We are planning a trip from Boston area to Ft. Pierce, leaving July 5 - hoping to go as far as VA the first day and completing the rest of the way on the second - is that doable? Also, after 5 days in Ft. Pierce with family we are looking to sight see a bit on the way home - have built in 4 days to get back to MA - any suggestions - we were thinking of stopping in Savannah, maybe or outer banks, but are open to suggestions and driving hints. Thanks.

If you are traveling home via I-95, the Outer Banks are a lengthy car ride on sometimes two lane roads that will be conjested in July.

I would suggest Savannah and Charleston. Both lovely cities.

On the way down when you get close to Richmond VA take 295 south to bypass the downtown area that gets congested often. You could probably make it to Emporia or Rocky mount NC on day one, there are lots of motels right off the interstate exits in both towns.

I am from Savannah. I would highly suggest a visit to our quirky little town. you'll have a blast. charleston is pretty too.

Thanks for your replies - anyone have suggestions of our getting through and/or around the DC area? I understand it can be time consuming and would appreciate any hints on routes to take to minimize traffic. Realize that July 5 may not be the best time to travel in that area but we are committed to traveling on that date. Although it is the day after the holiday it is a Sunday and perhaps we are being overly concerned about getting hung up for hours in traffic. Thanks.

July 5 is a Saturday this year.

With July 5th being a Saturday you might try taking the Maryland round-about. Anyway take a look at it - we find that it saves all of the washington Beltway time and most of the time on I-95 to Richmond.

When you are at Baltimore's south side take I-97 south. This becomes Rt 3 near Crofton and further it becomes Rt 301. Follow this through Waldorf, LaPlata and Across the bridge from Maryland into Virginia. When you get to Bowling Green take the road over to get onto I-95 again.

There are traffic lights on this road but the traffic is nowhere like what is found getting around Washington DC. Anyway take a look at it on the maps and make your decision.

We use it all the time.

Thanks LN - we will definitely check out your suggested route - my mistake on the day/date - it is Sat. July 5 we will be traveling in that area.

I agree with LN, the Maryland route that will take you down 301 in Virginia is scenic and I like it. In Hanover County north of Richmond 301 will intersect with 295 - get on 295 going toward Virginia Beach/ Rocky Mount NC, and it will rejoin 95 south of Petersburg. Have a great trip!

Hi again

If you're looking to sightsee on your return trip - you might try the Annapolis area - it's truly a great spot and so accessible. There's so much history here!! It's a really great town!!

On your return trip on Rt 301 - take a right and go east on rt 50 to Annapolis. Then take Rowe Blvd into Annapolis and you'll find the state capitol immediately. Further on is the Naval Academy and our cobblestoned streets.

If you wish to sightsee more on your return, after Outer Banks, try Norfolk, taking Rt 13 up thru the DelMarVa peninsula, a ferry trip to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake (where it's so isolated the natives have an Elizabethian accent) ... maybe cross over to Annapolis, or continue up the peninsula. If continueing, take the Cape Maye ferry and visit that town. Atlantic City if you're a gambler.