[aparente001]

Google maps offers me I-78, I-287, Tappan Zee bridge, I-684. However I'm concerned that may bring me too close to NYC. Would it be better to take I-81 to Scranton and then I-84?

Also, can anyone recommend a good shop to buy a good quality carbon fiber viola bow en route?

Thanks!

[Stylo]

I would do 84 if you can. Tappan Zee can be a crapshoot.

[jdhall1]

I did the route several times a year when I was in college. I always did 81 to 78 to 287 to the sawmill parkway to 684 to 84.theres a ton of trucks going up 81 to Scranton.

[aparente001]

Thanks!

I've been advised to stop and buy the bow in Allentown. So that's a new constraint. Also I forgot to say, this trip will be on a Saturday. Does that change the Tappan Zee outlook?

For the Sawmill Pkwy idea, any chance you could sketch it out on a google map for me?

[DanBev]

I will be going back to Florida Saturday from CT,will use 84,684,287/87.Tappan Zee,78 to 64 then 288 around Richmond to 95.Scranton to Harrisberg very hilly,with truck traffic.I don't like Tappan Zee.

[JayCT]

I would also avoid the Tappen Zee Bridge if I could. I would go out I-84 to I-81 south to I-83. I have done this in the past coming from the Hartford area and think it is a good quiet route with less traffic and few problem areas. The Tappen Zee can back up and traffic on some of the routes mentioned that are closer to NYC are at times congested. JMHO, Jay

[groar]

i drive from pittsburgh to ct (through danbury) all the time and my first instinct would be to take 81 to 84 if i was going from harrisburg. when i come from pittsburgh, i take 80 to 81 to 84 - there's only 1 $1.50 toll and rarely any traffic. looking at a map, it does take you a bit further north than you need to go, but i think it's probably worth it to avoid nyc traffic.

[jdhall1]

Originally Posted by aparente001

Thanks!

I've been advised to stop and buy the bow in Allentown. So that's a new constraint. Also I forgot to say, this trip will be on a Saturday. Does that change the Tappan Zee outlook?

For the Sawmill Pkwy idea, any chance you could sketch it out on a google map for me?

The entrance for the sawmill parkway is pretty close to when you cross the Tappan Zee. The entrance is the on the right, so stay toward to right hand toll lanes as you cross the bridge.

If you google Elmsford,NY the onramp for the sawmill comes up. It runs for about 18 miles. It runs northeast, and connects to I-684 in Bedford,NY. You can put the address of I-684 and Sawmill Parkway,Bedford NY as the ending address. Its an old 1930s parkway, and is a little bit narrow in spots, but perfectly safe. It goes through small towns, wheres staying on 287 to I-684 will encounter some traffic in White Plains.

[Wilton2ParkAve]

The Tappan Zee is generally smooth sailing outside of (an extended) rush hour and emergency construction. I take it almost every weekend to see my folks and it is rarely traffic plagued. I wouldn't add 20-50 miles to your route to circumvent.

[groar]

oh i missed the allentown stipulation, that eliminates my route.

the route jdhall1 is talking about is probably your best bet.