I'll be driving from central NJ to WDW in August on I-95. Can anyone recommend a good stopping point not far from 95.

I would prefer to do most of the driving on my first day, with the shorter distance on the day I arrive in Fla.

Looking for a stopping point that has some point of interest or is charming.

Thanks in advance.

According to mapquest, Trenton (I picked that at random for central NJ) to Orlando is about 1000 miles. Unfortunately, there is not much of anything in NC close to I95. Then I thought - Savannah. But that is about 750 miles - a bit much for the first day considering you will have to navigate NJ Turnpike (there is always some issue on the Turnpike) and get thru Baltimore/Washington area - and just when you think you are free and clear, Richmond/Fredericksburg area seems to have some horrendous tieups at all times of day and week.

Charleston is a bit far off of I95. The Raleigh/Durham area perhaps has something of interest - not as familiar with that area. I know there are some wineries in the area I have wanted to visit. It is almost exactly halfway - but the northern 500 miles will almost certainly take you longer than the southern 500 miles.

(Have made part of this drive several times/year for about 8 years - kids in college in Savannah and NC - we live in Boston)

I95exitguide might be of help.

Florence, SC, is a bit over half way and has a great deal of lodging since it is a logical stopping place.

There is no place on the trip that will allow you to experience charm and make it in two days.

I've done the drive a half dozen times or so and agree it will be tough to experience charm on a two day trip of that distance. If you are not a fan of Pedro's South of the Border then Florence seems logical. You might be able to arrange a tour of The Columns when there. The Columns is a Cival War era plantation that is still family owned. The property is about 1500 acres in Florence.
From coastal-sc.com:
This 1500 acre mid-19th Century plantation is still operated by the owners.The home is an excellent example of Antebellum styled Greek Revival architecture that was so popular in that period. Located at 5027 East Old Marion Highway (off Williamson Road), tours are available but must be arranged with the owners. Phone 843-669-6730

If your goal is a short drive the second day, try to make it to Savannah. It's a trek, but we left central NJ at 6 AM and made it there by dinner time. Checked in and the kids had time to hit the pool. Next day got to WDW by noon.

I must qualify that by saying we drove on a Saturday... no way to do that on a weekday.

Two other thoughts - there is no iced coffee anywhere south of Richmond - only sweet tea. This is a major problem for me when making this long drive. Only solution is to go to a McDonald's, order a large hot coffee ($1) plus large fountain drink ($1). Fill fountain drink cup with ice, milk - whatever you want - and then dump in hot coffee.

Second - as you drive thru Virginia looking for food or bathroom, do not make mistake of getting off at Quantico exit - I did that thinking such a large military training facility would certainly have fast food and gas surrounding it. Very depressing to see the poverty of area and really shoddy housing those living off base are using. Guaranteed to make you feel rotten.

Try to avoid hitting the stretch of 95 between DC & Fredricksburg during the afternoon rush.

Fredricksburg, Petersburg & Ashland are decent stopping points. Not too sure about points of interest, but there are a decent hotels. May be a bit early in your trip if you want to get most of the driving done on day 1. I like to go from NYC to Fredricksburg(+) on day 1, and knock out the rest of the FL trip on day 2.