be an excellent choice for an overnight stay. Rooms are comfy, clean, quiet, and have wireless. We paid $135, plus tax, for a double. An indoor parking garage is connected to the hotel and carries a separate charge. (will confirm that when we check out!)
Just around the corner Beverley Street is lined with all sorts of interesting small shops including many vintage and antique dealers, cafes and restaurants.
http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/
We had a superb dinner at Zynodoa. Just a block from the hotel, this is a restaurant that I would place in the " worth a detour" category. We made a meal of their starters and side dishes, but the entire menu, with an emphasis on products of local farms, was tempting. Interesting list of wines and beers, with many from Virginia.
We began with two starters:
Mushroom risotto, with shitake and oyster mushrooms
Bold Rock Cider-battered flounder with grilled leeks and a mild aioli
We chose two starters as mains; both were outstanding examples of the marvels of carmelization:
Piney River Pork Belly, served on a carpaccio of red beets
Buffalo Creek Braised short rib, served over potatoes Anna
For sides: Wade's Mill Creamy Grits...essential
AM Fog Sauteed Mushrooms....excellent if lacking in salt
Staff is enthusiastic and eager to discuss the dishes and their local sources. The dining room is sleek and handsome, with walls adorned with contemporary works by local artists (I was tempted by a paint-on-resin piece by Brenda Anderson) and is for sale.
http://zynodoa.com/
After dinner, we wandered over to the Banana Split for gelato.
http://thesplitbanana.com/
Staunton proved to be an ideal place to break our journey and I hope to return in the spring.
Dec 16th, 2012, 02:41 AM
#30
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Right..the only thing flattened was a yellow skunk that we passed en route!
Staunton IS delightful. And the drive was so much easier than I had expected, and the scenery just beautiful once we reached Virginia.
Now in Winston-Salem recovering from an incredibly delicious late lunch at Smiley's BBQ in Lexington. I HIGHLY recommend this place, where they still cook over wood pits.
Three people shared one platter of sliced meat, one platter of coarse chopped meat (asked for outside brown) and half a bbq chicken. Assorted sides included fantastic nuggets of fried okra, corn sticks, hush puppies, bbq slaw (essential), rolls, and cole slaw.
With diet cokes and ice tea, unlimited refills, the bill was a most reasonable $34 before tip.
Highly recommended!!
http://www.smileyslexingtonbbq.com/menu.aspx
Staunton IS delightful. And the drive was so much easier than I had expected, and the scenery just beautiful once we reached Virginia.
Now in Winston-Salem recovering from an incredibly delicious late lunch at Smiley's BBQ in Lexington. I HIGHLY recommend this place, where they still cook over wood pits.
Three people shared one platter of sliced meat, one platter of coarse chopped meat (asked for outside brown) and half a bbq chicken. Assorted sides included fantastic nuggets of fried okra, corn sticks, hush puppies, bbq slaw (essential), rolls, and cole slaw.
With diet cokes and ice tea, unlimited refills, the bill was a most reasonable $34 before tip.
Highly recommended!!
http://www.smileyslexingtonbbq.com/menu.aspx
Dec 16th, 2012, 03:15 PM
#31
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Now checking in from the King and Prince Hotel on beautiful St. Simons Island, where we have a lovely room in the "oceanfront" building.
Just a few minutes drive from #95, St Simons has much to recommend it as both a stopover on a longer trip and an a destination in itself. So much more enticing than a chain hotel along the interstate. Good prices on a winter B&B package.
http://www.kingandprince.com/
Late lunch today was the local rendition of barbecue as rendered by Southern Soul BBQ, right here on St. Simons. Superb ribs, excellent pulled pork--a platter of each, plus fried okra and bbq slaw side dishes, plus drinks..$25. Probably one of the better food values on the island. Next time I need to try their smoked chicken!
http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/
http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/South...lMenu_togo.pdf
Just a few minutes drive from #95, St Simons has much to recommend it as both a stopover on a longer trip and an a destination in itself. So much more enticing than a chain hotel along the interstate. Good prices on a winter B&B package.
http://www.kingandprince.com/
Late lunch today was the local rendition of barbecue as rendered by Southern Soul BBQ, right here on St. Simons. Superb ribs, excellent pulled pork--a platter of each, plus fried okra and bbq slaw side dishes, plus drinks..$25. Probably one of the better food values on the island. Next time I need to try their smoked chicken!
http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/
http://www.southernsoulbbq.com/South...lMenu_togo.pdf
Feb 14th, 2013, 08:43 AM
#32
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The time has come to think of the drive back north, which will take place in mid-April.
I am interested in options for the first night's stop after leaving south Florida.
The Lodge at Little St Simons seems lovely. Any comments on this place for a 1-2 night stopover in mid-April? Can we safely leave our packed car in their parking lot? Good value for the high price?
http://www.littlestsimonsisland.com/directions.html
Other interesting and unique destinations that are more or less on the route? (Cumberland Island's Greyfield Inn requires dressy clothing for meals and that, along with the very high price, may exclude it from contention)
I am interested in options for the first night's stop after leaving south Florida.
