Thanks to everyone for the great advice. We're in Charleston and having a really good time. (BTW, the shrimp and grits at the 9 Bakery and Lounge on Front St. in Wilmington should not be missed. Also, Pearlz Oyster Bar in Charleston has great, fresh, local seafood.)

I'd like to flip it around now. We're supposed to head home tomorrow but don't want to drive all the way through to NJ. We think we want to go via 95 this time, though, and are looking for a good place to stop for a night or two, approximately halfway, and not TOO far from the highway. We could be a little flexible on that.

Does anyone have an idea for us? Civil War/historical might be good.

Bob

Richmond, VA is 6 hours from Charleston. I am not big into Civil War history but we have plenty of it here. The VMFA is a very good museum. Depending on your lodging budget, I'd stay at The Jefferson Hotel for a true RVA experience.

Last year I drove from SC to Maryland and spent a day wandering around Virginia. I really enjoyed visiting Appomattox Courthouse -
http://www.nps.gov/apco/index.htm

There are plenty of other Civil War/historical things in the area as well.

It's almost equidistant between Charleston and Newark (3 miles).

I loved the looks of this inn. I didn't stay there but mentioned it to bankbabe and she visited and loved it.
http://www.meander.net/

I have done Dukey's route and it is by far the most scenic.

The main issue is the lack of an interstate which means battling through the strips and traffic lights of each town. I remember the drag through Myrtle Beach, just awful.

There are many lovely little town on the coast like Beaufort, Southport etc and you could take the Lewes ferry to Cape May and avoid Washington.

OP, did you tell us how you got TO Charleston?

There is a bypass through MB, but there are times it is better to go right through it--particularly if going to the airport!!

Richmond is about half way to NJ from Charleston. If you want to stay on the I95 route all the way up, The Jefferson Hotel in RVA is beautiful, but $$$$. If you are not married to I95, consider Monticello around Charlottesville. Starrs suggestion of the Inn at Meander Plantation is wonderful, but not sure how much out of the way that would mean for you! It's off 66.

Glad you had fun in Charleston! :)

Bob

What did you think of the weather on Saturday?

We sat on Sullivan's Beach in protest, totally alone, very cold, very wet.

"though, and are looking for a good place to stop for a night or two, approximately halfway"

Since he wanted a place for a night or two and wants to visit Civil War/historical sites, driving through VA would be a good option. If it's what I did and was a fabulous day.

If he were looking for a place just to stop for the night along the way, it's not a good option.

Dickie, we spent Saturday walking all the way around the Mall in DC, and then some. Total of about 13 miles! It was blustery, but the rain held off. Actually a pretty good day.

Bob

What did you think of the weather on Saturday?

We sat on Sullivan's Beach in protest, totally alone, very cold, very wet.
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Saturday in Charleston was miserable....we watched college football at SD & SIL's house. We did, however, have a great breakfast here:

http://www.pagesokragrill.com/

Janet, we drove past you on Saturday on the way to Seewee.

Page's always looked bonkers busy.

The Seewee cafe just north of MP is also great but very different. Much more old school, sawdust and overalls.

Incredible low country food with lovely staff.

We stayed at The Old Post Office in MP, again a brilliant experience.

Is there any poor food in Charleston?

Is there any poor food in Charleston?
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I don't think so.

We had a very good (and light) meal here:
http://www.theparkcafechs.com/

Our dinner sans Harper was here on Saturday...also very good.

http://edmundsoast.com/

OO you stayed at Old Post House? I love that place! That's my old neighborhood. I'm so glad you got to enjoy it.

It's hard to find bad food. Any place that isn't excellent doesn't stay open long.

Suewoo

We found it hilarious to drive round and see empty Wendy's, Starbucks and Taco Bells.

Presumably these chains allow other profitable regions to subsidise their outlets in Charleston.

My only gripe was the quality of the coffee scene.

Not good I'm afraid, when you are used to double espresso which should be classed as a class A drug.

Dickie_Gr....there is a great coffee shop near SD's office downtown...I will ask her the name of it.