Driving NH to Hilton Head SC

[bigdog]

Need advice on driving from the Lake to Hilton Head SC.

I know have been Posts in the past, but cannot locate ?

Looking for best routes, least construction, best places to stay overnight.
Probably going to make the trip in two days, with two overnights in hotels.

Want to avoid NYC and GWB at all costs !

Thanks !

[chaseisland]

Left Concord NH @ 7;30 PM, put me in NYC at midnight with no traffic to speak of over GWB. Hit DC @ 3:00 am, again with light traffic. Only problem was finding a spot to crash that let you in before 2PM. Have a good trip and be safe!!

[tummyman]

MA pike to 84 south, then Charter Oak Bridge just before Hartford. Next is Merritt Parkway/Wilbur Cross Pkwy/RT 15 off 84 to Cuomo Bridge (formerly Tappen Zee), then Garden State Pkwy to NJ pike (RT95). Gas up at first rest area after getting onto the Garden State Pkwy (Montvale Service Plaza).Like this route instead fo GWB.

[steve-on-mark]

When you get there, avoid the Lighthouse Circle area in Sea Pines![emoji6]

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[Newbiesaukee]

Just did this to FL. The only general observation I’ll make is that traffic is significantly lighter everywhere. Of course, there are busier times but relatively speaking, just less traffic. I hate driving I-495 around DC, but even at 8:00 am weekday very little slow up. Of course, bumper to bumper, but it always moved.

[bigdog]

First, thanks to Steve-On-Mark about the 'gators', I'm around the corner from Sea Pines, and see them all the time down here !:) Gators are fast on land, so if you're being chased by on, either zig-zag, or be in front of the person ahead:)

I forgot to add, I'll be driving on the weekends, so hopefully make going through D.C. a breeze...... Trip not planned until mid-June, and will be leaving for S.C. on a Sat. morning, and returning the following Sun. night.

Also, for the return trip to N.H. I'll be pulling a small U-Haul trailer, so not sure what issues that may create. Not sure I can take the trailer on the Merritt Pkway in CT, can someone comment on this for me.

Thanks !

[tummyman]

Trailers are NOT PERMITTED on CT Parkways.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Best way to go? Scenic route, almost no tolls, no traffic issues & trailer friendly:


From Concord, NH take 93 South to Woburn, MA and take Route 95 South.

Take the Mass Turnpike West (Route 90) to Route 84 West.

Follow 84 into Wilkes-Barre, PA and take Route 81 South.

In Virginia, get on Route 64 East which takes you to Route 95 in Richmond, VA.

Follow 95 South until you hit Route 278 in South Carolina.

Take Route 278 directly to Hilton Head.

Allow 19 Hours.

If you are a member of AAA they will make a TripTik for you.

[Aunt Lula]

Just today I was talking to someone about driving from CT to HHI. . He recommended picking up RT 81 also. Much nicer drive. We are going end of April and I am considering driving rather than flying.

[gillygirl]

Best way to go? Scenic route, almost no tolls, no traffic issues & trailer friendly:


From Concord, NH take 93 South to Woburn, MA and take Route 95 South.

Take the Mass Turnpike West (Route 90) to Route 84 West.

Follow 84 into Wilkes-Barre, PA and take Route 81 South.

In Virginia, get on Route 64 East which takes you to Route 95 in Richmond, VA.

Follow 95 South until you hit Route 278 in South Carolina.

Take Route 278 directly to Hilton Head.

Allow 19 Hours.

If you are a member of AAA they will make a TripTik for you.

This is the route I take, except I avoid Richmond but taking 288 off 64 west of Richmond, which connects with 95 south of Richmond. I don’t like going further south on 81 than 64 because I find it’s too heavy with trucks.


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[Scott_Mac]

I did a very similar drive a few times going to university in Charleston, SC. I would usually stick 95 the whole way for time's sake, but if I were looking for something more scenic/less traffic and wanted two stops- here's my suggestion.