The Lodge at Little St Simons seems lovely. Any comments on this place for a 1-2 night stopover in mid-April? Can we safely leave our packed car in their parking lot? Good value for the high price?
http://www.littlestsimonsisland.com/directions.html
Other interesting and unique destinations that are more or less on the route? (Cumberland Island's Greyfield Inn requires dressy clothing for meals and that, along with the very high price, may exclude it from contention)
Feb 25th, 2013, 04:44 AM
#33
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Anyone have an idea for an interesting stop for the first night of a drive north, beginning in the Delray area? On the Georgia (or southern SC) coast, but not IN Savannah (??) A great spot for dinner nearby would be a plus.
We enjoyed St. Simons on the trip south (see details above).
We enjoyed St. Simons on the trip south (see details above).
Feb 25th, 2013, 08:18 AM
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Just a suggestion.
For the return trip did you consider Amtrak's Auto Train?
For about $400, the 2 of you and your car will get transportation from Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA. A white cloth dinner service, free wine and breakfast is included in the fare. For ~$100 more you can get a roomette, somewhat small but you will have beds with sheets and pillows to sleep on, and opposing chairs with a table to enjoy during the day in total privacy.
The train leaves at 4 pm and arrives ~9:30 am. We did a R/T last year and while the trip does take time to load up the and unload the cars it was still pretty much on time. You are required to check in at least 2 hours before departure and it took them about an hour to call our car number at both destinations. You must have a car to take this train.
The food was not exceptional but IMHO a bit above average with full menu, steaks, fish, pasta dishes and some other items. Service was wonderful, at the restaurant car, at the lounge which also showed movies and our roomette attendant was just outstanding.
Both ways we arrived relaxed and only 1 and 2 hours to drive to our destinations, north of DC on the out and our home in Sarasota on the in. Best part? you can leave all your luggage in the car and just have an overnight bag to take with you on the train. Nobody has access to your car once it's loaded.
Needles to say we're doing it again this year. It saves wear and tear on the car and with the gasoline prices, overnight hotel, food, etc., it probably comes out to equal the cost.
For the return trip did you consider Amtrak's Auto Train?
For about $400, the 2 of you and your car will get transportation from Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA. A white cloth dinner service, free wine and breakfast is included in the fare. For ~$100 more you can get a roomette, somewhat small but you will have beds with sheets and pillows to sleep on, and opposing chairs with a table to enjoy during the day in total privacy.
The train leaves at 4 pm and arrives ~9:30 am. We did a R/T last year and while the trip does take time to load up the and unload the cars it was still pretty much on time. You are required to check in at least 2 hours before departure and it took them about an hour to call our car number at both destinations. You must have a car to take this train.
The food was not exceptional but IMHO a bit above average with full menu, steaks, fish, pasta dishes and some other items. Service was wonderful, at the restaurant car, at the lounge which also showed movies and our roomette attendant was just outstanding.
Both ways we arrived relaxed and only 1 and 2 hours to drive to our destinations, north of DC on the out and our home in Sarasota on the in. Best part? you can leave all your luggage in the car and just have an overnight bag to take with you on the train. Nobody has access to your car once it's loaded.
Needles to say we're doing it again this year. It saves wear and tear on the car and with the gasoline prices, overnight hotel, food, etc., it probably comes out to equal the cost.
Feb 26th, 2013, 06:45 AM
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I forgot to mention that the car loaders take videos/pics of your car before loading it up, so if there is any damage, for whatever reason, you can make a claim through Amtrak's insurance.
We did not have any issues but it's good to know that it's part of the service.
We did not have any issues but it's good to know that it's part of the service.
Mar 13th, 2013, 05:37 AM
#38
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AAFF: A belated thanks for the suggestion, and for taking the time to relate your experiences on the AutoTrain. If we decide to make this trip again, we might consider the train, but as this is new to us, we look forward to the actual journey, which gives us a chance to see places we would never consider. But I will keep the train in mind for next winter!
We will be driving back to NYC next month. I have now ruled out Little St. Simons and Greyfield for a variety of reasons. Both of these seem to beg for stays of more than 1-2 days, and there is the issue of leaving the car in the ferry parking lots, packed with things after a winter in Florida.
Beaufort is, indeed, a singularly beautiful city; I spent some time there in the 80s on work-related visits; took lots of photos of gorgeous homes!! Would look forward to a return visit sometime in the near future.
Next idea: Cloister at Sea Island. Very expensive. Worth a splurge after the big changeover? Anyone been here recently? Breakfast seems to add about $100 to the rate for two people....(???)
We will be driving back to NYC next month. I have now ruled out Little St. Simons and Greyfield for a variety of reasons. Both of these seem to beg for stays of more than 1-2 days, and there is the issue of leaving the car in the ferry parking lots, packed with things after a winter in Florida.
Beaufort is, indeed, a singularly beautiful city; I spent some time there in the 80s on work-related visits; took lots of photos of gorgeous homes!! Would look forward to a return visit sometime in the near future.
Next idea: Cloister at Sea Island. Very expensive. Worth a splurge after the big changeover? Anyone been here recently? Breakfast seems to add about $100 to the rate for two people....(???)
