Travel from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC
 

Family of 4 two kids ages 11 & 12. Looking to do a road trip to Charleston, SC. Rough sketch of a plan right now....include a stop over in Gettysburg and Charlottesville, VA. Spend 1 night at a stop on the way to Charleston with 2 to 3 nights in Charleston, SC and then break up the trip on the way back with another stop over.

Going in late March. Open to suggestions regarding routes and places to stay. Not looking for 5 star - interested in family friendly mid range options. We will have a car. We enjoy good food, walking tours, cultural activities and some history.

Thanks in advance -

Familythattravels

If you live in the Philadelphia area, save Gettysburg for a 2 day trip from home instead of rushing through it on the way to Charlottesville.
Gettysburg is rather bleak in March. It is very active in early July when the reenactments take place.
You might want to come back on the coastal route (US 17).

Thanks Tom - Good point about Gettysburg it is close. Will check out the coastal route.

Trying to pick a good halfway point on the way back. from Charleston. Staying in Charlottesville, VA on the way out. Need ideas for the last night on the road.

How about Lewes Delaware? Take the morning ferry to Cape May.

Looking for more of a halfway point. Lewes Delaware is pretty close.

Pocomoke City Maryland? Still take the Cape May ferry from Lewes.

I like the idea of saving Gettysburg.

If you went a little inland on the way back from Charleston, Winston Salem is a nice town. There is the historic part of Old Salem, a restored Moravian settlement. Also the Southern Decorative Arts Museum, a small museum of historic furniture/decor. The Winkler Bakery is not to be missed for the youngsters--buy delicious bread, Moravian sugar cake and cookies. Ours sat on the brick sidewalk and ate it at that age.
From Winston you can get interstates north and east back to Philadelphia. I don't think it would be a much longer drive back.

On the way to Charleston I suggest you take I95 south to I40 over to Wilmington and then down Route 17 to Charleston. It is a good road and more interesting than 95 further down.
You might make a little detour at Georgetown to its nice historic district that dates from Revolutionary War times. There is also Hobcaw Barony, just between Pawley's Island and Georgetown.
Pawley's Island (on the beach island) was where the rice planters of Charleston spent their summers to escape the malarial mosquitoes.

Thanks Gretchen will look into your suggestions.