Longitudinally speaking; I-35 vs US 77 (San Antonio, Austin: living in, dangerous, vs.)

[DesertEagle62]

Apologies to English majors for my subject title

So, I drove a truckload of my stuff down to CC and I look at the map and I see a straight line from Waco to CC if I take US 77 and a big westward swing if I stay on I-35.

I stayed on I-35 due to no traffic lights. It was Saturday so traffic through Austin was not bad.

Anyone make that drive down 77? Was it a world of hurt or a good way to go?

Anyway, I'm in your town now and it's great to have real grocery stores once again (HEB).

Good to be here

[Marlow]

I'm no truckdriver, but I think most people would take I-35. It's more miles, but as you've said, you don't have to stop at every little town you go through. And, I might be wrong, but I think parts of 77 are two lane, and that gets tiresome.

Glad you're enjoying it here--we've had some very nice weather lately.

[bb54321]

Welcome! Enjoy our beautiful city. 77 is more scenic but that's just a preference because 35 is dangerous and stressful. And strip mall after strip mall. Very depressing.

[rturpin]

It's personal preference: back roads vs. major highway. I would go 77. The stretch of I35 from San Antonio to Temple is miserable. I say that, living in Austin. We don't take I35 going to Corpus.

[jbtx]

I take 77 every time, just to avoid Austin. Worst traffic I've ever seen.

[CptnRn]

We drive Austin to Rockport on the back roads a couple of times a year. We prefer it because it is more scenic, relaxing, less traffic and we make good time. The few towns we pass through are about the right distance to take a little break and change drivers. It makes the trip enjoyable instead of being an ordeal. We prefer it over I-35, I hate that road and the wall to wall cars and trucks.

[SOM]

Not to mention that some of the best BBQ in Texas (and therefore the known universe) can be had on the backroads between CC and Austin (Luling, Lockhart).

[DesertEagle62]

Originally Posted by SOM

Not to mention that some of the best BBQ in Texas (and therefore the known universe) can be had on the backroads between CC and Austin (Luling, Lockhart).

Lexington...this is true. Yes, I discovered Snow's on another side trip. It lives up to the reputation.

And yes, BBQ is mighty important.

I like to get off the interstate when I can. I'll have to try 77 sometime.

Amazing that in CC, there's still 2-3 hours of US 77 to the south of us. I need to make that trip someday for a look-see.

I took my motorcycle out on the PINS for a couple miles but only made it to mile 2 or so when I realized that I didn't bring any support for my kick stand

I knew TX E-W was ~900 miles, but N-S is ginormous, too!

[produrre]

I'm currently living in Tyler and moving n 2 weeks to CC. I asked my ortho doc the best route to take as he goes to CC all the time. He said Hwy 77 hands down. Says he drives 80 (shame on him) and makes it in 6 hours. He said it shaves 1 hour off his drive time than if he goes 37. I usually travel 37 and it takes us nearly 8 hours... so I'm trying 77 next time.