Topic: Fly Drive the I 95

[James]

Hi guys, been about a year since I've posted on here although I do drop in for a look occasionally, still got my Hondas.

Anyway seeing as this forum has a high ratio of American cousins, I wonder if I could tap into this resource to try and get some information.

I'm toying with the idea of coming for a holiday vacation to the USA (I did think about other destinations and to be honest I enjoyed the USA alot last time I was there)
 and I don't really like staying in one place for a long time, so was planning a Fly-Drive on the East coast, and it looks like the I95 is the ideal route. I'm thinking about September time.
I'm thinking of either going up from Orlando to NY or going the other direction, I have a few things I'd like to do/see when I am there.

I like the thought of seeing things that are off the usual tourist route, Roadside attractions I think they are called (Stuff that falls in to the same category as the Largest Ball of Twine) I've been on this website http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ but there is no substitite for local knowledge.

I might have a go at one of the driving experiences that Richard Petty runs.

I wouldn't mind visiting a race track / custom shop.

I be willing to visit some of the forum members for a coffee if they wanted.

I'd be willing to take stuff to the USA and bring some stuff back (within limits), I have my own shopping list!

And I know this is a bit cheesy but I'd like to go to a roadside diner and have some 'pie', I know this
is probably not what you guys (American) want people to visit the USA for, but I see it on movies and it just looks so damn tasty!

So basically if you guys would be kind enough to give me some advice, suggestions, directions they would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

James.

[tramp]

where will you be going?

[James]

Driving between NY and Orlando, not decided whether to go north to south or south to north.

[Glenn Stauffer]

First off, I'd suggest not planning on driving I95.  Try Route 1.  Why not do it from Maine to Key West.  A much longer trip, but there are some real American gems north of New York and south of Orlando.

You might find this page useful - pay attention to the references to roads that connect with and somewhat parallel route 1 or 95 (route 1 mostly parallels 95) like A1A in Florida which goes through the coastal towns and 17 which hugs the coast through Georgia and the Carolinas.

America is most interesting off the interstate highways.  Take the 'Blue Highways' - the small, more rural roads that used to be drawn in blue in the Rand McNally atlas.

When you get to Pennsylvania, drop me a line.  I'm not far from Route 1 and will buy you lunch at a great little Mexican restaurant in Kennett Square or, if that isn't your style, I know some good roadside diners for pie.

[736cc]

The WORST place to ride in USA is I-95 in New Jersey. Actualy, ALL of New Jersey roads close to NYC totally blows w/ heavy truck traffic and construction, and HORRIFIC heavy traffic jams. If you must traverse it, travel Western portions of NJ or take Garden State Pkwy to Cape May ferry.

[Cvillechopper]

+ 1000 on avoiding I95 as much as you can.  Through VA I'd suggest the Blue Ridge Pkwy/ skyline drive.  Just about the most scenic ride on the east coast.  You won't be making fast time but it doesn't sound like that's really your intent. 

[Bob Wessner]

Ditto what Glenn said. There is even a book titled "Blue Highways" by William Least Heat-Moon. A good read and gives you a sense for what we are referring to. If you can swing it, New England is great, as is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Have a great trip whichever route(s) you take and we expect a trip report and lots of pictures.  Not to be too repetitive, avoid the interstates. They amount to 44,000 miles of boredom.

[Bryan Boyle]

***DELETIA***

When you get to Pennsylvania, drop me a line.  I'm not far from Route 1 and will buy you lunch at a great little Mexican restaurant in Kennett Square or, if that isn't your style, I know some good roadside diners for pie.

I'll second that; I'm actually right off Rt 1 right before where it goes into NJ from PA.  I'll meet you anywhere glen decides...and know some great diners to get pie.  One in Hightstown NJ called the Americana comes to mind...Glen, you don't mind if I piggyback, do you?

[BobbyR]

I drive from NY to Florida once or twice a year so I know I-95 like the back of my hand. If you have a lap top computer bring it with you, you will need a 60Hz power supply. I would suggest you get Delorme Earthmate, which I have used for 15years. While it is not a convenient as the small GPS units which I also own, it has more flexable routing capability. I once set it to keep me off the Interstates and I saw some lovely farms in South NJ. You will also want to stay on the Interstate in places like Baltimore which is not safe.

There is another route between NY and FL I am trying to work out instead of using I-95. The traffic has increased and the I-95 corridor's charm is gone. Many of the roadside attractions were on the small roads and are gone since the Interstates killed off the road traffic. There are a lot of dead Towns on the "Blue Highways".

This other route takes you through Pennsylvania which is lovely and through the Mountains of North Carolina which are supposed to be stunning.
  
If you take those types of roads other than I-95 you will get a glimpse of small town America. The places in which the Diners do make their pies, and fry their own Chicken, locals hang out and solve the worlds problems over a cup of coffee and scrambled eggs.
While you want to visit some of the NASCAR tracks, there are many local tracks all over the place where the locals race their hearts out for $100 prize money and $20.00 Trophy.

I was born, raised, and still live in the NYC metro area, but I have travelled around enough to observe the other America, and it is a good place.
You will be amazed at how big and empty the place is considering our large population. I intend to get a RV and explore this other America before it is gone.

[CBGhia]

I have to say that we love to have people come to America for "Pie". 

