We will have about three weeks during October and want to do a car trip from the New Jersey area to Northern Florida. We will either drive each way or take the auto train down and drive back. We would really appreciate suggestions of interesting places to see, stay and dine along the way. We like interesting places at moderate prices but are willing to splurge on something special. Thanks

Definitely Savannah and Charleston on US Highway 17. A quick search will get you more recommendations than you care to have on both these cities.

Between the two places, Beaufort is a do not miss.

Also, Fripp Island and Hunting Island are barrier islands off Beaufort and are beautiful and worth spending a night or two.

I would try and start this trip in St. Augustine since it is such a beautiful town.

Just to start, try to include Charleston and Savannah.

Another vote for Charleston - we honeymooned there and it was amazing, just the houses were beautiful! We had dinner at the Peninsula Grill as a splurge and it was delicious. The beaches are gorgeous, and there's tons of history all around. It's a very easy city to walk around, and a great little marketplace in the center with gorgeous baskets. Have fun!

We will be doiong part of the way in our Sept/Oct southeast tour and will visit Williamsburg-Outer banks-Wilmington-Charleston and Savannah before going inland .Paul

Annapolis MD
Washington DC
Charlottesville VA
Blue Ridge Parkway from VA/NC state line to Asheville NC (possibly stop at Grandfather Mountain and/or Linville Falls along the way)
Charleston SC (a must see)
Savannah GA
St Augustine FL

Topping for sparkerlaw. I think your friend saw a different Savannah than most of the folks on Fodor's.

Outer Banks of NC - lovely
Charleston SC (Charleston Chops Restaurant)
Savannah GA (The Lady & Sons Restaurant)

I'd try to drive along the coast as much as possible and just explore - there are some great historic towns

I think Edenton, NC is worth a stop, it is lovely there. http://www.edenton.org/

About an hours south of Savannah is St Simons Island, GA, I love it so much there, I plan to move there! http://www.stsimonsguide.com/

Consider traveling south down the I95 corridor. I like Hilton Head for a stop due to its proximity to Savannah, Beaufort and I95. For the return, I would recommend a western route that would follow I81 north to Harrisburg,PA and then east on I78.The NC and VA pieces of this route are beautiful in the Fall.Lots of recommendations for this drive can be found here in Fodor's.