Travel on US-13 on a summer weekend? (Wilmington, Middletown: live, shops)

[southyankee]

Hi all,

In June I will be traveling from Raleigh, NC to Avalon, NJ for a week vacation and I was wondering if anyone can share their experience driving North on US-13 through Delaware, particularly on a Saturday during beach season? Mapquest/Google maps tell me to take 95 most of the way, but I was thinking I might save myself the grief of Washington, DC traffic by coming up through Delaware from Norfolk on US-13 and taking the Lewes ferry across to NJ. Any insight/experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt

[SXMGirl]

When we travel from SC to Delaware, from 95, we pick up 50/301 outside of Baltimore. I think the only backup we have ever had was at the Bay Bridge. 301 goes into Middletown, DE. Eventually you will see signs for Wilmington, DE. Follow signs for Route 13 into Wilmington, DE. Look for signs for the Delaware Memorial Bridge. As you cross into NJ, you will see signs for Atlantic City. We usually go to AC on Route 40, but I am fairly sure that Route 55 will take you to the beaches. You will not go toward AC, but toward Ocean City, NJ. I know these aren't the best directions, but there are others on the board who can explain this better than me. We don't look for the signs that often any more.

[NJphillyfan]

Originally Posted by southyankee

Hi all,

In June I will be traveling from Raleigh, NC to Avalon, NJ for a week vacation and I was wondering if anyone can share their experience driving North on US-13 through Delaware, particularly on a Saturday during beach season? Mapquest/Google maps tell me to take 95 most of the way, but I was thinking I might save myself the grief of Washington, DC traffic by coming up through Delaware from Norfolk on US-13 and taking the Lewes ferry across to NJ. Any insight/experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Matt

13 north on a Saturday should not be too bad. I have family in southern Delaware and if I ever visit them in the Summer, there's always a lot of traffic on 1 going south on a Friday night, but going north on a Saturday should be no issue.

[southyankee]

Thanks!

[jmc1]

DC is not usually "busy"(like rush hour traffic), but 13N from the De/MD line you will only be on for about 15 miles be for turning right onto rt9E straight to the ferry. more stop and go this way. Georgetown to Lewes might be a little slow(not a crawl). Might be a line at the ferry too on a sat., but if you have never been it will be a nice 45 min break from driving. Not the cheapest rt. either, I would think. But the ferry is a blast. Grab a bit to eat and (if you are not driving) a beer and take in the sites. get off and you are refreshed and almost to Avalon. My wife and I take the ferry(w/out the car to Cape May) and back for the day just for the fun of it. OH, if you do go this rt., make sue when you get to Fruitland/Salisbury you take the 13/50 bypass or you will in traffic thru both towns. Makes me want to take the ride. gonna be 90 here tom.

[jjtdjr]

Traveling up from VA Beach through Virginia, Maryland and Delaware is a wonderful slice of America. You'll hit shore traffic in DE, it you time your trip early AM or later afternoon you should be fine. Taking the Lewes-Cape May ferry is beautiful and allows you to relax before you arrive at your destination. Cape May is only 20 minutes from Avalon.
Have fun!

[jdoll]

Slice off some extra time and see a great part of America. We've spent 12 hours making a 4 hour drive to VA Beach from DE. A quick jump over to see the ponies at Chincoteague or stops at the little bayside villages or artist shops. Route 13 is a great way to travel if you slow down and enjoy. Have fun.

[Gerania]

If you're thinking of taking the ferry on a summer weekend, make a reservation. It does fill up.

[maryCh]

Hi southyankee,

We have done the route you mention several times... having lived outside Greensboro, NC and traveled the eastern shore from there and back. Many others have said it more eloquently than I... but heed the caution of your timing; the ferry has become much more popular than before. Who knows, if you allow time to go off the beaten path, you may be bewitched by the peninsula!

Have a safe trip!

Mary

[phlydude]

If you can't make the Ferry, you can head up via the Delaware Memorial Bridge and take Rt 49 through Pennsville, Salem and then @ Millville, NJ, pick up either 47 or 55 (55 turns into 47 at its end but it is a controlled access highway) through to Rt 83. Take 83 in to Rt 9 south and then turn left onto Avalon Blvd.

There will be lots of farm stands along the way...stop if you want for fresh produce for your vacation!