When you get to Georgia, you HAVE to get a Pecan Pie and a peach cobbler.  These are non-negotiable.   

The farm roads are fantastic and I traveled them from texas back to Jersey a few times and loved it.  Roadside diners can be the best out there (they can also be the worst so look online before eating).

I cannot say anything for Mexican food in PA, but I have tried it in Jersey and you can keep it.  I live in Texas where we have the greatest Mexican food anywhere (our own version called "TexMex").  If ever you make it out to Texas, stop by and I will take you to get good Mexican food.   
But the drive to and from central Texas sucks.  Hours of nothing either direction 

Good luck on your trip, the east coast is a magical place. 

[bucky katt]

if you pop through south carolina, be sure to let us folks there know.

[Ecosse]

if you like road side diners we got them up here in hew england. they're a point of pride, there are books and local artists who seem to like painting them. a bit biased here but new england is beautiful and has history up the butt. if my bike is running i'd be happy to meet up.

"Diner City, online guide to classic diners and the American Roadside"
 http://www.dinercity.com/index.html

http://www.blogcatalog.com/blog/new-england-diner

diners around my area http://www.dinercity.com/maDiner/centralMA.html
(miss florence, blue bonnet, sit down diner, and the fillin station are some i have frequented.)

http://www.dinercity.com/maDiner/maDiners.html

hope you enjoy your time here!

[bucky katt]

on I91 about 20 miles or so north of the CT/VT line on the west side of the highway was a little roadside diner, cant remember the name of it but they had the worlds best meatloaf!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

James,

A couple other thoughts. Richard Petty has/had a driving school at Disney World/Orlando. Both places you need to take in. As Glenn mentioned I'd DEFINITELY go to Key West, FL since you are coming so far. You could head east and visit Cape Kennedy and if lucky see a rocket or Space Shuttle launch or return. Miami Beach is Miami Beach! Drive through the Everglades just watch out for the gators and pythons.  The Conch Republic as Key West is also known is like a different little country all it's own. The ~135 mile drive down the Keys with the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right is one you'll remember. DO NOT get in a hurry! Plenty of Americana to stop and check out. Stop on the south end of 7 Mile Bridge for the Key Lime Pie at Seven Mile Grill ! That takes care of the pie and the diner. Duvall Steet in Key "Wierd" as I call it is a definite days stroll. Can't miss the street shows at sunset on the pier either. Spend the night.

As far as the PEE-can pie in JoJa (Georgia) goes that's a must too BUT do not miss the hot boiled peanuts at a roadside stand.  

Jerry  

[Kevin D]

so was planning a Fly-Drive on the East coast. I'm thinking about September time.
I'm thinking of either going up from Orlando to NY or going the other direction, I have a few things I'd like to do/see when I am there.

How long will you take? Are you going to rent a Buick or a Gold Wing or a Harley?

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[333]

I don't want to start a feud here, but it is not PEE-can pie.  Any Georgian will correct you on that.  It's peCON pie.  I remember it this way.  PEEcan was what My grandfather had on his boat so he didn't pee over the side whilst fishing.

[Ecosse]

PEEcan was what My grandfather had on his boat so he didn't pee over the side whilst fishing.

 

i nearly choked on my pb & j over here!!!

[jtb]

Definitely stay off of I95, too much traffic.  If you're able to come west of Atlanta to Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum is a must to see, and has one of the premier tracks in the country.  There are several SOHC'ers here who are always up for a cuppa.  (or cold one)

[Glenn Stauffer]

I'm actually right off Rt 1 right before where it goes into NJ from PA.  I'll meet you anywhere glen decides...and know some great diners to get pie.  One in Hightstown NJ called the Americana comes to mind...Glen, you don't mind if I piggyback, do you?

Of course you are welcome to join us. That is if he makes it this way - hard to miss us on the way from Florida to New York.

[Glenn Stauffer]

I cannot say anything for Mexican food in PA, but I have tried it in Jersey and you can keep it.  I live in Texas where we have the greatest Mexican food anywhere (our own version called "TexMex").  If ever you make it out to Texas, stop by and I will take you to get good Mexican food.   

I've had Mexican food in Tucson, San Diego, Texas (Dallas/Ft Worth & Houston) and Mexico - Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Mexico City; and this little joint in PA - Tacqueria Moroleon stands up there with the best of the rest.  It is in a little shopping center right near a large mushroom operation and the clientele is about 50% Mexican farm workers and is owned by a former farm worker from Moroleon (central Mexico).  It is one of those hole-in-the-wall places that offers great food at a great price.  Unfortunately they are moving further south toward Delaware into a trendier area and that could be a very bad sign - especially if the place has changed hands.

[Bryan Boyle]

I'm actually right off Rt 1 right before where it goes into NJ from PA.  I'll meet you anywhere glen decides...and know some great diners to get pie.  One in Hightstown NJ called the Americana comes to mind...Glen, you don't mind if I piggyback, do you?

Of course you are welcome to join us. That is if he makes it this way - hard to miss us on the way from Florida to New York.

Just getting back on 2 wheels...after spending most of the last two years intensively restoring my Lotus Europa...and loving every minute of NOT driving in NJ anymore...

I'm up for it, so....

[Ecosse]

europa. i love those little bread vans.   

[Bryan Boyle]

europa. i love those little bread vans.   

http://www.lotuseuropa.us

car in question is 693R...in the main menu...