Road trip from DC to Atlanta thru NC
 

My boyfriend and I are travelling from DC to Atlanta the weekend of Jan. 15th and are considering breaking up the drive with an overnight stop somewhere in NC. Any recommendations on a great town to stay over We'll likely be taking 85 through NC, but would consider a bit of a detour.

As for a place to stay, I'm looking for somewhere that we can grab a nice late dinner, maybe take a stroll through in the evening and then poke around in the following morning. We likely won't spend more than a morning and perhaps lunch in this town, so I don't need a long list of things to do. On the other hand, I'm looking for something more atmospheric than a Super 8 off the highway. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Possibly too much of a detour, but you could get on I40 north of Charlotte, head west to Asheville for a nice dinner and a fun downtown to explore. Lots of B&Bs and Inns.

Then in the am, take 40 west to 23/19 (a 4 lane divided hwy). Then, as you reach far western NC, turn south onto 441 which drops you out on 85 near Commerce GA, about an hour Northeast of Atlanta.

It's a pretty big detour, but would be much more scenic that I85 as you go through the NC and Ga mountains.

Check the NC board for Asheville posts if you're interested.

Depending where you live in DC you could head out 66 and pick up 81 and head south. It's such a pretty drive and there are all sorts of cute towns to stop in, Roanoke, Lexington in VA. THen pick up 23 in TN and that will take you on a brand new road and right into downtown ASheville. From Asheville you can drive down the non-scenic route 26-25A-85 South or go through the NC mtns into N. Ga by way of Franklin then it is a straight (but much more scenic shot) to Atlanta.

Just stop in Charlotte--it''s about 8 hours from DC and 4 from Atlanta. Have dinner at any number of great places, look around South End or South Park in the morning and head south.

I-85 through Durham, NC is under construction. If there is a wreck, the back up is huge.

One alternative to think about is taking Highway 29 through Virginia until Greensboro and get back on I-85 there. Also could take highway 58 in southern Virginia to 220 or 29.

Ig you take 66 out of Virginia, take I-81 to I-77 to I-85.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! It looks like there are a number of options, including alternative (and more scenic) routes through NC, that we have to consider. And definitely thanks for the tip about construction through Durham.

I'd recommend Chapel Hill - lots of great restaurants and it's a great town. It's really close to 85, and it should be about half-way between DC and ATL. There's no home game that weekend, so you should be able to get around town easily.