Monroe,CT to Shelby, NC
 

Heading south and want to steer clear of 95 as much as possible. Want to travel 81 down, what is the best way to get there?? Over Tappan Zee, down 87 to 78 or 84 to 209? Not sure how nice 209 is, rest stops, diesel fuel, will be pulling a small trailer. All input welcomed and appreciated.

I have no idea where 209 is but take I81 to I77 to I40 and down to Shelby.. Instead of the road this map takes you, I would take 321 south from I40 and then get on I85.

The best barbecue in NC is on the outskirts of Shelby at Bridges.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Monr...35.2923513!3e0

Maybe things have changed over the years but DH and I actually avoided 81--at least in Virginia. Heavy and speeding mac truck traffic. Can others confirm?

It won't be faster, but we do sometimes take 84 to 209 to 33 to 22 to78 to 81. We like to take a break on 209 which is through the Delaware Water Gap NP and has several places where you can pull of a way and hike to a waterfall. There are also some commercial ones which we avoid. The speed limit through the NP is 45 I think, and probably good to keep that as we've often seen deer and wild turkeys on the way.

If you want to see the route on google maps, put your location to Milford, PA first then Shelby, NC.

I like to keep moving, not speeding or reckless, but want fuel/bathroom stops to be quick and easy.. Not sure the DWG NP is a place I should be traveling through to make time.

I would pick up I84 in Newtown, then to I81 in Scranton, to I77 towards Shelby, NC.

Yes, there are lots of semis on I81, which are trying to avoid the congestion and tolls on I 95, but I find it to be a lot more relaxing. Just don't be in a big rush, cruise a couple of mph below the speed limit, and enjoy the scenery. An added advantage is a good number of rest areas along the way. Good luck...