Leave NH, head west to Albany through VT, then south to Warwick, NY and check out the winery.
Staying west of NYC, head south through NJ, then go south through the DELMARVA peninsula and spend the night in Norfolk, VA.
Head out of Norfolk and 7 hours later get down to HH.


Enjoy the drive!

[longislander]

I've done I-87 in North/Southbound in NY many times, to avoid Conn. and NY city traffic.

I-87 from/to Vt or MA. is a nice ride.

I avoid I-93 and prefer I-91 for North/Southbounds

I-91 and I-90 merge in Chicopee/Springfield, MA is a nice merge.

Staying on I-91 north to Brattleboro, VT exit is also nice.

[tis]

I've done I-87 in North/Southbound in NY many times, to avoid Conn. and NY city traffic.

I-87 from/to Vt or MA. is a nice ride.

I avoid I-93 and prefer I-91 for North/Southbounds

I-91 and I-90 merge in Chicopee/Springfield, MA is a nice merge.

Staying on I-91 north to Brattleboro, VT exit is also nice.

From 87 what route do you take to get to 91?

[longislander]

From 87 what route do you take to get to 91?


The NY Thruway Berkshire Connector (912M) to Mass. Pike, (I-90), then pick-up I-91 in Chicopee, MA and head north.

[longislander]

The NY Thruway Berkshire Connector (912M) to Mass. Pike, (I-90), then pick-up I-91 in Chicopee, MA and head north.

Should add that route 912M is south of Albany, NY and I-90 goes into Albany but no need to go there.

[MDoug]

Whatever you do, don't stay on I-95 to DC. Get off the Jersey Pike at Newark, Delaware, and go east to join finally with old US 301 to Richmond. Then take 95 to Hilton Head exit.

[bigdog]

Best way to go? Scenic route, almost no tolls, no traffic issues & trailer friendly.
-From Concord, NH take 93 South to Woburn, MA and take Route 95 South.
-Take the Mass Turnpike West (Route 90) to Route 84 West.
-Follow 84 into Wilkes-Barre, PA and take Route 81 South.
-In Virginia, get on Route 64 East which takes you to Route 95 in Richmond,VA.
-Follow 95 South until you hit Route 278 in South Carolina.
-Take Route 278 directly to Hilton Head.

Off on my trip to Hilton Head next week, and following 'TheTimeTraveler' route.

Question to the Forum, is there any construction along these Routes, or things to be aware about ?

I'm making this a 2 day trip, and plan on traveling on Sat & Sun, and will start driving each day by 8:00am.

Thanks for your feedback !

[steve-on-mark]

Best way to go? Scenic route, almost no tolls, no traffic issues & trailer friendly.
-From Concord, NH take 93 South to Woburn, MA and take Route 95 South.
-Take the Mass Turnpike West (Route 90) to Route 84 West.
-Follow 84 into Wilkes-Barre, PA and take Route 81 South.
-In Virginia, get on Route 64 East which takes you to Route 95 in Richmond,VA.
-Follow 95 South until you hit Route 278 in South Carolina.
-Take Route 278 directly to Hilton Head.

Off on my trip to Hilton Head next week, and following 'TheTimeTraveler' route.

Question to the Forum, is there any construction along these Routes, or things to be aware about ?

I'm making this a 2 day trip, and plan on traveling on Sat & Sun, and will start driving each day by 8:00am.

Thanks for your feedback !Just came back from our HH vacation...detoured through Leesburg, VA to see family.. no construction south of Fredricksburg.

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[bigdog]

Best way to go? Scenic route, almost no tolls, no traffic issues & trailer friendly:

From Concord, NH take 93 South to Woburn, MA and take Route 95 South.
Take the Mass Turnpike West (Route 90) to Route 84 West.
Follow 84 into Wilkes-Barre, PA and take Route 81 South.
In Virginia, get on Route 64 East which takes you to Route 95 in Richmond, VA.
Follow 95 South until you hit Route 278 in South Carolina.
Take Route 278 directly to Hilton Head.
Allow 19 Hours.
If you are a member of AAA they will make a TripTik for you.

