East coast - Miami to New York including Canada
 

Hi Guys,

I am an Australian and found helpful tips on this forum on my east coast trip. I have lived in Virginia for 9 months and driven around DC 10 years ago
My plan from Miami (7 July 2018) to New York 3 Aug 2018.
Below are the google map links
1) Florida - https://goo.gl/maps/Txa6d6ssqgM2
2) https://goo.gl/maps/YHuGQax7e552
3) https://goo.gl/maps/gvvqD7HxwEQ2
4) Drive through Blue ridge Parkway https://goo.gl/maps/DtxbgyGZh5t
5) Drive through Shannondoah national Park https://goo.gl/maps/RuKCLbi8Gh52
6) Drive from Philly to Montreal https://goo.gl/maps/aSmpiTjo2aw
7) Montreal to Maine https://goo.gl/maps/E8F6vMWW8P22
8) https://goo.gl/maps/YYyPfkzTV5E2
9) https://goo.gl/maps/DQitwkRycem
10) https://goo.gl/maps/mBbSmpRyT4t

I will be returning the rental car on Day 1 in New York ( 1 Aug 2018)

I am looking for suggestions on which areas are good to book accommodation, and areas to miss or add to my road trip. We are a family of 6 ( Husband, Wife, 10yr, 14 Yrs, In laws in their 60's)

Cheers
Steve

So we can hopefully help: a lot of driving and I assume you have plotted the route in order to see "as much as possible" is that correct?

Areas to miss and add: that is impossible for me to say since you have given no idea as to your interests and why you are going to the various places.

An example: Miami to Key West and then back again: why are you doing it twice and no you do not need to do that since you can fly to Key West from Miami and THEN drive back and onward.

Asheville: is this to see mountain scenery? And then you are driving the Parkway and I gather Skyline Drive, also.

I am NOT saying you are doing too much driving or that you shouldn't do it at all (those people will be here soon enough).

You give no priorities and admittedly not everybody will agree that for this period of time one place is an absolute "must see" in comparison to others.

You say nothing of the other people's interests INCLUDING the children's or are they coincidental to your own?

Why are you doing this?

You do know that the speed limit on the BRP is 45 MPH? Asheville to mile zero will take an entire day with no stops.

You are putting six people in one "car"?

You are overly optimistic. Driving times are optimal and do not take into account pit and lunch stops. Moreover, your maps are not continuous. For example, the drive from Philadelphia to Montreal is mapped only to Toronto. There is a similar gap between Augusta and Rockland. This could be a trip from hell.

It is IMO very unfortunate when people come here, ask a question and then responders really want to help and the people never come back again.

I don't think your plans are realistic because of the distances. One summer we were able to camp and explore all summer. We spent July going from NH down thru PA and the Skyline Drive and got as farm as northern NC before making a fairly quick trip back to NH. We did not have a set plan, just stopped at places that looked interesting and stayed as long as we wanted which wasn't more than a couple of nights. We spent August going from NH to PEI, around Nova Scotia and then a quick trip home thru Maine. We might have stayed one night when or several depending on how much we wanted to explore an area. This was before the internet so knowing what I know now, we missed a lot. Back then we used guide books, local newspapers and visited local libraries.

Since we live in NH, Maine is probably our most favorite area to spend a week. Last year we split the week into staying in two different locations. Although we have some favorite lobster shacks we re-visit when we can, we usually explore new places. You could easily spend a month in just Maine.

Give it up, Dfrostnh, because the OP obviously is no longer interested. Sorry.

I am interested in the responses hence I posted. The main aim is to see the scenery around the east coast of USA. We don't prefer sitting on a beach or a place for long as we as a family feel we can do it at home with the lovely beaches and landscapes in Australia. Furthermore, the ladies (wife and Mother in Law) love shopping so I have kept two days in New Hampshire for their shopping. But that rule gets broken since they shop for clothes etc literally most places when we go out to eat.

We like nature (not into hiking) especially driving around the places. I have read some posts that driving around DC and Philly is going to be hard. My plan is to live away from the busy streets and drive the family to the tourist location.

Canada:
I have been to Toronto couple of times and find it as another city. We need meet our family for Dinner and see the Niagara Falls and see some places. Then drive to Montreal which I have been (not family) and loved it.

The reason I am going from Philly to Toronto is that we are flying out of NY.

Dukey1:
Yes to see the Mountain Scenery in Asheville and yes to And then you are driving the Parkway and I gather Skyline Drive, also. Do you think it is a redundant drive?
I checked the Airfares to Keywest from Miami to Keywest and it is around $250 per person which is $1500 for 6 people. I think we would drive and save that money. I agree it is driving the same road twice.

We do not have the luxury of staying at a place for 2 or 3 days as we live far away.

You are right on
6) Philly to Montreal - Updated link https://goo.gl/maps/t6sewtt4ri42
7) Montreal to Augusta https://goo.gl/maps/nAPv5nNWZfQ2
Augusta to Rockland Ferry Service https://goo.gl/maps/XPVo8kNTemo
8) Rockland Ferry Service, Maine to Porthsmouth should be https://goo.gl/maps/HqNgppiAqVt
9) Porthsmouth to Providence Should be https://goo.gl/maps/uWiUtFsNyRQ2 (Shopping and a bit of sight seeing)
10) Providence to NY should be https://goo.gl/maps/nyM16UypqmP2

I looked up for toll tag http://www.e-zpassiag.com/about-e-zpass. Can I order and ship it to my hotel?

