Best strategy for a 600 miles move (NY to Charlotte)

[rxdiva]

I moved from upstate NY (Saratoga area) last July. My dad drove a Uhaul and I drove my car. We stayed over one night at my uncle's home in Scranton, PA and from there it took about 11 hours (it's about 680 miles from there to where I live in southwest Charlotte). PA has been a pain over the last year because almost the whole length of I81 is under construction. If you plan on doing a straight shot, I would recommend leaving earlier than 8am. The last time I drove non-stop it took about 15 hours to get to NY (due to PA construction) and 13 hours to get back to NC, stopping only for minimal pee breaks, once to get gas, and an ultra quick brunch.

[Tober138]

Originally Posted by LONGISLAND2NC

Another thing - Virginia has closed most of their rest areas due to budget cuts. They may have kept the welcome area open immediately as you enter the state but I would not count on seeing any more rest areas after this. Good Luck!

True - but you'll go by exit after exit with at least a McDonald's to stop into if you need a potty break. Yes VA closed the rest areas, but its not like there's nowhere to pull over.

[Pennypak]

Our family relocated from NY to Charlotte last summer and have to say we're so very happy that we did...some things to keep in mind...when driving down to this area some of the service/gas stations on 85 are not opened during the wee hours, which could pose a serious problem...also, if you're packing up and leaving the same day, you will NEED a good nights sleep, so finding a hotel is a great idea.

Best of luck...hope you have a safe trip...

[mullman]

Originally Posted by Pennypak

...some things to keep in mind...when driving down to this area some of the service/gas stations on 85 are not opened during the wee hours,

+1
The stretch of I-85 between Petersburg and Durham is a little desolate at night.

I-81 offers many more night stops (lg truck stops, etc).

[eman1200]

rxon- my personal opinion......don't worry too much about when you leave. you said this was your first relo, just enjoy the road trip with your old lady. if u get tired, pull over and get a hotel room for the night (for a whole new set of adventures wink wink!). I drove down here last Feb (1.5 yrs ago) from NJ (just outside of manhattan) by myself and just enjoyed being on the road. I ended up pulling over about 9 hours into the trip because I was a lil tired and it was pouring rain. whatever u choose, it'll work out.

one of the more memorable moments from the trip was when I pulled over to eat and saw "grits" on the menu. I didn't order them, but took a pic of me pointing to the word 'grits' on the menu and sent it to all my yankee friends. now that was fun (I can hear all the natives grumbling as they read this).

mullman, that is a freaking awesome picture.

[mullman]

Originally Posted by eman1200

mullman, that is a freaking awesome picture.

thx.

How about the Fort McHenry Tunnel at 3am?

[eman1200]

Originally Posted by mullman

thx.

How about the Fort McHenry Tunnel at 3am?

eh, not a bad pic, but doesn't get as 'personal' as the first pic. gets you thinking and brings back memories. anyone could have taken the tunnel pic (again, it's a cool pic).

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by mullman

thx.

How about the Fort McHenry Tunnel at 3am?

Mullman, how do you like the Fort McHenry Tunnel? I've been using the Harbor Tunnel & like using it to avoid the beltways. However, if the other tunnel is better, I'll try it next time I go up.

[LONGISLAND2NC]

Originally Posted by Tober138

True - but you'll go by exit after exit with at least a McDonald's to stop into if you need a potty break. Yes VA closed the rest areas, but its not like there's nowhere to pull over.

Of course - but he is driving a truck, towing a car, he can't just park anywhere.