To TheTimeTraveler and all others.....
Making this trip again soon, and thinking of stopping South of Wilkes-Barre first night, almost 400 miles and enough for first day with wife and Cat.

W.B. not my favorite place and tends to be a 'truckers' stop-over, that said looking for a 'safe' place to sleep for first night.

Was only thinking W.B. to stop as next possible place would be Hershey PA and that may be pushing it for first day.

I'm towing a small U-HAUL type trailer, and looking for hotels/Motels recommendations where I can park trailer easily for the night, and again a SAFE place. Not paranoid just cautious.......

[Bob M]

Made the trip to Florida two weeks ago. Fortunately we left NH on a Saturday morning which put us in NC on Sunday. A good portion of I 95 in NC, mostly the southern half if I remember correctly, is under construction. Breezed right through but I imagine that it could be a nightmare during the week.

[bigdog]

Made the trip to Florida two weeks ago. Fortunately we left NH on a Saturday morning which put us in NC on Sunday. A good portion of I 95 in NC, mostly the southern half if I remember correctly, is under construction. Breezed right through but I imagine that it could be a nightmare during the week.

Thanks Bob for the information much appreciated !

Still looking for Forum recommendations for hotel/motel near Wilkes-Barre or further South only for the night, in a SAFE place.

I have wife, my cat and towing a small U-HAUL type trailer, and looking for Hotel/Motel recommendations where I can park trailer easily for the night, and again a SAFE place. Not paranoid just cautious.......

[ApS]

To TheTimeTraveler and all others.....
Making this trip again soon, and thinking of stopping South of Wilkes-Barre first night, almost 400 miles and enough for first day with wife and Cat.
W.B. not my favorite place and tends to be a 'truckers' stop-over, that said looking for a 'safe' place to sleep for first night.
Was only thinking W.B. to stop as next possible place would be Hershey PA and that may be pushing it for first day. I'm towing a small U-HAUL type trailer, and looking for hotels/Motels recommendations where I can park trailer easily for the night, and again a SAFE place. Not paranoid just cautious.......

There's not much south of Wilkes-Barre. Hersey fills up on car show days. My Wilkes-Barre stay is Motel-6 at the top end of Schecter Street. There are choices of rooms with microwave/refrigerator--or no frills--excepting a big TV. It's been a nice first-day stopover for many years. Rates, though, can fluctuate. I asked why I'm paying $100 for the night, when on my way north just months ago, I paid $75.

Answer: "It's Friday". :rolleye1:

If you pick the side overlooking Wilkes-Barre proper, you can readily view where you've parked your You-Haul trailer. The motel almost has a castle-like presence. It's quiet at the top of their hilltop motel, but enforcement of loud exhausts elsewhere doesn'’t exist. The rest of the city appears totally unplanned and decrepit. I certainly wouldn't live there. :(

Once off the Interstate, getting there can be frustrating. Wilkes-Barre is like Boston, where directional signs would be a Godsend! If lost, search for Coal Street, which crosses the city and links to Schecter.

The Interstate is a short drive away--with three exits. The southernmost exit has all the morning fuel- and food-stops you'd want as you continue driving south towards Hilton Head.

:look:

[Slickcraft]

There are several motels in the Hazleton area, we stayed at a Comfort Inn in West Hazleton. Good size parking lot with a back row of double spaces that would hold a vehicle plus small trailer.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Comfort+Inn/@40.9807688,-76.0238698,187m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m3!2m2!1sHotels!6e3!3m9!1s0x89 c5a3da2a5294ed:0x8534cc72ba0d5a4c!5m2!4m1!1i2!8m2! 3d40.9810111!4d-76.0248293!15sCgZIb3RlbHOSAQVob3RlbOABAA!16s%2Fg%2 F1tnjkj4t?entry=ttu

Alan

[bigdog]

There's not much south of Wilkes-Barre. Hersey fills up on car show days. My Wilkes-Barre stay is Motel-6 at the top end of Schecter Street. There are choices of rooms with microwave/refrigerator--or no frills--excepting a big TV. It's been a nice first-day stopover for many years. Rates, though, can fluctuate. I asked why I'm paying $100 for the night, when on my way north just months ago, I paid $75.