Apologies for the delayed response.

Cheers
Steve

For shopping you might want to stop in Freeport, Maine and visit the L.L.Bean flagship store.

I dont think going to Key West makes much sense, that is a LOT of car time, especially with 6 people in the car.


Dukey, quit being so nasty. You gave the OP less than 24 hours before you jumped on him and you do know there IS a time difference between here and OZ.

From Montreal to Maine: you are skimming the top of the White Mountains. The view will be very nice in downtown North Conway NH looking north up Main Street to Mt. Washington. Lots of outlet shopping but I think there is a better choice of stores in Kittery ME (but also a sales tax).

The problem with I95 from Rockland to Portsmouth is seeing lots and lots of trees and nothing else. You really need to do a detour which could be to a great lobster shack near Rockland, Maine Coastal Gardens near Boothbay, and driving different sections of Rt 1 like thru Camden (north of Rockland) ME. You can even drive up the auto road to the top of Mt Batty for what I think is the prettiest view of the ocean (Camden Harbor). Windjammers are based in Camden so you might also get to see some sailing along the coast. Wiscasset is also a pretty town and if you drive the bridge in Bath, you can get a glimpse of what they are building at Bath Iron Works. We saw one of the stealth destroyers which looked like something from a Star Wars movie. Any lighthouse is usually worth the detour.

PLEASE take a boat ride out of Portsmouth NH. It will be a great break from driving and Portsmouth is a beautiful town with some interesting shops and great restaurants.

We have taken to staying in air b&bs because we like all the comforts of home even if it's not our house. Last fall we stayed in Warren RI which looks like on your route. We did a food tour of Providence one day and two tours of Newport mansions the next. Highly recommend Beneath the Breakers and Servants Life tours. Get your tickets ahead of time. In Warren we stayed at the Cole House which had two bedrooms, large dining area, sleep sofa. Is it possible for 10 yr and 14 yo to share a bed? We brought our own inflatable single air mattress as well.

Conway NH to Augusta ME is very rural. Recommend knowing where you can have lunch along the way.

Thank you for your response which helps clarify your original post completely.

I agree that it will be much cheaper to drive back and forth to Key West than flying one way especially if that segment is not part of your original one into the United States.

I do not think doing both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive are any more redundant than the drive back and forth to Key West and they afford some wonderful views. But do be aware as has been pointed out above that the speed limit is 45 MPH AND at your time of year there may be a lot of other people also doing the drive.

Your trip is obviously ambitious and only you can say how much your family members will enjoy such a journey (hopefully a great deal).

Please keep in mind that even if you don't end up sitting on them the Atlantic Coast beaches differ considerably from those you may be used to in Australia and for that matter you will find the beaches here differ a great deal from one another depending on the location.

Florida beaches are VERY different from those on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and those are very different from those in places like Maine.

Have a wonderful trip.

Thank you all. I will have to rejig my trip based on the tips provided above. As Xmas is approaching, I have my local trip planned (Great Barrier Reef) with my family. I will post again when I get more time for more assistance. Merry Xmas to all and a Happy New Year. I will be checking this post for frequently for any more tips and suggestions posted out here

Cheers
Steve

OK, I can see your wanting nature and scenery, but will your kids be happy seeing mostly lots of tree landscape, through a moving car window from Florida until you get to the NE? The parkways and drives are pretty, but not interesting after miles and miles.

Would you not like to see and/or visit some of the great and interesting places in the US along the way?

For example. If you go through Asheville, NC, it would be a real shame not to tour the Biltmore house and textile museum. Besides being beautiful, it is extremely interesting and a picture of life in the US in that particular place and era. You would not want to miss the Southern Highlands Craft Guild on Tunnel Rd. You wife will love you for it. I also highly recommend the Incredible New Morning Gallery right in Biltmore Village.

You might want to visit at least one of the old Forts in Florida. St Augustine is an interesting possibility and the little city is lovely. Stay in a hotel with a pool.

Head up to Georgia and SC. See Savanah or Charleston, one of the loveliest, most historic cities in the South. The old mansions and plantations are another beautiful and fascinating part of American history. The natural landscape is interesting too, with swamps and streams to the Ocean. Food is good too.

Up through the Shenandoah, you can stop in Charlottesville, another historic place, home of Thomas Jefferson.

Hit the NJ Coast for one of the iconic beach towns and let the kids swim.

Off hand, Williamsburg would also be great for the kids, ferry across the James River. See the lastest excavations and Jamestown. Do consider one of the amusement parks or water parks for one day, so two days there, if you go through that part of VA.

Rockport in Maine is a good place for some boating and art and crafts.

Acadia National Park in Maine is a five star sight for seeing the splendor of Nature! Stay at minimum a day or two.

These are just a few. I guess I am for the old saying, "Stop (or slow down) and smell the roses.

The kids might enjoy Boston. Lots to do and see.

I think I would skip The Florida Keys this trip.
Actually, I would concentrate on either the South or the NE.
The South and the Parkways are pretty.
The coast of Maine is stunning. So, in Summer, I would choose the NE. It also fits much better with the rest of the trip and gives you lots of natural beauty.

The NE also will not be sweltering in July. Florida will be baking hot and SC won't be much better.