Answer: "It's Friday". :rolleye1:

If you pick the side overlooking Wilkes-Barre proper, you can readily view where you've parked your You-Haul trailer. The motel almost has a castle-like presence. It's quiet at the top of their hilltop motel, but enforcement of loud exhausts elsewhere doesn'’t exist. The rest of the city appears totally unplanned and decrepit. I certainly wouldn't live there. :(

Once off the Interstate, getting there can be frustrating. Wilkes-Barre is like Boston, where directional signs would be a Godsend! If lost, search for Coal Street, which crosses the city and links to Schecter.

The Interstate is a short drive away--with three exits. The southernmost exit has all the morning fuel- and food-stops you'd want as you continue driving south towards Hilton Head.

:look:

Think I found my ideal hotel spot in Wiles-Barre, "Hilton Garden Inn Wilkes Barre". Location appears to be near a large open area, maybe near an Arena.
Anyway, hotel has a massive parking area, and just off the I-81 Interstate.
A little more pricey than most, but I'd rather feel safe than sorry.

[TiltonBB]

Drove down to Florida at the beginning of October towing a 26 foot pontoon boat. Route 95 all the way.

Went to bed early Friday night and and left at 1:30 AM Saturday. Missed a lot of traffic (Worcester, Hartford, New Haven) and over the George Washington Bridge at 6 AM. Eight bottles of Diet Mountain Dew for the caffeine and one overnight about 9 PM in Georgia. The picture is a 3 AM gas stop on the Mass Pike. 11 MPG towing the boat, lost a lot of time for gas stops. Did OK for an old guy!

[bigdog]

I'm heading back to NH from SC and need advice around Richmond VA.

I was planning to drive North on I-95 'through' Richmond VA and then pickup
I-64 West (to pickup I-81 N). Previously, I have taken the loop around Richmond from the South on US 288, then pickup I-64 W, which is a bit longer....

Is there any construction or slow-downs going through Richmond, I should be going through there about 9:30am.

Thoughts ?

[gillygirl]

I'm heading back to NH from SC and need advice around Richmond VA.

I was planning to drive North on I-95 'through' Richmond VA and then pickup
I-64 West (to pickup I-81 N). Previously, I have taken the loop around Richmond from the South on US 288, then pickup I-64 W, which is a bit longer....

Is there any construction or slow-downs going through Richmond, I should be going through there about 9:30am.

Thoughts ?

I suggest before you get to 288 you pull up your favorite map app to see how the traffic is going through Richmond.


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[bigdog]

I suggest before you get to 288 you pull up your favorite map app to see how the traffic is going through Richmond.


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At the advice of several, they recommended taking the RT 288 Loop around Richmond. Richmond, has 'many' Exits, and I am pulling a trailer and they I'd be fighting the traffic coming on to I-95, until I reached I-84W on the other side.

This was a wise decision, as RT 288 was a dream, little traffic, and a really nice 2 lane road.

Thanks Gillygirl for the suggestion !

[gillygirl]

At the advice of several, they recommended taking the RT 288 Loop around Richmond. Richmond, has 'many' Exits, and I am pulling a trailer and they I'd be fighting the traffic coming on to I-95, until I reached I-84W on the other side.

This was a wise decision, as RT 288 was a dream, little traffic, and a really nice 2 lane road.

Thanks Gillygirl for the suggestion !

You’re welcome! I always loved 288! Moved back to New England so won’t be using that route again.


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